The Deli Scene, Reelive

Sally
Sally

I'll have what she's having.

Harry
Harry

You know, you’re really something.

Sally
Sally

What do you mean?

Harry
Harry

You’re just something else.

Sally
Sally

I don’t know what that means.

Harry
Harry

It means you can be really charming.

The Argument, Reelive

Harry
Harry

You’re just like all the other women.

Sally
Sally

What does that mean?

Harry
Harry

You don’t know how to settle down.

Sally
Sally

I know that you’re afraid of commitment.

Harry
Harry

I’m not afraid!

Sally
Sally

You have a real problem with intimacy.

The New Year’s Eve Resolution, Reelive

Harry
Harry

So what’s your New Year’s resolution?

Sally
Sally

I’m going to be more spontaneous.

Harry
Harry

I want to be the kind of person who puts myself out there.

Sally
Sally

And yet, here we are.

Harry
Harry

Yeah, but it’s all about timing.

The Train Scene, Reelive

Harry
Harry

I came here tonight because when you realize you want to spend the rest of your life with somebody...

Sally
Sally

What?

Harry
Harry

You want the rest of your life to start as soon as possible.

Sally
Sally

I... I don’t know what to say.

Harry
Harry

Just say that you want to be with me.

The Coffee Shop, Reelive

Harry
Harry

Men and women can’t be friends.

Sally
Sally

Why not?

Harry
Harry

Because the sex part always gets in the way.

Sally
Sally

That’s not true!

Harry
Harry

It’s just biology.

The Engagement Party Scene, Reelive

Sally
Sally

Are you really okay with this?

Harry
Harry

With what?

Sally
Sally

With them getting married.

Harry
Harry

It’s great for them. Why wouldn’t I be okay?

Sally
Sally

I think you’re lying.

The Relationship Talk, Reelive

Sally
Sally

What’s your biggest fear?

Harry
Harry

That I’ll never find someone who understands me.

Sally
Sally

I feel the same way.

Harry
Harry

Maybe we’re both afraid of being too open.

Sally
Sally

That could be true.

The Phone Call, Reelive

Harry
Harry

I can’t stop thinking about you.

Sally
Sally

What does that mean?

Harry
Harry

It means I miss you.

Sally
Sally

After all this time?

Harry
Harry

Yes, after all this time.

The Walk in the Park, Reelive

Harry
Harry

Is it possible for someone to want something so badly?

Sally
Sally

Yes, it’s called passion.

Harry
Harry

But passion can cloud your judgment.

Sally
Sally

Or open your heart.

Harry
Harry

Maybe it does both.

The Aftermath of the Breakup, Reelive

Sally
Sally

I thought we were done.

Harry
Harry

So did I.

Sally
Sally

Then why are we here?

Harry
Harry

Because I still have feelings for you.

Sally
Sally

And I for you.

The Nostalgia Scene, Reelive

Harry
Harry

Remember when we had that silly fight?

Sally
Sally

You mean the one about the pizza toppings?

Harry
Harry

Yes! You insisted on pineapple.

Sally
Sally

Because it’s delicious!

Harry
Harry

It’s sacrilege!

The Moment of Truth, Reelive

Sally
Sally

What if we’re risking everything?

Harry
Harry

Then we risk everything.

Sally
Sally

But I don’t want to lose you.

Harry
Harry

You won’t lose me.

Sally
Sally

What if this doesn’t work?

The First Encounter, Reelive

Harry
Harry

You know, I think you’re kind of a snob.

Sally
Sally

And I think you’re a jerk.

Harry
Harry

At least we agree on something.

Sally
Sally

That’s the only thing we agree on.

The Picnic Date, Reelive

Harry
Harry

What’s the most romantic thing you’ve ever done?

Sally
Sally

Packing a picnic for two.

Harry
Harry

That’s pretty sweet.

Sally
Sally

I thought so too.

Harry
Harry

What about you?

The Argument in the Car, Reelive

Harry
Harry

You need to stop overthinking everything!

Sally
Sally

And you need to start being honest!

Harry
Harry

I am honest!

