This is the story of a middle-aged divorced man who finally finds his true love. Dustin Hoffman plays the lead character Harvey Shine. Harvey works in New York writing advertising jingles because he failed in his attempt to be a jazz performer. His boss wants to get rid of him and makes this very clear. His daughter Susan (played by Liane Balaban) is in London with his ex-wife Jean (played by Kathy Baker). Susan is getting married. Harvey goes to London for the wedding. In the London airport, Harvey sees Kate Walker (played by Emma Thompson) who asks him to fill out a survey. He passes her without stopping. Kate is also divorced, living with her mother, who constantly annoys her about finding another man to marry.
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When Harvey arrives at the hotel it becomes clear to him he is not really wanted at the wedding. All other guests are staying at a large house rented by Jean. When he goes to meet them for the rehearsal, he is improperly dressed wearing a white jacket instead of a black one like all the rest. He is told by his daughter Susan; Jean's new husband will give her away. Harvey says he is only coming to the wedding anyway, not the reception, because he is so busy in New York at his work. Harvey attends the wedding, and then goes back to the airport immediately after the ceremony is over. He misses his flight and calls his boss to tell him he will be returning later than expected. His boss fires him.
Harvey goes to the airport bar. He starts drinking heavily. Kate is there reading a book and drinking wine. She comments about his drinking, saying whatever the troubles are; the drinking will not help. He snaps back reading trashy novels and drinking wine is not much better. They become friends. He follows her when she leaves, offering to walk with her. As they walk, he tells her he is missing his daughter's wedding reception. She insists he should go. He agrees only if she will join him. She agrees when he buys her a dress on the spot.
When they go to the reception and it is time for the father to toast the bride, he interrupts the other man who is trying to upstage him. Harvey gives a heartfelt speech for his daughter, which impresses everyone including Kate. After the reception, Harvey and Kate walk together until dawn. They agree to get some rest and meet again. Harvey is so happy he runs up the stairs at the hotel, which causes heart palpitations. They rush him to the hospital. This causes him to miss the date with Kate. When he gets out he goes to her but she refuses to speak to him. Finally, he gets through to her, explains what happened, and promises her everything will work out in their relationship. They fall deeply in love.
His boss from New York calls to tell him a new client loves his work and he must come back right away. He tells his boss he has no further need for the job. Harvey plans to make a go of it in London with Kate.
Best part of story, including ending:
I like this film because it shows romance is not only for the youth but couples of all ages.
Best scene in story:
The best scene is when Harvey tells his boss, he quit his job, because we know this is truly the start of Harvey's happiness.
Opinion about the main character:
Poor Harvey has so many setbacks and disappointments in the beginning of the film, but in the end he finds true happiness with Kate, which is rather charming.
