The film is gorgeous. Half of it is set on a cruise ship with open seascapes, lavishly dressed cruise-goers, and decadent dining with dancing. This is the place where Cary Grant and Deborah Kerr meet. Kerr is Terry McKay, a former nightclub singer who’s been studying literature and art. Grant plays Nickie Ferrante, a world-renowned playboy and ladies’ man. When the two characters meet they’re instantly attracted to each other, but they’re also both engaged to someone else. Terry tries to resist Nickie’s advances more than he does hers, and despite their attempts to stay apart they’re together so often that other passengers notice. This first part of the picture contains all the witty banter and double entendres you’d expect from a romantic comedy of that time.
Terry and Janou become fast friends when they meet, and Janou confides to her how she worries about her grandson. However, after seeing Nickie with Terry, Janou feels better about his future. This prompts lots of meaningful stares between Nickie and Terry, and Janou promises to give Terry a beautiful lace shawl. Terry sings the movie’s theme song in French as Janou plays the piano, and Terry comments more than once on the beauty and tranquility of Janou's home. But when the ship horn sounds the visit is ended, and at the last second Terry runs to give Janou a hug before departing with Nickie.
