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Natalie Wood, Steve McQueen, Edie Adams, Herschel Bernardi, Tom Bosley ... see more see more... , Harvey Lembeck , Virginia Vincent , Nick Alexander , Augusta Ciolli , Anne Hegira , Elena Karam , Nina Varela , Marilyn Chris , Wolfe Barzell , Val Avery , Lennie Bremen , Vince Deadrick Jr. , Richard Dysart , Arlene Golonka , Louis Guss , Henry Howard , Frank Marth , Barney Martin , Nobu McCarthy , Richard Mulligan , Penny Santon , Vic Tayback , Tony Mordente , Paul B. Price , Mike Enserro , Mario Badolati

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; a... read more read more...ll 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

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87% liked it

1,304 ratings

Unrated, 1 hr. 42 min.

Directed by: Robert Mulligan

Release Date: December 25, 1963

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Stats: 115 reviews

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Flixster Reviews (115)

  • phinomenal
    December 28, 2010
    phinomenal
    Decent movie, having Natalie wood makes it a lot better. The love portion could have used a bit more depth.
  • randhrshipper1
    October 21, 2010
    randhrshipper1
    I fell for this film the first time I saw it. The edgy-for-the-time abortion subject matter aside, this is a romantic comedy/drama pairing two of my fave actors--Natalie Wood and Steve McQueen. They have great chemistry, and though the interactions between the sexes may seem a li... read morettle dated now, this is a great film.
  • jam233
    September 9, 2009
    jam233
    Easily one of Natalie Woods best performances, as well as being one of her best movies. Steve McQueen is surprisingly good. The supporting cast is excellent, Tom Bosley and especially Edie Adams. I am sure it was rather controversial in 1963. Great story, that's well written and ... read moredirected.
  • lizzi08
    December 28, 2008
    lizzi08
    Some of the most important moments of this film happen in the awful silences between Steve McQueen and Natalie Wood. Their absolute naivete and awkwardness speaks volumes without ever saying a word. Their poignant and controversial story is timeless and should be watched with c... read moreare and a tender heart.
  • jamilyn0276
    December 17, 2008
    jamilyn0276
    Love With A Proper Stranger is a very good film. It is the story of Angie and Rocky. They meet and have a fling, after which she ends up pregnant. she tells him, and they try to make the money for an abortion, he finds her someone to marry her, then eventually it all works out.
    ... read moreNatalie Wood was a timeless beauty, and a great actress. She is always a joy to watch. Steve McQueen was really good, as Rocky. He has the never ending charm. The chemistry between them was believable and real. You can't ask for more.
    Love With A Proper Stranger is a must see, for film fans all around.
  • morganrose
    January 20, 2008
    morganrose
    It's too bad this little movie gets little attention. It's definitely worth watching and McQueen and Wood work well together.

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Critic Reviews

Michael E. Grost
July 6, 2010
Michael E. Grost, Classic Film and Television

Underrated romantic drama, with rich NYC atmosphere and a trenchant look at sexual mores. Full Review

March 26, 2009
Variety

Click to read the article Full Review

Bosley Crowther
May 9, 2005
Bosley Crowther, New York Times

Click to read the article Full Review

Emanuel Levy
June 29, 2005
Emanuel Levy, EmanuelLevy.Com

No review available.

Christopher Null
January 27, 2004
Christopher Null, Filmcritic.com

Click to read the article Full Review

Geoff Andrew
June 24, 2006
Geoff Andrew, Time Out

Click to read the article Full Review

May 24, 2003
Film4

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Love with the Proper Stranger Trivia

  • What was the name of the movie that starred Natalie Wood & Steve McQueen?  Answer »
  • Both Natalie Wood and Steve McQueen were nominated for Oscars for Love With The Proper Stranger.  Answer »
  • Both Steve McQueen and Natalie Wood were nominated for Golden Globe Awards for Love With The Proper Stranger.  Answer »
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