Love With The Proper Stranger (1963)

A young Italian American girl (Natalie Wood) finds out that she's pregnant after a one night stand with a musician (Steve McQueen). Although he doesn't remember her, she asks him for money for an abortion. During the next few days, they become friends and reflect on the nature of love in its various incarnations. Directed by Robert Mulligan (TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD), this is a touching and tender romance that eschews the usual Hollywood romanticism (well, except for the ending) and gives a more honest view of the complexity of love. Wood (Oscar nominated for her work here) and McQueen have a wonderful chemistry and both give first rate performances. Even if romantic dramedys aren't your cup of tea, this is a hard one to resist. Mulligan's film gets top notch assistance from Milton R. Krasner's striking B&W cinematography and Elmer Bernstein's lovely underscore. With Edie Adams, Tom Bosley, Herschel Bernardi, Harvey Lembeck, Virginia Vincent, Arlene Golonka and Penny Santon.