Sally
Sally

With everyone but yourself!

The Wedding Scene, Reelive

Harry
Harry

Do you ever think about getting married?

Sally
Sally

Not really.

Harry
Harry

Why not?

Sally
Sally

Because I’m not convinced it’s what I really want.

Harry
Harry

But what if it could be amazing?

The Dinner Conversation, Reelive

Sally
Sally

Do you think we can ever be just friends?

Harry
Harry

I don't know. I guess we'll have to find out.

Sally
Sally

Are you all in?

Harry
Harry

Only if you are.

The Clarity Moment, Reelive

Harry
Harry

What if we’re not ready for this?

Sally
Sally

I don’t want to rush.

Harry
Harry

Neither do I.

Sally
Sally

So then what do we do?

Harry
Harry

We take it one step at a time.

The Reunion, Reelive

Sally
Sally

I can’t believe it’s been so long.

Harry
Harry

Time flies.

Sally
Sally

How have you been?

Harry
Harry

Better now that I’ve seen you.

Sally
Sally

You know, I’ve missed this.

The Proposal, Reelive

Harry
Harry

I want to spend the rest of my life with you.

Sally
Sally

Are you serious?

Harry
Harry

I am.

Sally
Sally

You really mean that?

Harry
Harry

More than anything.

Customer in Katz's Deli

I’ll have what she’s having.

Customer in Katz's Deli

When Harry Met Sally..., Reelive
Harry Burns

Men and women can’t be friends because the sex part always gets in the way.

Harry Burns

When Harry Met Sally..., Reelive
Harry Burns

I came here tonight because when you realize you want to spend the rest of your life with somebody, you want the rest of your life to start as soon as possible.

Harry Burns

When Harry Met Sally..., Reelive
Sally Albright

You’re not a piece of meat.

Sally Albright

When Harry Met Sally..., Reelive
Sally Albright

You know, it’s funny. I had a dream about you last night. We were in this car and it was raining and we were in this small town and you were playing the piano and I was watching you. And you had that look on your face like you were thinking about something deep.

Sally Albright

When Harry Met Sally..., Reelive
Sally Albright

I can’t be with someone who doesn’t love me.

Sally Albright

When Harry Met Sally..., Reelive
Harry Burns

What I’m saying is, they’re not going to tell you that they love you on the first date.

Harry Burns

When Harry Met Sally..., Reelive
Sally Albright

You’re just like a big ol’ sponge. Everything just bounces off of you.

Sally Albright

When Harry Met Sally..., Reelive
Sally Albright

I’ll never understand you men.

Sally Albright

When Harry Met Sally..., Reelive
Harry Burns

You know, I just had a thought. How do you feel about being in a couple? Not permanently, just temporarily.

Harry Burns

When Harry Met Sally..., Reelive
Sally Albright

I’m going to make it my mission to find out what is it you really want.

Sally Albright

When Harry Met Sally..., Reelive
Harry Burns

You’re like a lovely tragedy.

Harry Burns

When Harry Met Sally..., Reelive
Sally Albright

You know, it’s just that when two people are together, if one of them is not in it, then the other one is just wasting their time.

Sally Albright

When Harry Met Sally..., Reelive
Harry Burns

On a scale from one to ten, you're a nine.

Harry Burns

When Harry Met Sally..., Reelive
Harry Burns

That’s when you know it’s over when you look at your watch and feel like you’re at a funeral.

Harry Burns

When Harry Met Sally..., Reelive
Sally Albright

It’s not about where you start, it’s about where you end up.

Sally Albright

When Harry Met Sally..., Reelive
Sally Albright

You think I'm just what? Playing a game?

Sally Albright

When Harry Met Sally..., Reelive
Harry Burns

When you look at someone and it’s just... there’s just there, that’s all.

Harry Burns

When Harry Met Sally..., Reelive
Harry Burns

The most amazing thing about someone like you is that you’re so vulnerable.

Harry Burns

When Harry Met Sally..., Reelive
Sally Albright

The right person comes along, just like that.

