Why the Iconic 1980s Romantic Comedy Originally Had a Much Sadder Ending, Explained by the Director

When Harry Met Sally Director Rob Reiner explains why the beloved 1989 film originally had a different ending. The story of Harry Burns (Billy Crystal) and Sally Albright (Meg Ryan), and the gradual evolution of their relationship, remains one of the most famous romantic comedies of all time. The romantic and comedic elements remain timeless and the relevant dialogue is well written. At the time, the film was also groundbreaking thanks to its frank discussions of sex from both men’s and women’s perspectives.

By speaking with CNNReiner discusses When Harry Met Sallythe original ending of and explains why it was ultimately abandoned. The ending of the final version of the film sees Harry going to Sally’s house at a New Year’s Eve party and expressing his love for her in a memorable speech, culminating in a kiss and the two characters marrying three months later. Check out Reiner’s explanation for why the ending changed below:

The original ending of the movie that we had was Harry and Sally not getting together. Because I was married for 10 years, I was single for 10 years, and I couldn’t figure out how I was ever going to be with someone. And that gave birth to When Harry Met Sally.

And I hadn’t met anyone, so the two of them would see each other after years, talk, then move away from each other. I met my wife Michele, to whom I have been married for 35 years now. I met her while we were making the film and I changed the ending.

When Harry Met Sally’s Original Ending Would Have Changed His Message and Legacy

The reason why Reiner changed When Harry Met SallyThe ending may have been personal, but it ultimately changed its message and legacy for the better. If Harry and Sally hadn’t ended up together, the romantic comedy might have sent the following message: men and women can’t be together if they have frank discussions about sex and other subjects that are sometimes difficult to discuss. It may also have sent the message that friendship between men and women cannot evolve into a genuine, lasting romantic relationship.

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These negative messages would have changed When Harry Met SallyThe legacy of and future of the romantic comedy genre for the worse. Concluding a romantic comedy without the protagonists ending up together would have become the film‘s legacy. a needlessly subversive and pessimistic ending that would have overshadowed the comedy and other strong elements of the story, including the infamous and hilarious dinner scene in which Sally demonstrates how a woman’s pleasure can be easily faked.

Instead, When Harry Met Sally watch watch honesty and frank discussions between romantic partners can eventually lead to a happy ending. As Harry and Sally discovered in their story and as Reiner discovered in his own life, it often takes time, is rarely a simple journey, and requires the right person, but a happy romantic ending is possible for both in fiction and in reality. When Harry Met SallyThe ending makes it a romantic comedy classic that paved the way for some of the best stories to emerge in the genre since.

Source: CNN

When Harry Met Sally

Written by Nora Ephron and directed by Rob Reiner, When Harry Met Sally chronicles the life and relationship of Harry Burns and Sally Allbright, who meet just after college on a road trip to New York and begin a dating relationship. a decade that slowly evolves from friendship to true love. Billy Crystal and Meg Ryan play Harry and Sally, with another cast including Carrie Fisher and Bruno Kirby.

Director

Rob Reiner

Release date

July 21, 1989

Studio(s)

Photos of Colombia

Distributor(s)

Photos of Colombia

Cast

Bruno Kirby, Meg Ryan, Carrie Fisher, Steven Ford, Billy Crystal

Writers

Nora Ephron

Duration

95 minutes

Budget

$16 million