OVERLAY REPORT

In the film *When Harry Met Sally...* (1989), the title is deeply significant to the plot's structure and theme, but it is **not referenced directly in the dialogue** by any character. The exact phrase "When Harry Met Sally" is never spoken on screen. ### 1. Significance of the Title The title reflects the film's unique narrative structure, which centers on the concept of **multiple "first" meetings**. Rather than a single "meet-cute," the story is defined by three distinct encounters over a span of 12 years: * **1977:** They first meet while carpooling from Chicago to New York. They dislike each other instantly. * **1982:** They meet by chance at an airport. They are still largely incompatible. * **1987:** They meet in a bookstore and finally begin a genuine friendship. **The Ellipses (...):** The three dots at the end of the title are intentional. Screenwriter Nora Ephron and director Rob Reiner added them to suggest that "meeting" was only the beginning of a much longer, complicated process. The title poses a question that the movie slowly answers: What happens *after* they meet? The ellipses symbolize the 12-year journey it takes for them to transition from strangers to enemies, to friends, and finally to a couple. ### 2. Character References to the "Meeting" While they don't say the title, the characters frequently reference the **time elapsed** since their first meeting. * **The Final Interview:** The film concludes with Harry and Sally participating in one of the "documentary-style" interviews seen throughout the movie. In this scene, they recount the history of their relationship. Sally famously remarks, **"It only took 12 years and three months,"** referring to the time between their initial drive to New York and their eventual marriage. * **The "Met" vs. "Hated" Debate:** During the final interview, Harry says, "The first time we met, we hated each other." Sally playfully corrects him: "You didn't hate me, I hated you." ### 3. Origins of the Title The title was actually the result of a long brainstorming process. Nora Ephron originally wanted to call the film **"How They Met,"** but found it too generic. Other titles considered included: * *Boy Meets Girl* * *Harry, This Is Sally* * *Just Friends* * *Words of Love* Director Rob Reiner eventually started a contest among the film's crew, promising a case of champagne to whoever came up with the best title. It is unclear who finally suggested the winning name, but the chosen title perfectly captured the film’s "thesis" about the long road to love. ### 4. Real-World Direct Reference The only place you will find the title (or a variation of it) within the film's universe is in the real world at **Katz’s Delicatessen** in New York City. Above the table where the famous "I'll have what she's having" scene was filmed, there is a sign that reads: **"Where Harry met Sally... hope you have what she had!"** This is a tribute from the restaurant, not a prop from the movie itself.