The Passionate Friends (1949)
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78% of critics liked it
(9 reviews) -
53% of users liked it
(186 ratings)
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.… More 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, and she has to decide if she should leave her husband in hope of finding real passion or stay with a man who treats her well but whom she does not love. Leading lady Ann Todd married David Lean the same year this was released; it was the first of three films they would make together prior to their divorce in 1957. ~ Mark Deming, Rovi
- Directed By
- David Lean
- Written By
- Eric Ambler, Stanley Haynes, David Lean
- Genres
- Drama, Romance, Classics
Unrated,
- In Theaters
- Jan 1, 1948 Wide
Critic Reviews
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, Variety
Polished acting, masterly direction and an excellent script put The Passionate Friends in the top rank of class British productions.
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Trevor Johnston, Time Out
There's a degree of emotional subtlety here that often went missing in the director's later work.
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Bosley Crowther, New York Times
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.
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Peter Bradshaw, Guardian [UK]
A minor gem from the David Lean canon.
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Dennis Schwartz, Ozus' World Movie Reviews
The glossy direction of the talented Lean made it watchable but only mildly pleasing as soapy entertainment.
See more critic ratings and reviews on Rotten Tomatoes
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Rotten (59% or fewer critics rated the movie positively)
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Cast
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Ann Todd
as Mary Justin
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Claude Rains
as Howard Justin
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Trevor Howard
as Steven Stratton
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Betty Ann Davies
as Miss Layton
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Isabel Dean
as Pat
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Arthur Howard
as Servant
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Guido Lorraine
as Hotel Manager
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Marcel Poncin
as Hall Porter
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Natasha Sokolova
as Chambermaid
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Jean Serrett
as Emigration Official
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Frances Waring
as Charwoman
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Wanda Rogerson
as Bridge Guest
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Wilfrid Hyde-White
as Solicitor
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Helen Burls
as Flowerwoman
- John Hudson
- Helen Piers
