Behind the Scenes of ‘When Harry Met Sally…’: The Untold Story of a Romantic Comedy Classic
NEW YORK, N.Y. — As the holiday season draws to a close, fans of the iconic romantic comedy When Harry Met Sally… are discovering a trove of fascinating behind-the-scenes facts that shed new light on the making of the film and its enduring appeal. Written by Nora Ephron and directed by Rob Reiner, the movie starring Meg Ryan and Billy Crystal has long been celebrated as one of the greatest rom-coms of all time. Yet recent revelations reveal that the film’s original ending was very different from the one audiences know and love.
Rob Reiner’s tragic passing earlier this year prompted renewed interest in his work, leading to a deep dive into the production history of When Harry Met Sally…. The film’s genesis began in an unlikely way: Reiner initially approached Ephron with a different movie idea, which she rejected before they even ordered lunch. It was only after Reiner mentioned his interest in exploring how sex could complicate a friendship between a man and a woman that Ephron found her narrative structure.
Drawing heavily from their own experiences, Ephron interviewed Reiner and producer Andrew Scheinman about their dating lives, describing the process as a “horrifying experience.” The character of Harry Burns was inspired by Reiner’s own post-divorce neuroses, while Sally’s quirks, including her famously particular way of ordering food, were drawn directly from Ephron herself. Reiner even insisted that her distinctive ordering style be included in the script.
One of the film’s most distinctive features—the documentary-style interviews with older couples scattered throughout the movie—was Reiner’s idea. Inspired by a conversation with entertainment executive Alan Horn’s father, Reiner wanted to reinforce the idea that everyone has a love story worth telling. The stories told by these older couples, though delivered by actors, were based on real anecdotes from people at the production company, lending authenticity to the film’s narrative.
The title of the movie was a subject of much debate. Reiner reportedly held a contest among the crew for a winning title, offering a case of champagne as a prize. Titles like “Scenes From a Friendship,” “How We Met,” and “Harry, This Is Sally” were all considered before settling on When Harry Met Sally… The addition of the ellipsis at the end, Reiner said, made the title feel right.
Casting was another journey. Although Billy Crystal was Reiner’s first choice for Harry, the director auditioned several other actors, including Tom Hanks and Richard Dreyfuss, before offering the role to Crystal. Meg Ryan, who played Sally, was cast after dropping out of Steel Magnolias, a decision that launched her into stardom.
Many of the film’s most memorable moments were improvised on set. The iconic “pecan pie” line and Harry’s unique voice in the museum scene were Billy Crystal’s spontaneous additions, which director Reiner encouraged Meg Ryan to embrace. The Pictionary scene was also largely improvised, showcasing the actors’ chemistry and comedic timing.
Interestingly, the film contains subtle nods to Reiner’s future projects. In one scene, Harry is seen reading Stephen King’s Misery, the adaptation of which Reiner would direct next.
For those interested in exploring the film’s production history in greater depth, resources such as the Library of Congress Film Collection and the American Film Institute provide extensive archives on classic American cinema. Additionally, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences offers insights into the careers of key figures like Nora Ephron and Rob Reiner.
As the film continues to captivate new generations, these behind-the-scenes stories enrich our understanding of how When Harry Met Sally… became a timeless exploration of friendship, love, and the complexities in between.
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