David Lean: "The Passinate Friends" or "Madeline"

[billy bentley]

There's a David Lean double bill showing, but I can only make one of them and I can't recall seeing either. Any suggestios as to which way to jump " "The Passinate Friends" or "Maderline" ?

[faginsgirl]

Hi.



Not sure about `Madeline` but if you liked Brief encounter you will like `passionate friends`. Its along the same romantic lines.



xx

[billy bentley]

Thanks and sorry for the mispelling !

[CaptainWaggett]

The Passionate Friends is like a posh non-swearing version of Closer. Which may not sound like a recommendation but it is - a really unusual structure with complicated flashbacks and only four speaking roles apart from the odd waiter or steward. Some of the scenes really make you understand when people go on about what a good editor Lean is - watch out especially for the business with the theatre tickets when Claude Rains invites Ann Todd and Trev in for a late-night drink. Excellent film. Madeleine is OK but nothing really special IMO. It would have been more interesting if he'd come down on one side or another about her guilt, I think.

[bertie]

I would choose The Passionate Friends. Although I admire all DL's films, Madeleine would probably be my least favourite - it is too much of a Victorian type melodrama for me.

[ronald colman 1]

I watched the Passionate Friends yesterday and though it was really enjoyable

A excellent Performance from Claude Rains as usual.

[billy bentley]

Sadly. my opportunity has been bushwacked by a Parents Association meeting, so i wont make either!