Love with the Proper Stranger (1963)

87% of users liked it
(1,304 ratings)

Taken for granted by her Italian family, New Yorker Natalie Wood seeks solace in the arms of irresponsible jazz musician Steve McQueen. She becomes pregnant, but doesn't expect McQueen to marry her; all she wants is enough money to pay for an illegal abortion (this is ten years before Roe v. Wade).… More Taken for granted by her Italian family, New Yorker Natalie Wood seeks solace in the arms of irresponsible jazz musician Steve McQueen. She becomes pregnant, but doesn't expect McQueen to marry her; all she wants is enough money to pay for an illegal abortion (this is ten years before Roe v. Wade). Not surprisingly, McQueen is refused a loan by his girl friend Edie Adams; meanwhile, Wood is being pressured by her family to marry gormless Tom Bosley. As the abortion appointment approaches, McQueen begins to feel guilty, but still won't propose. Bosley finds out that Wood is pregnant, and is willing to make an honest woman of her. Wood finally makes up her mind what she's going to do and whom she's going to choose when she walks into the seedy abortion clinic. Though very dated, Love With the Proper Stranger is still dramatically viable, thanks to the on-screen rapport between Natalie Wood and Steve McQueen, and to the large and talented New York-based supporting cast. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

Rating, Runtime: Unrated, 1 hr. 42 min.
Directed By: Robert Mulligan
Written By: Arnold Schulman
Genres: Drama, Classics, Comedy

In Theaters: Dec 25, 1963 Wide

Critic Reviews

Michael E. Grost, Classic Film and Television
Underrated romantic drama, with rich NYC atmosphere and a trenchant look at sexual mores.

Critic ratings and reviews powered by RottenTomatoes.com

Fresh (60% or more critics rated the movie positively)

Rotten (59% or fewer critics rated the movie positively)

No Featured Audience Ratings Found…

Cast

            Natalie Wood as Angie Rossini

            Steve McQueen as Rocky Papasano

            Edie Adams as Barbie (Barbara of Seville)

            Herschel Bernardi as Dominick Rossini

            Tom Bosley as Anthony Colombo

            Harvey Lembeck as Julio Rossini

            Virginia Vincent as Anna

            Nick Alexander as Guido Rossini

            Augusta Ciolli as Mrs. Papasano

            Anne Hegira as Beetie

            Elena Karam as Woman Doctor

            Nina Varela as Mrs. Colombo

            Marilyn Chris as Gina

            Wolfe Barzell as The Priest

            Val Avery as Stein

            Lennie Bremen as Truck Driver

            Vince Deadrick Jr. as Call Boy

            Richard Dysart as Accountant

            Arlene Golonka as Marge

            Louis Guss as Flooey

            Henry Howard as Lou

            Frank Marth as Carlos

            Barney Martin as Sidney

            Nobu McCarthy as Yuki

            Richard Mulligan as Louie

            Penny Santon as Mama Rossini

            Vic Tayback as Cye

            Tony Mordente as Fat

            Paul B. Price as Klepp

            Mike Enserro as Moish

            Mario Badolati
            
See full cast

Now you can share movies with your friends on Facebook!

Discover movies your friends are watching
Keep track of what you want to see
Add your reviews to your Timeline

Get Started