David Lean's adaptation of Noel Coward's play departs from the original with its use of a female narrator's “thought-voice” to illustrate mood, psychology, and even fantasized plot outcomes. This spare love story touched a chord with the British because it was so true, and with the world because it was so British. It takes a sincere and direct angle on the frustrated liaison between a suburban housewife (Celia Johnson) and a married doctor (Trevor Howard) who meet by chance in a railway station tearoom. They bring out the best in each other, so why not a future? Ah, but this isn't the movies (that would be Flames of Passion, “coming shortly!” to their dank matinee rendezvous). Weepies have the redeeming quality of a good cry; subtle, sublime Brief Encounter is too close to sober resignation to be cathartic. The film lingers in our imagination for its delicate construction built around the comings and goings of trains, teacups, and whispered dreams.