About Sleepless in Seattle (HBO)

Released in 1993, "Sleepless in Seattle" is an iconic romantic comedy-drama film directed by Nora Ephron. It tells the heartwarming story of Sam Baldwin, a distraught widower who relocates to Seattle with his son after the death of his wife. His son calls a radio talk show persuading his father to go on air and talk about how much he misses his wife which attracts many female attention including Annie Reed, a Baltimore-based journalist.

Making / Production

The movie was directed by Nora Ephron, who collaborated with David S. Ward and Jeff Arch to write the screenplay. It was produced by Gary Foster and the music score was given by Marc Shaiman. Cinematography was by Sven Nykvist and it was edited by Robert M. Reitano.

Actors

• Tom Hanks as Sam Baldwin: Hanks plays a grieving widower who captures the hearts of the nation with his heartfelt radio appearance. His effortless portrayal of sorrow and hope for love again was widely appreciated.
• Meg Ryan as Annie Reed: Ryan masterfully plays a journalist who, despite being engaged, finds herself drawn to Sam's heartbreaking story.
• Ross Malinger as Jonah Baldwin: Malinger persuasively portrays Sam’s young son who wants his father to find a new love and sets the whole story in motion.
• Rosie O'Donnell as Becky: O'Donnell plays the supportive friend of Annie who helps her navigate through her feelings for Sam.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• The film's title was inspired by a song composed by Bobby Darin.
• Meg Ryan's character wasn't originally written as a reporter. This detail was added by her suggestion.
• Although they are the two main characters, Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan only share about two minutes of screen time together.

Awards

"Sleepless in Seattle" received nominations for the Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay, and for the Golden Globe Award for Best Actor for Tom Hanks.

Quotes

• "It was a million tiny little things that, when you added them all up, they meant we were supposed to be together... and I knew it." - Tom Hanks as Sam Baldwin
• "When I first saw you, I thought you were handsome. Then, of course, you spoke." - Meg Ryan as Annie Reed

Music

The music score was done by the talented Marc Shaiman. The theme echoes the melancholy and hopefulness of the film's storyline.

Soundtrack

• "As Time Goes By" - Jimmy Durante
• "A Wink and a Smile" - Harry Connick Jr.
• "Bye Bye Blackbird" - Joe Cocker
• "Make Someone Happy" - Jimmy Durante