Brief Encounter (DVD, 2000, Criterion Collection)

Made in 1946, this movie is very English. It is the story of a chance meeting of two people in a train station restaurant while they are waiting for their respective trains to take them home to two different cities in England. Laura Jesson (Celia Johnson) and Dr. Alec Harvey (Trevor Howard) meet when she has a speck of sand in her eye, drink tea while waiting for their trains, and make a habit of meeting there on Thursday afternoons since both normally come to the city on that day--she for shopping and he for hospital duty. The theme of the movie is the tremendous guilt that each feels--especially her--about this relationship because each one is married and seemingly happily.

We would think nothing of this kind of relationship in 2007, but in 1947 it was a big deal. Laura told lies to her husband to cover up being late and for running into someone who might tell on her. And yet, all the movie shows is the two drinking tea, going to two movies, and paddling in a boat. There is one spot--the boat trip-- where some think that they might have consummated the relationship, but the movie indicates nothing. Another time in a rented flat where they meet, Dr. Harvey's roommate bursts in unannounced before anything could have happened.

The movie was nominated for 3 Academy Awards--Best Director David Lean, Best Actress Celia Johnson and Best Screenplay by David Lean, Ronald Leame, and Anthony Havelock-Allen. It won none. However, it was a preview of David Lean's future masterpieces: "Lawrence of Arabia," "Bridge on the River Kwai," "Dr. Zhivago," and "A Passage to India."

And this movie did win the Grand Prize at the Cannes Film Festival--the Palm D'Or.

The movie is scored by perfect use of Rachmaninoff's Piano Concerto #2 and is a pleasure to watch. This movie is on many of the top 100 Movies of All Time Lists and inspired several other movies in the future including "The Apartment." It has even been called the British Casablanca.

You will especially enjoy the hostess of the restaurant where the two meet, Myrtle Bagot, played by Joyce Carey. She complains constantly about men and flirts with those who come in. She is a hoot.

This is a fantastic old movie. Always on the top 100 movie lists, but sadly overlooked by the average movie watcher. A subtle, yet powerful love story with wonderful performances. An absolute must see.

Amy
Lidia's Closet

I decided to buy this movie, because Brief Encounter was brought up in another movie called Mrs. Palfrey at Clarmont. I am thankful for Ebay having it, because the movie is an old movie from the 1940's. Thanks!