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MTDb โ€บ Best of โ€บ 1945 โ€บ Brief Encounter

Brief Encounter poster

Brief Encounter (1945)

โ€œA story of the most precious moments in a woman's life!โ€

7.7/10 ยท 729 votes 1h 26m nr RomanceDrama

#2 of 5 films from 1945 #133 of 1371 in romance

Directed by David Lean ยท Written by Noรซl Coward

โ–ถ Trailer, images & where to stream

Overview

Returning home from a shopping trip to a nearby town, bored suburban housewife Laura Jesson is thrown by happenstance into an acquaintance with virtuous doctor Alec Harvey. Their casual friendship soon develops during their weekly visits into something more emotionally fulfilling than either expected, and they must wrestle with the potential havoc their deepening relationship would have on their lives and the lives of those they love.

Cast

Celia Johnsonas Laura Jesson
Trevor Howardas Dr. Alec Harvey
Stanley Hollowayas Albert Godby
Joyce Careyas Myrtle Bagot
Cyril Raymondas Fred Jesson
Everley Greggas Dolly Messiter
Marjorie Marsas Mary Norton
Margaret Bartonas Tea Room Assistant Beryl Walters
Wilfred Babbageas Policeman at War Memorial (uncredited)
Alfie Bassas Waiter at the Royal (uncredited)
Wallace Boscoas Doctor After Bobbie's Accident (uncredited)
Sydney Bromleyas Johnnie, the Second Soldier (uncredited)
Noรซl Cowardas Train Station Announcer (uncredited)
Nuna Daveyas Herminie Rolandson (uncredited)

Facts

Release dateNovember 24, 1945
Runtime86 min (1h 26m) โ€” shorter as the 1945 average of 100 min
GenresRomance, Drama
LanguageEN
Budget$1,200,000
IMDbtt0037558

More from David Lean

Lawrence of ArabiaLawrence of Arabia1962 ยท โ˜… 8.0 ยท 3h 48m The Bridge on the River KwaiThe Bridge on the River Kwai1957 ยท โ˜… 7.8 ยท 2h 42m Doctor ZhivagoDoctor Zhivago1965 ยท โ˜… 7.6 ยท 3h 20m

If you liked Brief Encounter

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CasablancaCasablanca1943 ยท โ˜… 8.1 ยท 1h 42m The Shop Around the CornerThe Shop Around the Corner1940 ยท โ˜… 8.1 ยท 1h 39m The Red ShoesThe Red Shoes1948 ยท โ˜… 8.0 ยท 2h 13m Gone with the WindGone with the Wind1939 ยท โ˜… 7.9 ยท 3h 58m LimelightLimelight1952 ยท โ˜… 7.9 ยท 2h 17m Roman HolidayRoman Holiday1953 ยท โ˜… 7.9 ยท 1h 59m RebeccaRebecca1940 ยท โ˜… 7.9 ยท 2h 10m NotoriousNotorious1946 ยท โ˜… 7.7 ยท 1h 43m

Questions

How long is Brief Encounter?
Brief Encounter runs 86 minutes (1h 26m), short enough for a weeknight.
Is Brief Encounter worth watching?
TMDB users give it 7.7/10 across 729 votes, which places it #2 of 5 films released in 1945 in this index (top 80%) and #133 among 1371 romance titles.
Who directed Brief Encounter?
Brief Encounter was directed by David Lean. Other well-rated titles by the same director: Lawrence of Arabia (1962), The Bridge on the River Kwai (1957), Doctor Zhivago (1965).
Who stars in Brief Encounter?
Celia Johnson as Laura Jesson; Trevor Howard as Dr. Alec Harvey; Stanley Holloway as Albert Godby; Joyce Carey as Myrtle Bagot; Cyril Raymond as Fred Jesson; Everley Gregg as Dolly Messiter.
What is Brief Encounter rated?
It carries a nr certification in its home market. Ratings differ by country.
Where can I watch the trailer for Brief Encounter?
Open the title in the MTDb app for trailers, images and streaming links: https://mv.peoplentools.com/titles/57738.

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Film data and images from TMDB. This product uses the TMDB API but is not endorsed or certified by TMDB. Ratings are TMDB user scores as of 2026-10-05.