The End of the Affair
Seen it?1955 | 105 min | Drama, Romance
Sunday Safe Betearly ratingWhy it’s a Sunday Safe Bet
It earned strong reviews (80% on Rotten Tomatoes), though it had soft box office and little lasting buzz. A safe bet when you want something reliable.
Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.Is it for you?
- Who'll love it
- Made for romantics. If you loved Atonement or The French Lieutenant's Woman, start here.
- The mood
- Warm and romantic.
- The pace
- Takes its time with its characters, at 1 hr 45 min.
- What might put you off
- Made in 1955: an older pace and style.
During the 1940s, Maurice Bendrix, a writer recently discharged from the armed service, falls in love with Sarah Miles, whom he interviews for a book. Sarah is married, but she and Maurice eventually give in to their mutual attraction, leading to an affair that lasts several months. Maurice's jealousy, along with the bombing of London by the Germans, seemingly leads to the end of their relationship. However, the reasons are later revealed to be more complex.
How it earned its rating
- CriticsStrong
80% on Rotten Tomatoes
- AudiencesNot counted
Not measured yet: not enough ratings
- AwardsNot counted
No major awards or nominations
- Reach & staying powerBelow par
Streaming release that reached a small audience so far; still draws a steady audience long after release
- Buzz & cultural impactBelow par
About 25K people sought it out in the past year
Trailer
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The End of the Affair Sunday Safe BetA 1999 remake of this film: a war romance, and a safe bet for a quiet night.
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Atonement
Friday Night FlickAnother critically acclaimed war drama.
The French Lieutenant's Woman
Saturday SpecialAnother drama that's easy to miss.
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Cast & crew
Directed by Edward Dmytryk
- Deborah KerrSarah Miles
- Van JohnsonMaurice Bendrix
- John MillsAlbert Parkis
- Peter CushingHenry Miles
- Michael GoodliffeSmythe
- Stephen MurrayFather Crompton
- Charles GoldnerSavage
- Nora SwinburneMrs Bertram
- Frederick LeisterDr Collingwood
- Mary WilliamsMaid