The Passionate Friends

The story is told through episodes of memories by the woman (Mary, played by Ann Todd) while on holiday in Switzerland waiting for her banker husband Howard (Claude Rains) to join her from his business. The narrative then goes into the past and tells of the love between Mary and Steven. While Mary loves Steven, she refuses to marry him, believing that a marriage of love would be too stifling. She then marries Howard, who gives her affection, stability and security. They meet again nine years later on New Year's Eve while Mary is with Howard.