Rob Reiner’s Scrapped Ending Made When Harry Met Sally a Masterpiece

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The recent passing of Rob Reiner and Michele Singer Reiner has deeply saddened many. While this loss is irreplaceable, people are remembering and celebrating Rob Reiner’s incredible contributions to film. He was a remarkably talented director, known for his sharp comedic sense, insightful understanding of people, and films that were often truly exceptional. From classics like The Princess Bride and This Is Spinal Tap, Reiner leaves behind a lasting and unforgettable legacy, even in this time of grief.

Many people consider the 1989 romantic comedy about Harry and Sally – following their chance encounters over twelve years in New York City – to be his best work. They kept missing their chance at a relationship, but the movie ultimately has a surprisingly happy ending. However, the original ending was quite different, and the story behind the change is genuinely touching.

When Harry Met Sally Built Up to the Sweetest Finale

When Harry and Sally first met on a road trip from Chicago to New York, it didn’t seem like they’d ever see each other again. They clashed immediately, especially because Harry strongly believed that men and women couldn’t truly be just friends.

Sally was annoyed when Harry called her beautiful at the diner, especially since he was already going out with her friend. But five years later, they unexpectedly ran into each other again – on an airplane. This time, though, Sally was seeing Joe, who happened to be Harry’s neighbor.

Harry surprised Sally by not only dating someone else, but getting engaged! This was especially unexpected considering how cynical he usually was about relationships. He then offered to just be friends with Sally, which was ironic given he’d previously claimed men and women couldn’t be platonic. Ultimately, they decided to end their relationship, still believing friendship was impossible for them.

Harry and Sally’s relationship was off to a slow start, as they hardly knew each other. However, a third meeting, five years later, quickly brought them closer. They began spending time together – talking on the phone, having dinner, and sharing experiences – and truly got to know each other, opening up about their hopes, dreams, and past loves. When they both discovered their exes had moved on, Harry and Sally attempted to fix each other up with their friends, Marie and Jess, but Marie and Jess ended up falling for each other instead.

As you might expect, Harry and Sally eventually become romantically involved, but this creates a problem. They both worry their friendship is over and try to avoid each other. However, Harry eventually realizes he’s in love with Sally. He rushes to find her at a party and confesses his feelings, but she’s hesitant at first.

Sally believed Harry was only seeking her out because he was lonely, and this led to one of the most memorable love confessions ever. Harry surprised her with a rambling, heartfelt list of all the things he adored about her – from her tendency to feel chilly even in warm weather, to her slow decision-making at lunch, and even the way her face scrunched up when she was thinking deeply. It was a completely unexpected outpouring of emotion from a man who had spent most of the movie being reserved, negative, and distant.

After knowing each other for twelve years and three months, Harry and Sally finally tied the knot, and they appeared genuinely happy together in their interview.

Although the ending of the movie was heartwarming, it wasn’t originally planned that way. Harry and Sally were actually intended to part ways at the end, but the filmmakers decided to change course.

A Lot of When Harry Met Sally Was Inspired By Real Life

Nora Ephron and director Rob Reiner worked together on When Harry Met Sally during a difficult period in Reiner’s life. Initially, Ephron turned down Reiner’s first movie idea. But during a second conversation, they developed the concept for When Harry Met Sally: a story about two ordinary people who become friends, recognize that a sexual relationship could jeopardize that friendship, but ultimately decide to take the risk anyway.

After a ten-year marriage to Penny Marshall and a subsequent divorce, Rob Reiner spent another decade as a single man. This period of his life served as the basis for an article in the Washington Times.

Unlike the other characters, Sally was inspired by Nora Ephron herself and people she knew. Ephron also conducted interviews with real women, and their stories were woven into the film as the short scenes showing interviews, which were then acted out by performers.

During a CNN interview, Rob Reiner explained that the actual ending of ‘When Harry Met Sally…’ wasn’t the cheerful one audiences are familiar with. Instead, the real ending mirrored the rest of the movie – a connection that ultimately didn’t lead anywhere.

Director Rob Reiner had a very specific vision for this reunion. He wanted a simple, understated moment – just two people reconnecting after a long time apart, sharing a conversation, and then going their separate ways. He consciously avoided anything overly sentimental or a big, explanatory speech. In fact, he famously cut a line that felt too on the nose – something about realizing you want to spend your life with someone and wanting that future to begin immediately. He felt the moment should speak for itself, and honestly, I think that restraint really works. It’s a beautifully subtle approach.

Michele Singer Inspired Rob Reiner to Change the Ending

Director Rob Reiner, who had been single for a long time, found love on the set of When Harry Met Sally with photographer Michele Singer. They married in 1989, and Singer had a significant impact on Reiner’s life and work, beyond what many know. In fact, meeting Singer inspired Reiner to rewrite the originally depressing ending of When Harry Met Sally into something more hopeful.

The director met his wife, Michele, while they were working on a film together – a film whose ending he actually changed because of her. He added the final scene where the characters reconcile, leading to a joyful and loving marriage for Harry and Sally. In a CNN interview, he explained that viewers owe the happy ending to Michele Singer.

It’s difficult to say whether the classic romantic comedy would have been as successful with a different conclusion. When Harry Met Sally earned an impressive $92.8 million in North America, far exceeding its $16 million budget. The film wasn’t just a financial hit; it’s become a beloved classic among many other well-regarded movies. Although some consider the ending to be a fantastical and unrealistic, it might not have been as far-fetched as people believe.

The movie When Harry Met Sally doesn’t have a complicated storyline. It’s a simple story about two people who keep crossing paths, but struggle to realize they’re meant to be together. Sometimes, other relationships get in the way, and other times, their own pride prevents them from seeing what’s obvious. The strong connection between Billy Crystal and Meg Ryan is clear from the start, making the film’s eventual happy ending feel satisfying and believable—much more so than the initial ending considered.

Though When Harry Met Sally was generally a funny and cheerful movie, it also created a strong emotional connection as Harry and Sally repeatedly crossed paths. Without the satisfying resolution – Harry admitting his feelings and ultimately marrying Sally – the film wouldn’t have resonated with audiences as well.

If you think the movie’s ending is unrealistic, it’s interesting to know that the director, Rob Reiner, actually found his future wife while filming it, after searching for love for ten years.

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2025-12-17 22:09