Ann Todd delivers a noteworthy performance in this delicately handled drama as Mary, a woman happily married, though perhaps not wildly so, to financier Howard (Claude Rains). A chance meeting with Professor Stratton (Trevor Howard) stirs up recollections of an earlier romance from before the war. When her husband travels to Switzerland for work, she joins him, and predictably, she runs into Stratton once more – only this time, her husband notices her unhappiness during their parting, exposing her secret. This is another dependable film from David Lean, one that permits the actors' portrayals to unfold naturally; each character possesses both positive qualities and shortcomings, and his version of this obscure HG Wells story offers a touching and well-developed exploration of how our decisions develop and transform over time. The movie’s name isn’t really accurate – genuine passion is essentially missing throughout the story, but Rains and Howard, two actors with contrasting approaches, complement each other effectively as they highlight Mary's uncertainty and longing, who seems more captivated by the notion of love than by actually feeling or savoring it. I would have preferred that she didn’t narrate – it pulled me out of what was otherwise a very good drama, one that is certainly enjoyable to watch, even if its characters aren’t always admirable.

Source on TMDB