Brief Encounter

Brief Encounter

Year: 1974

Runtime: 103 mins

Language: English

Director: Alan Bridges

DramaTV Movie

Two strangers, both married to others, meet in a railway station and soon find themselves in a brief but intense affair.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline & Setting – