The Passionate Friends (1949)

Directed by David Lean. Starring Ann Todd, Trevor Howard, Claude Rains, Isabel Dean, Betty Ann Davies.

Fairly inconsequential romantic meller based on the same-named H. G. Wells novel (obviously not an effort in the science fiction genre he was best known for). Story, told primarily through flashback, traces the romance between Howard and Todd, the latter now married to aloof yet affectionate Rains; years ago, however, Howard wanted to marry her for love but she insisted on marrying for comfort and security instead. Aside from surfeit close-ups, Lean’s subtle direction is appropriate for the high-class production; atmosphere, photography, and a couple of the performances rate highly, but echoes of Brief Encounter in thematic reverse are hard to shake, and the motivations/decisions are tough to swallow if the audience is meant to relate and sympathize with any of the leads. First of three consecutive collaborations between director Lean and his leading lady (they were married in real-life during that stretch). Dean’s first film role.

67/100