Sally Albright

When Harry Met Sally..., Reelive
Harry Burns

I wanted it to be you, I wanted it to be you so badly.

Harry Burns

When Harry Met Sally..., Reelive

It Had to Be You

It Had to Be You by Harry Connick Jr., Played during the closing scene at the New Year's Eve party

Let's Call the Whole Thing Off

Let's Call the Whole Thing Off by Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong, Played during the restaurant scene

Somethin' Stupid

Somethin' Stupid by Robbie Williams and Nicole Kidman, Played during the movie's closing credits

Auld Lang Syne

Auld Lang Syne by Harry Connick Jr., Played during the New Year's Eve scene


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The Deli Scene

In a busy New York deli, Sally demonstrates her quirky eating habits by ordering her food exactly as she likes it. She goes into details about how she wants her sandwich, highlighting her unique personality. When she finishes, an elderly woman at a nearby table exclaims, 'I'll have what she's having,' pointing to Sally's passionate plea. This moment is pivotal as it perfectly encapsulates Sally's vibrant character and introduces the fun dynamic between her and Harry, hinting at their eventual bond.

Context: Sally and Harry have just met, and this scene captures their differing personalities and sets the tone for their developing friendship.

The 'I'm Fine' Scene

In a candid moment, Harry asks Sally how she’s doing after a breakup. Sally insists that she’s fine, but her expression tells a different story, revealing her hidden pain. This moment is key because it illustrates the struggle of maintaining a brave facade while dealing with emotional turmoil. Harry’s reaction shows he cares about her well-being, adding depth to their friendship.

Context: This scene occurs when they are establishing their friendship, showcasing the emotional layers present in both characters.

The Phone Call

During a late-night phone conversation, Harry and Sally discuss relationships and the intricacies of love. Their dialogue is rich with humor and insight, revealing their differing viewpoints. The pivotal moment comes when Harry admits he wants to be with Sally, leading to an awkward but touching silence. This exchange showcases their growing emotional connection against the backdrop of their earlier playful banter.

Context: This scene takes place after they have built a strong friendship, leading to a moment of vulnerability where true feelings start to surface.

The Rejection

After a night spent together, Harry tries to kiss Sally, but she pulls away, insisting they should remain friends. The emotional weight of this moment is tremendous, as both characters realize their feelings are deeper than they initially admitted. The tension is palpable, highlighting the fear of ruining their friendship. The rejection sets the growth of their relationship into motion.

Context: This scene occurs after Harry and Sally have developed a close bond, emphasizing their struggle between friendship and romance.

Harry's Monologue

In a deeply moving moment at a party, Harry delivers a heartfelt monologue about love and what it means to him. He concludes by expressing that he realizes he loves Sally. The emotional peak occurs as he struggles with the fear of being vulnerable. This revelation is cathartic and creates a defining moment in their relationship.

Context: This occurs after much build-up and showcases Harry's growth as a character in understanding his emotions for Sally.

New Year's Eve

On New Year's Eve, Sally is at a party, waiting for Harry to show up. As the countdown begins, she reflects on her journey and how her feelings have changed. When Harry arrives, he finds her in a vulnerable state, and they share a kiss as the clock strikes midnight. This scene is the ultimate turning point for their relationship, representing new beginnings.

Context: The culmination of their growth throughout the film, this moment symbolizes hope and love, marking a fresh start.

The Park Scene

Harry and Sally stroll through a park, reminiscing about their time together. The pivotal moment happens when they share a laugh about their past disagreements and realize how much they've grown together. The warmth of their friendship is evident, and it serves as a reminder of their connection.

Context: This scene acts as a reflection of their journey, helping both characters acknowledge their feelings and history.

Sally's Breakdown

In a deep moment of vulnerability, Sally opens up to Harry about her fears of being alone and her past relationships. The tension peaks as she allows herself to be raw and honest, showing her true self. This scene is crucial because it breaks down walls between them and builds trust.

Context: It showcases Sally's emotional depth and reinforces the importance of openness in relationships.

