His proposal is accepted but his passionate confessions cause agitation at the Department of State. The Khan of Bukistan is capable of turning off the oil tap - what if Reade misbehaves? Effie, of all people (The only one who speaks Bukanese) is charged to secure the smooth execution of Reade's wedding ceremony - now a state affair.
The dowry arrives (goats & camels), then the bride with her retinue and her bodyguard/chaperone. After the wedding, set in four months, Tarji will be his property, Effie informs Reade, but until then he is expected to live like a monk. Since Tarji does not speak english Effie stays to translate Reade's lover's oaths. His attempts to sneak into Tarji's bedroom and steal a kiss are thwarted - admittedly a disappointment, but all things considered, he enjoys being treated like a pasha and possesses his soul in patience. During a reception in the Bukanese embassy he becomes the envy of all men - while their wives look on in horror when drinks are served exclusively for the strong sex.
During a walk in the park Tarji follows her future sovereign at three steps distance, and when his dog follows her example Reade suddenly realizes that a woman is no dog. He is pained and vindicates himself: "she worships me" but Effie jumps at the chance: She teaches Tarji the american way of life and the achievements of famous feminists. Tarji learns quick: Soon Reade has to deal with a fashionable lady who bosses him around and collects admirers...
Hilarious. Sooner or later every romantic soul will bump into AN AFFAIR TO REMEMBER but Grant's & Kerr's first film is equally good. The scenes when Kerr translates Grant's imaginative compliments to his adored are a comic highlight and there are some delightful double meanings when Kerr reveals that Grant was a bad kisser and never made her an "earthquake". And the victory of "girl power" is unlimited. Kerr has the Khan literally eating out of her hands while Grant conjures up the memory of famous women's rights activists. Kerr becomes a little more "oriental" during the film, but she is never ridiculed like Katharine Hepburn in the more famous but less radical ADAM'S RIB.
