MovieChat Forums > Niagara Discussion > The Cutlers crossing the border

The Cutlers crossing the border


What was the point of that long scene where he ends by telling the officer he brought a stack of books to catch up on while on their honeymoon. It made me think they were part of a plot and sinister characters for lying about it. Why couldn't they just say they were on vacation? Plus, they did not seem like a great couple until the end of the film when he panics over his wife's peril.

reply

I think it
a) served as a plot device to introduce the male character's profession and
b) indeed tries to mislead us about the couple's integrity - see red herring http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Main/RedHerring


__________

Last movie watched: Niagara (5/10)

reply

I thought the books were used to illustrate what a geek the husband was.
The customs official asked what was in the package, and you have to answer customs' questions. The better question is why were books wrapped up at all instead of just being in an open box?

Just be truthful and if you can fake that you've got it made. ;)

reply

Sorry what was the husband"s profession?

reply

Selling shredded wheat or involved in the production of it.

reply

Sorry what was the husband"s profession?

reply

He was something to do with the Shredded Wheat breakfast cereal company, probably a salesman. He gets very excited when arriving at the Rainbow Cabins because he could see the Shredded Wheat factory. Then a little later he rings the company and tells them he won the competition for best salesman or something like that.

reply

What was the point of that long scene where he ends by telling the officer he brought a stack of books to catch up on while on their honeymoon. Why couldn't they just say they were on vacation?
The scene reminds me of my last trip to Canada. I was questioned for a while because I was going to Alberta for a week. They don't want us moving up there and prefer we travel fairly light. No inspection going into Canada, but a pretty thorough one coming back into the U.S. The Canadian was definitely a nicer guy.

--
Drake

FYI



[spoiler][/spoiler]

reply

That scene made me think they were spies and not even married.

Of course not long after you realize they ARE married and do love each other.

reply

"O Promise Me", well-known wedding song, is being played on the bells during
the scene the Cutlers are arriving at the falls. That sets the stage for that
part of the film.

reply

IMO the exchange about the books was to establish the Cutlers' as the more settled, grounded (ordinary) of the two couples. They had already been married a couple of years & the husband's business trip offered them a chance at a belated honeymoon. Later when Mr. Cutler thinks of cutting the trip short, he begins packing by grabbing a couple of stacks of books. So, yes, there were really books in the box.

reply

The Cutlers were on a delayed honeymoon. The tune being played on the carillon
bells is "O, Promise Me" - well-known wedding/honeymoon song.

reply

He was just joking around. Lots of guys do that.

reply