The Wedding Scene

At a wedding, Harry delivers a touching speech, addressing his feelings for Sally in front of everyone. The pivotal moment comes when he confesses she is the love of his life. The reactions from the guests amplify the emotional weight of this confession and lead to Sally's realization of her own feelings.

Context: This is a significant turning point as the public declaration solidifies their bond, allowing both characters to embrace their love.

The Goodbye

As Harry prepares to leave for a trip, he and Sally share a heartfelt goodbye. Both are holding back tears, understanding that this moment might change everything. The emotional tension is profound as they reflect on what they mean to each other, ultimately leading to a realization of their true feelings.

Context: This moment is a catalyst for the subsequent emotional revelations that define their relationship.

The Proposal

In a surprising twist, Harry has a spontaneous proposal moment, compelling Sally to realize she cannot imagine life without him. His sincerity and nervousness enhance the romance, making this scene unforgettable. The emotional weight of his words fills the air with possibility.

Context: This moment comes after their emotional challenges, showcasing how far they've come and their readiness to commit.

The 'We're Just Friends' Scene

Harry and Sally have a tense discussion at a dinner table, where Sally insists they are just friends, but Harry confronts her with their undeniable chemistry. The pivotal moment is when Sally admits her feelings but fears losing him, enhancing the emotional stakes. The rawness of this scene resonates with anyone who has faced similar feelings.

Context: This scene reflects their struggle to define the relationship, setting the stage for honesty.

The Road Trip

Harry and Sally embark on a road trip that tests their friendship. The pivotal moment comes when they get into a fight, pushing the limits of their relationship. This scene captures both the comedic qualities of their dynamic and the undercurrent of attraction.

Context: The adventure is significant as it deepens their understanding of one another.

Sharing Secrets

Late at night, Harry and Sally share their secrets over a bottle of wine. The pivotal moment is when they reveal their fears and doubts, a breakthrough that brings them closer. The contrast between their laughter and their confessions showcases the depth of their bond.

Context: This scene emphasizes the importance of trust and intimacy in a relationship.

The Memory Montage

A montage of their memories together plays, filled with laughs and shared moments. The emotional weight of nostalgia sets in as viewers witness how far they've come. This moment deepens the audience's investment in their relationship as they mirror their own experiences.

Context: This serves as a bridge from their past struggles to current truths about love.

The Arrival at the Hospital

Sally rushes to the hospital when she learns Harry is there. The moment is filled with urgency, showcasing the depth of her feelings. The emotional weight of seeing him hurt amplifies her realization of love. Their reunion is heartwarming and significant.

Context: This climax solidifies how pivotal their relationship has become amid crisis.

The Last Conversation

In a quiet moment, Harry and Sally sit on a bench and discuss their future. The pivotal moment arrives when they express their hopes and fears for what comes next. Their openness with each other in this serene setting encapsulates their journey and transformation.

Context: This moment reflects how they've evolved and addresses their commitment to each other.

The Unexpected Kiss

Harry unexpectedly kisses Sally while reminiscing about their friendship. This spontaneous moment serves as a culmination of tension and unspoken feelings, surprising both characters and the audience. It feels both thrilling and vulnerable, symbolizing a new chapter.

Context: This serves as the moment both characters have been dancing around, representing the shift from friendship to deeper intimacy.

The Love Confession

In a quiet but intense moment, Harry confesses his deep love for Sally, stating that he wants to spend the rest of his life with her. The climax of the film, this confession is full of raw emotion, bringing a sense of fulfillment. The surrounding visuals and soft music elevate the emotional weight.

Context: This moment signifies the ultimate triumph of love after a series of ups and downs.

The Final Scene

As the film concludes, Harry and Sally walk through the streets of New York hand-in-hand, the perfect relationship symbolized in each step they take. The scene closes with them sharing laughter, hinting at a bright future. The intimacy and warmth of this ending evokes a strong sense of joy and satisfaction.

Context: It serves as a testament to their journey and the notion that love, when true, is worth every moment of struggle.

Sally's Outburst

When Sally confronts Harry about his past relationships, she lets out an emotional outburst filled with hurt and frustration. This pivotal moment reveals her insecurities in their relationship, showcasing her vulnerability. The scene resonates deeply as it illustrates the complexities of love.

