The Chicago Traveler

Written by Nora Ephron and directed by Rob Reiner, When Harry Met Sally… is a 1989 romantic comedy that follows Harry Burns (Billy Crystal) and Sally Albright (Meg Ryan) as they meet, depart, meet, depart, and meet again in New York City. This classic humorously examines the dynamics between men and women, and it is considered one of the top 100 comedy films in American cinema by the American Film Institute.

The film opens with Harry and Sally, complete strangers to each other, sharing a road trip from the University of Chicago to New York City, where they are both planning on beginning their careers. Along the way, several discussions come up, during one of which they argue whether or not men and women can be “just friends.” This argument becomes an underlying theme of the movie. The two rub each other the wrong way, and Harry and Sally part ways once they get to New York, with no intentions of ever meeting again.

Five years later, Harry and Sally find themselves on the same airplane. Both are in relationships. Harry suggests that they become friends, but then rethinks that, considering his firm belief that men and women cannot be “just friends.” Once again, the duo separate sans friendship.

Five more years later, they meet again at a bookstore. Now, both are single and unattached. After coffee and some small talk, Harry and Sally finally decide to become friends. The couple has late-night phone conversations, go out for dinner, and generally spend a lot of time together, all without becoming sexual. Is Harry’s original observation wrong? Can men and women really be “just friends”?

The film contains scenes of University of Chicago as well as shots of Lake Shore Drive. An interesting bit of trivia I noticed while watching the film though: Harry and Sally leave UC and drive south along Lake Shore Drive, toward the downtown skyline. However, in real life, the university is south of downtown. I have actually driven southward from the school several times… away from the skyline.