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The Passionate Friends (1949)

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Top Critics

Average Rating: 6.4/10
Reviews Counted: 6
Fresh: 4 | Rotten: 2

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Average Rating: N/A
Critic Reviews: 1
Fresh: 0 | Rotten: 1

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Average Rating: 3.3/5
User Ratings: 171

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Movie Info

David Lean directed this romantic drama, scripted by Eric Ambler from a novel by H.G. Wells. Mary Justin (Ann Todd) is married to wealthy financier Howard Justin (Claude Rains), and while their marriage allows her to lead a comfortable lifestyle, there's little excitement in their relationship. While visiting Switzerland, Mary happens to run into Steve Stratton (Trevor Howard), with whom she was romantically involved years before she wed Howard. Mary finds herself falling for Steve once again,

Unrated, 1 hr. 35 min.

Drama, Romance, Classics

Directed By: David Lean

Written By: Eric Ambler, Stanley Haynes, David Lean

In Theaters: Jan 1, 1948 Wide

Cast

Ann Todd
Mary Justin
Claude Rains
Howard Justin
Trevor Howard
Steven Stratton
Betty Ann Davies
Miss Layton
Isabel Dean
Pat
Arthur Howard
Servant
Guido Lorraine
Hotel Manager
Marcel Poncin
Hall Porter
Natasha Sokolova
Chambermaid
Jean Serrett
Emigration Official
Frances Waring
Charwoman
Wanda Rogerson
Bridge Guest
Wilfrid Hyde-White
Solicitor
Helen Burls
Flowerwoman
John Hudson
Helen Piers

Critic Reviews for The Passionate Friends

All Critics (8) | Top Critics (2) | Fresh (4) | Rotten (2)

Somehow the simple expedient of raising their characters several rungs up the social and financial ladder and giving the roles to well-dressed stars has not brought a more impressive picture from the Messrs. Neame and Lean.

March 25, 2006 Full Review Source: New York Times

| Comment

Bosley Crowther

New York Times

Top Critic

The glossy direction of the talented Lean made it watchable but only mildly pleasing as soapy entertainment.

August 27, 2008 Full Review Source: Ozus' World Movie Reviews

| Comment

Dennis Schwartz

Ozus' World Movie Reviews

Rains is terrific as the enraged cuckold, though, while the Swiss scenery, captured in shimmering monochrome by DoP Guy Green, offers a telling metaphor for Todd's glacial beauty.

June 6, 2008 Full Review Source: Total Film

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Total Film

It's a fascinating snapshot of middle-class mores during the post-War socialist revolution, but it cries out for a heroine of Celia Johnson's sensitivity.

June 5, 2008 Full Review Source: Empire Magazine

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Patrick Peters

Empire Magazine

There's a degree of emotional subtlety here that often went missing in the director's later work.

June 24, 2006 Full Review Source: Time Out

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Trevor Johnston

Time Out

Its dated sensibilities remain crisp and provocative thanks to the combination of quality production values and an excellent cast.

May 24, 2003 Full Review Source: Film4

| Comment

Daniel Etherington

Film4

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Audience Reviews for The Passionate Friends

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Sort of a Brief Encounter part 2 but not quite as good and with more glamorous characters. The flashback structure didn't work so well and was rather confusing at times. The scenery and techniques were lovely but it wasn't until the last 40 minutes or so till I was really drawn in.

September 9, 2008

Emily B.

Super Reviewer

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