Context: This scene demonstrates the difficulties of navigating love while dealing with past wounds.

The Shared Silence

In a quiet moment, Harry and Sally share an uncomfortable silence filled with unspoken words. The tension in the air is palpable as they navigate their feelings for one another. This scene is significant because silence can often speak louder than words, emphasizing the emotional connection between the two.

Context: It highlights the complexity of their relationship at this moment in their journey.

The Realization

After spending a weekend together, both Harry and Sally realize that they have feelings for one another. In a dialogue filled with hesitation and excitement, they struggle to articulate how they really feel, but the significance of this moment is evident. It’s an emotional breakthrough filled with hope.

Context: It’s pivotal in unveiling the love that has been brewing beneath the surface.


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The Iconic Diner Scene

The now-famous diner scene where Sally fakes an orgasm was filmed at Katz's Delicatessen in New York City, a venue chosen because it had the right look and feel for the film.

Why it matters: The authenticity of the diner setting added a genuine New York vibe to the film, making it more relatable. The scene became iconic, showcasing real emotions and the complexities of relationships, contributing significantly to the film's comedic and emotional depth.

The Writing Collaboration

Nora Ephron, the screenwriter, worked closely with Billy Crystal and Meg Ryan to craft dialogue that felt natural and authentic to real conversations.

Why it matters: This collaboration enhanced the film's charm, as the chemistry between the characters felt organic. Their contributions made the dialogues believable, relying heavily on the actors' improvisational skills, which resonated with audiences looking for relatable love stories.

The Ending Twist

The film’s ending scene, where Harry declares his love for Sally at a New Year's Eve party, was initially scripted as a more straightforward romantic moment, but Ephron revised it for a more heartfelt confession.

Why it matters: This change led to a climactic conclusion that encapsulated the film’s exploration of friendship and love, leaving audiences with a satisfying emotional resonance that defined the film’s legacy.

The Real-Life Influence

The film was inspired by Rob Reiner’s own experiences with love and friendship, particularly influenced by his relationship with his mother’s views on love.

Why it matters: Reiner's personal insights allowed for a more authentic take on the themes of the film, ensuring that the narrative not only entertained but also reflected real-life dynamics between men and women.

The Misunderstood Orgasm

During the diner scene, Meg Ryan's famous line, 'I’ll have what she's having,' was actually inspired by a previous dinner party where she witnessed a friend imitate an orgasm.

Why it matters: The line became one of the most quotable moments in cinematic history, blending humor with a poignant commentary on the female experience in relationships and contributing to the film's cultural impact.

The Casting of Harry

Billy Crystal was not the first choice for the role of Harry; it was originally offered to actors like Tom Hanks and Michael Keaton before Crystal accepted the role.

Why it matters: Crystal brought a unique blend of comedy and sensitivity to the character, which ultimately defined Harry’s charm and appeal, making him relatable and memorable, which may have shifted how audiences perceived male leads in romantic comedies.

The Authentic Reactions

Reiner encouraged Ryan and Crystal to improvise during their scenes together, leading to genuine comedic moments and reactions that were unplanned.

Why it matters: This improvisational approach contributed to the natural feel of their relationship, enhancing the film's overall charm and making the audience feel like they were eavesdropping on real conversations.

The Aging Montage

The film's montage showcasing Harry and Sally dating different people and gradually aging was originally longer but was trimmed in editing for pacing.

Why it matters: This decisive editing choice allowed for a more focused narrative, emphasizing the passage of time in a concise way, which aligned beautifully with the film's exploration of true love and timing.

The Music Choice

Harry Connick Jr.'s jazz music was specifically chosen to evoke a nostalgic feeling, perfectly complementing the film's romantic tone.

Why it matters: The soundtrack became synonymous with the film’s mood, reinforcing the emotional beats and elevating the romantic elements through music, which has continued to influence romantic films since.

The Real Conversations

Many conversations between Harry and Sally were based on real discussions that Ephron had with her friends about relationships and dating.

