What is the 1945 film Brief Encounter about?

Brief Encounter is a classic British film about a middle-class housewife who has a poignant affair with a married doctor she meets on a train.

Why does Brief Encounter still resonate today?

The film's themes of emotional restraint, moral dilemma, and unspoken love continue to strike a chord with modern audiences.

Who starred in the classic film Brief Encounter?

Brief Encounter famously starred Celia Johnson as Laura Jesson and Trevor Howard as Dr. Alec Harvey.

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Brief Encounter: 80 Years of British Heartbreak

22 Nov, 2025

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Summary

The 1945 film Brief Encounter remains a beloved classic.
Celia Johnson's daughters reflect on her iconic role.
The film's portrayal of emotional restraint endures today.

Brief Encounter: 80 Years of British Heartbreak

David Lean's 1945 classic, Brief Encounter, is revisited eighty years after its release, examining its lasting impact on British storytelling. The film's themes of quiet heartbreak and romantic sacrifice continue to resonate, prompting questions about modern emotional expression. Daughters of lead actress Celia Johnson offer personal insights into her portrayal of Laura Jesson and the emotional toll it took.

Contributions from figures like screenwriter Richard Curtis highlight the film's place in the national narrative, suggesting that emotional restraint remains a defining characteristic of British romantic tales. The documentary also touches upon the challenges of depicting infidelity humorously in contemporary cinema and the significant role of the film's setting and score.

Through archive footage and contemporary reflections, the program explores how Brief Encounter shaped narratives around love, guilt, and duty in Britain. Tributes, parodies, and related television dramas are discussed, underscoring the film's profound and enduring influence on popular culture and the collective understanding of romance.