The Passionate Friends

Dir. David Lean

UK 1948 | Black & white | 91 mins | Cert PG | Drama

Cast: Ann Todd, Trevor Howard, Claude Rains

One of the least known films in the director’s distinguished canon, this absorbing love story is a fascinating companion piece to Brief Encounter and has been hailed by critic David Thomson as – of all Lean’s works – ‘the film most deserving rediscovery’. Mary (Ann Todd) has chosen a comfortable secure life with her rich banker husband (Claude Rains) over romantic passion with her first love Steven (Trevor Howard). Turmoil ensues when Steven suddenly reappears in her life. With its subtle performances, nuanced direction and beautiful cinematography, The Passionate Friends, adapted from a story by H G Wells, is a triumph of visual storytelling from a master of the art.

Available on: DCP, 35mm