Why it matters: This authenticity in dialogue created a timeless representation of romantic relationships that resonates with audiences, solidifying the film as a relatable classic.

Sally's Haircut

Meg Ryan’s hairstyle underwent multiple iterations during filming, reflecting her character's evolution throughout the story from carefree to more settled.

Why it matters: This subtle visual cue mirrored Sally’s character development, adding depth to her transformation and providing viewers an unconscious acknowledgment of her journey.

The Best Friends' Dynamic

The subplot featuring Harry's best friend, Jess, played by Bruno Kirby, was initially underwritten but was expanded through collaborative efforts on set.

Why it matters: This enhancement added layers to the film, enriching the narrative and providing insights into male friendships that balanced Harry and Sally’s evolving relationship.

The Unsupported Narrator

The film has a narrator but it does not follow the conventional style where the narrator comments on the plot, instead letting the characters’ actions and dialogues drive the narrative.

Why it matters: This unique storytelling approach contributed to the film’s authenticity, keeping audiences engaged in the characters’ thoughts and emotions without intrusive commentary, enhancing viewer connection.

Real Couples' Interviews

Pieces of some interviews included in the film were taken from real couples discussing their views on love and relationships.

Why it matters: This connection to real-life experiences added depth to the thematic exploration of love and relationships within the film, making it more relatable and insightful.

Location Choices

The filmmakers chose multiple iconic New York City locations, including Central Park and the Brooklyn Bridge, to highlight the romance of the city, which became a character itself.

Why it matters: These beloved locations added to the film's appeal, allowing audiences to connect with the city's lively atmosphere and making it an enduring classic that captured the spirit of romance in New York.

Ephron's Signature Style

Nora Ephron’s signature blend of humor and sincerity in screenwriting was prevalent in her writing for 'When Harry Met Sally...', reflecting her unique voice.

Why it matters: This combination set a template for future romantic comedies and forces audiences to reevaluate traditional gender roles and relationships dated during its release.

The Dinner Party Scene

The dinner party scene was shot with minimal retakes as both Ryan and Crystal performed ad-libs during the scene, resulting in several genuine reactions.

Why it matters: This improvisation brought a refreshing realism to the dialogue that added authenticity to the characters’ interactions, endearing them further to the audience.

Sally vs. Harry's Philosophy

The contrasting philosophies of love presented by Sally and Harry resulted from extensive discussions between Reiner and Ephron that aimed to challenge traditional romantic narratives.

Why it matters: The exploration of these philosophical differences provided viewers with a comprehensive understanding of modern relationships, allowing audiences to examine their perceptions of love.

The Puppy Scene

There was a scene originally scripted where Harry and Sally would adopt a puppy together, but it was cut as it veered from the core theme of the film.

Why it matters: This decision showcased the filmmakers' commitment to the film's thematic focus on romantic relationships rather than distractions, allowing for a cohesive narrative.

The End Credit Song

The closing credits feature 'Auld Lang Syne', which encapsulates the theme of nostalgia and reflection central to the film’s message about love and missed opportunities.

Why it matters: Its use resonated with the film's essence, marking the end of a journey while evoking feelings of both melancholy and hope, further imbuing the film with emotional depth.

Hanging Out with the Cast

Reiner encouraged the main cast to spend time together off set to build their chemistry and friendship, which translated to better performances.

Why it matters: This camaraderie on and off camera enhanced their performances, allowing their relationship to feel more authentic, which is essential in a film revolving around romantic chemistry.

The Suitcase Prop

The suitcase featured in multiple scenes was deliberately filled with personal items that belonged to Harry, acting as a visual representation of his character progression.

Why it matters: This prop became a metaphor for emotional baggage, showing that the characters need to unload their pasts to fully embrace new relationships, mirroring their emotional growth.

A Candid Moment

In one scene, when Ryan is seen crying, it was an unscripted moment where she genuinely connected with her character’s emotional struggles.

Why it matters: This raw honesty elevated the scene, making it one of the emotional highlights of the film and deepening the audience’s connection to Sally's character.


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