davidgarnes I like both Joseph Cotton and Joan Fontaine and happened to pick up a VHS copy of this film (beautifully transferred). It is excellent on all accounts: well produced; sumptuously photographed; literate; well-acted; and moving. The story line is wildly romantic but keeps within the bounds of possibility, and Fontaine and Cotton are the perfect pair to play these mature lovers-- they're both subtle actors who manage to convey (especially Fontaine) the sub- text that lies beneath the situation in which the two find themselves. Jessica Tandy is also excellent. The location scenes filmed in Florence and Rome, while commonplace now, were not back in 1950, so it's a treat to see them here, with the cast actually roaming the streets of the two cities. Without giving the plot away, suffice it to say that the ending satisfies in a way that is believable as the story progresses. The beautiful "September Song" serves as a romantic motif throughout the film and is sung/played several times.

Foxpup82-79-884183 This was an okay romance...not a great one by any means. The main characters were such selfish and cowardly people, it was hard to like them. They thought of no one but themselves! It was obvious the tourist board of Italy had a big hand in the funding of this movie, as the first half is mostly the main characters gadding about various tourist locales, complete with educational narration. The movie is also peppered with stereotypes of Italians, depicted as loud, fat, and annoying ( except for the children, who are merely loud and annoying). There is an especially awful scene where some Italian children sing off key for what seems like an eternity.It's not all bad - the story is somewhat interesting, and the supporting characters you can feel some sympathy for their situation. It's worth watching, but not as a thriller, just a "pass the time" romance.

jotix100 "September Affair" was a film that stayed in our mind when we first watched it a long time ago. Seldom seen these days on television, it still keeps the romantic promise we remembered. The premise, which probably looked possible to the 1950 audience that saw it in its original release, seems unreal today, but this is just escapist entertainment, so it has to be watched in that context.One thing that surprises is the Italy of that era where street traffic was devoid of cars, not the nightmare it became as years went by. This is a romantic travelogue in which the action is set, much like some movies that were shot in that country later on. After all, even in black and white, Capri, Naples, Pompeii, Rome, and Florence are wonderful places to visit.William Dieterle's direction serves the film. The stars, Joseph Cotten and Joan Fontaine show great chemistry. Joseph Cotten, a serious actor, makes an excellent David Lawrence, the man whose marriage has reached an impasse. Joan Fontaine is quite likable as Manina Stuart, the concert pianist that falls head over heels and takes a chance with this practical stranger. Jessica Tandy and Francoise Rosay appear in pivotal roles."September Song" is heard in the background sung by none other than Walter Huston. This film even with its unlikely premise is still a nice way to spend time with pleasant company.

Jonathan Doron Joseph Cotten doesn't seem to be the first name that comes to mind for a love story.This one, like many after it, starts with two people meeting on an airplane. The switch from small talk to "lets spend the next two hours together" is a bit hasty. As always, Italy looks beautiful (even in black & white). I couldn't imagine anybody wanting a "friend" who knocks down everything as Joan's Maria. Kinda too much like a tourist publicity at times, the titles of the cities not helping.SPOILER AHEAD: I don't know of they couldn't have stayed together, but I sure didn't like her stating the reasons at the airport gate. The name does hint it's not going to last.PS (non-spoiler) On the plane to New York he asks the man next to her if they could switch seats and he declines. How about she exchanging seats with the woman next to him?