The Poster Memorabilia blog

The Night I Met Rocky and Adrian

A love letter to cinema's quietest romance, signed by both halves of it.

By an anonymous Hollywood insider

Rocky doesn't get enough credit as one of the best romantic movies of the 20th century. Look, I get it. The film is all about Stallone working hard to be the heavyweight champion, complete with an iconic training montage, but there's more to it than that. There's also the love story between Rocky and Adrian.

Romantic movies don't always have to be melodramatic or comedic. The lovers don't have to sacrifice their lives à la Romeo and Juliet or spend years in hilarious antagonism like Harry and Sally. Sometimes, and for me, the best times, it's all about forming that emotional bond. No big gesture, no life-threatening illness, just pure connection.

“No big gesture, no life-threatening illness, just pure connection.”

I like romantic dramas and rom-coms as much as the next guy, but a pure love story within an inspiring underdog-athlete story is more than enough for me. It's why Rocky is my favorite movie, and why I consider Sylvester Stallone and Talia Shire the best on-screen couple.

One night, I had the honor of meeting both movie icons at AFI's 40th Anniversary celebration in Los Angeles. The event featured screenings of 10 of the best films of the last 40 years, including Rocky. Stallone and Shire both appeared, and it was a rare public reunion for the pair.

Shire started it off by introducing Stallone. As I listened to her speak, I could hear how much affection she had for her co-star, almost to the point that I speculated whether there was something more there. As far as I know, there wasn't. They're just good friends, which was still wonderful to see.

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Things became even more emotional as Stallone talked about writing and making Rocky. It was clear he was still proud of the film and understood what the movie meant, both for the industry and the audience who've loved it for years. I have to admit, I almost teared up at times while listening to him.

There's certainly no other movie quite like it. I don't even think its many sequels live up to it. I respect the franchise and the world it created, but the first film will always be number one in my books. When it comes to the best sports movies—and romance movies—ever made, Rocky still ranks among the top for me.

There was no better way to cap off that night than to get my movie poster signed by both stars. It was pretty hard to get to them since there weren't any official meet-and-greets or autograph signings that night. Both actors were only supposed to introduce the film.

But that wasn't enough for me. I wanted their autographs on my movie poster, and I wasn't going to leave until I got them. Luckily, I knew some people working the event, and they brought me over to both stars before they left the venue. I was so starstruck just seeing them in person that I almost missed my chance to ask them to sign my poster.

Thank God I snapped out of it just in time. Both were very nice about it, especially since they were already on their way out. Stallone was like a gentle giant, while Shire was as dainty as ever. They really were perfect for each other, at least, as an on-screen couple.

Rocky is truly one of the best movies ever made. It has an inspiring message, an emotional journey, and one of the best romances ever put on screen. I hope more audiences continue to discover its excellence for generations to come.

Some things you watch. This one you keep.

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