The Passionate Friends (1949)
| Title | The Passionate Friends |
| Year | 1949 |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Genre | Drama (Movies) |
| Collection | H.G. Wells |
| Run Time | 1h 35 min |
| Director |
The British romantic drama film, The Passionate Friends (1949), was directed by David Lean. It follows the story of Mary on holiday in Switzerland while waiting for her husband Howard (Claude Rains) to join her from his business. It had been nine years since their last vacation, but also nine years since she last spoke to Steven, the man she loves and who happens to be staying in the neighboring room without her knowledge. The film then delves into flashbacks of their past relationship. Despite her love for Steven, Mary declines his proposal, believing that a marriage built on love would feel suffocating. Steven argues that two people in love should want to ‘belong to each other’, but Mary insists on wanting to ‘belong to herself’.
She runs away as Steven tells her that not choosing a life with him would be seen as ‘a failure’. After marrying Howard, who offers her affection, stability, and security, Mary reunites with Steven nine years later on New Year’s Eve. However, Steven is accompanied by his girlfriend at the time, while Mary is with Howard. Dryly feigning ignorance towards Steven’s presence, Howard explains that he didn’t want their enemies to know they were being watched. Later in the evening, Steven attempts to win back Mary’s heart and nearly succeeds in convincing her to leave Howard. Although Howard is understanding of his wife spending time with Steven, he notices they have forgotten their theater tickets.
Date of download: 2015-11-11T17:22:34+00:00
| Cast: |
Ann Todd
Claude Rains
Trevor HowardThe British romantic drama film, The Passionate Friends (1949), was directed by David Lean. It follows the story of Mary on holiday in Switzerland while waiting for her husband Howard (Claude Rains) to join her from his business. It had been nine years since their last vacation, but also nine years since she last spoke to Steven, the man she loves and who happens to be staying in the neighboring room without her knowledge. The film then delves into flashbacks of their past relationship. Despite her love for Steven, Mary declines his proposal, believing that a marriage built on love would feel suffocating. Steven argues that two people in love should want to ‘belong to each other’, but Mary insists on wanting to ‘belong to herself’.
She runs away as Steven tells her that not choosing a life with him would be seen as ‘a failure’. After marrying Howard, who offers her affection, stability, and security, Mary reunites with Steven nine years later on New Year’s Eve. However, Steven is accompanied by his girlfriend at the time, while Mary is with Howard. Dryly feigning ignorance towards Steven’s presence, Howard explains that he didn’t want their enemies to know they were being watched. Later in the evening, Steven attempts to win back Mary’s heart and nearly succeeds in convincing her to leave Howard. Although Howard is understanding of his wife spending time with Steven, he notices they have forgotten their theater tickets.
