By Christina Littlefield
A&E Editor

“When Harry Met Sally” wins.

It was the most quoted, most referenced movie in the Graphic informal, completely unscientific Valentine’s poll on what movies, love songs and other artistic mediums bring out the romantic side of Pepperdine students.

Students nominated the classic romantic comedy starring Billy Crystal and Meg Ryan for best romantic movie, best date movie, best fictional romantic duo and best quote about love. Fans of “When Harry Met Sally” were split on what scene was the best, but  22 percent of the 32 people who responded to the poll (we said it was unscientific) listed the movie in more than one category.

One particularly fond fan quoted word for word the moment in the film when Harry confesses his love for Sally, nominating the monologue for the quote that best describes love:

“I love that you get cold when it’s 71 degrees out. I love that it takes you an hour and a half to order a sandwich. I love that you get a little crinkle in your nose when you’re looking at me like I’m nuts. I love that after I spend day with you, I can still smell your perfume on my clothes. And I love that you are the last person I want to talk to before I go to sleep at night. … I came here tonight because when you realize you want to spend the rest of your life with somebody, you want the rest of your life to start as soon as possible.”

Meg Ryan’s other classic romance with Tom Hanks, “Sleepless in Seattle,” was a far second, and both “Notting Hill” and “Serendipity” earning multiple nominations for best romantic movie.

Most Pepperdine students picked non-romantic comedies, such as any Adam Sandler movie, as the best date movie. As one student wrote, “You want something both people will think is funny but that won’t make the atmosphere uncomfortable if the sparks aren’t happening.”

The other sweep in the nominations was from best Hollywood couple, with the honors overwhelmingly going to Brad Pitt and Jennifer Aniston. Apparently, they were the only Hollywood couple most people could think of that were still together (Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman were batted around but disqualified because of last year’s split).

As far as best fictional couple (beyond Harry and Sally), the nominations were split between several Disney characters — Beauty and the Beast, Lady and the Tramp, Jasmine and Aladdin — and two Jane Austen couples – Emma and Mr. Knightly from “Emma” and Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy from “Pride and Prejudice.”

The best love song category was all over the map, with only the “Notting Hill” version of “You Say It Best” and Elvis Presley’s “Can’t Help Falling in Love” getting two nominations each. Both Richard Marx and U2 got multiple nominations, but for different songs.

As to what students are doing for Valentine’s Day, only one-fourth of the students polled, or eight students, actually had romantic plans for the day of love.

There was still a lot of input as to what local venue would best set the scene for a romantic date, such as the various beaches and several high-class restaurants like Alegria, Geoffreys or Guidos.

Several singletons, however, made a great suggestion for a fun night out: Watching the Pepperdine Improv Group tonight in the HAWC.

February 14, 2002