Reliving the Magic: A 30-Year Anniversary Celebration
From the moment it hit theaters in 1989, When Harry Met Sally captured the hearts of audiences worldwide. There was something undeniably special about this romantic comedy that went beyond the usual rom-com formula. It wasn’t just about love; it was about the messy, beautiful dance between men and women. And that’s exactly what brought stars Billy Crystal and Meg Ryan, along with director Rob Reiner, back together for a 30th Anniversary event on Thursday, April 11. This reunion was part of the 10th annual Turner Classic Movies Festival, offering fans a unique opportunity to hear firsthand stories and reflections from the people who brought this classic to life.
The Journey of Harry and Sally: From Enemies to Lovers
The story begins in 1977, where we meet Harry Burns (Billy Crystal) and Sally Albright (Meg Ryan) as they embark on a contentious car ride from Chicago to New York. Their arguments about whether men and women can truly be friends without romantic tension set the tone for their complicated relationship. Fast forward a decade, and fate brings them together again at a bookstore. This time, surrounded by their respective best friends Jess (the late Bruno Kirby) and Marie (the late Carrie Fisher), they attempt to navigate friendship without letting romantic feelings get in the way. Spoiler alert: it doesn’t quite work out as planned. But in the end, Harry delivers one of the most iconic love speeches in cinematic history, sealing their fate as soulmates.
Harry’s confession on New Year’s Eve is a masterpiece of heartfelt vulnerability: “I love that you get cold when it’s 71 degrees out. I love that it takes you an hour and a half to order a sandwich, I love that you get a little crinkle above your nose when you’re looking at me like I’m nuts. I love that after I spend a day with you, I can still smell your perfume on my clothes. And I love that you are the last person I want to talk to before I go to sleep at night.” It’s a moment so raw and genuine that it resonates with anyone who has ever felt the overwhelming pull of love. Grab the tissues, because you’re going to need them.
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The Scene That Made History: "I'll Have What She's Having"
One of the film’s most memorable moments takes place in a deli, where Sally famously challenges Harry’s claim that men can always tell when a woman fakes an orgasm. In a bold move, she decides to prove him wrong by faking one right there in the middle of the restaurant. The scene is a masterpiece of comedic timing and delivery, culminating in an older customer exclaiming, “I’ll have what she’s having.” It’s a line that has become a cultural touchstone, and it was all thanks to a brilliant collaboration between the cast and crew.
Rob Reiner recalls, “Billy added the biggest laugh in the movie, which is the biggest laugh in any movie I’ve ever been involved with: ‘I’ll have what she’s having.’ My mom says that line in the film. We came up with the idea, and Meg was the one who said, ‘Yeah, but I’ll do it!’ Because we wanted to reveal something that women know but men don’t. Earlier in the film, during a scene on the plane, Billy talks about how men feel after sex. We wanted to give women their moment too, and Meg delivered it in spades.”
