The End Of The Affair (1955)

Set at the end of WWII in London, an American writer (Van Johnson) enters an affair with the bored wife (Deborah Kerr) of a mild mannered civil servant (Peter Cushing). When she abruptly ends their affair with no explanation, he hires a private detective (John Mills) to investigate. Based on the celebrated novel by Graham Greene and directed by Edward Dmytryk (CROSSFIRE). One of the most Catholic (though perhaps unwillingly) of writers, Greene's novel could be called a BRIEF ENCOUNTER with a religious bent. That's too glib, of course but the element of a faith in God and its effect on an adulterous affair is at the heart of Greene's book. Unfortunately, this film version of the novel is too simplistic and the complexities and layers of the Greene novel are only (and barely) hinted at. Neil Jordan's 1999 film version is a much worthier adaptation and better cast. I've always liked Van Johnson but he's not able to convey the necessary intensity and passion the part requires and Kerr is ..... adequate (what a great part this would have been for Vivien Leigh). With Nora Swinburne, Charles Goldner and Joyce Carey.