The End of the Affair (Dmytryk, 1955)

Star Review

A companion piece to Neil Jordan's 1999 remake, this original version of The End Of The Affair deserves revisiting. Based on the eponymous novel by Graham Greene, it stars Van Johnson as an American novelist who embarks on an affair with a civil servant's wife, Sarah (Deborah Kerr). Then, following a dramatic air raid, she suddenly breaks off the romance for no apparent reason, whereupon the novelist hires a private detective to see what has changed her mind.
Whilst the remake focused on the passion between the two lovers, the original is more spiritual in tone, particularly when the reason for Sarah's decision is revealed. The film is curiously underrated - Johnson, described by many critics as miscast, is suitably lugubrious, and Kerr gives a convincing turn as a woman torn between love and religion. The supporting performances are a joy - Peter Cushing is moving as the cuckolded husband, and John Mills marvellous as the scene-stealing private eye. An intense, beautifully photographed study of faith, love and sacrifice that awaits rediscovery.

MovieMail on 18th December 2006

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Film Description

The original 1955 adaptation of Graham Greene's existentialist tale. A novelist (Johnson) rekindles an obsession with a former lover (Kerr, very good), now married, and the reason why they split in the first place is gradually revealed. Very good performances, and the theme of passion vs faith is much more thoroughly explored than in the later film starring Ralph Fiennes.

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Film Details

Cast

John Mills, Peter Cushing, Deborah Kerr, Van Johnson

Technical Details