Based on a novel by H.G. Wells, The Passionate Friends was a return to romantic drama in the vein of Brief Encounter. Ann Todd stars as Mary, married to Howard (Claude Rains), but pining for paramour Steven (Trevor Howard), who has returned to her life. The film was a more lavish production than Lean’s previous films, making full use of its glamorous European locations. Rains in particular excels in a film frequently overlooked in favour of its more distinguished antecedent. It was the first of Lean’s three collaborations with Todd, who would also become the third of his six wives.

Screening as part of The Films of David Lean season.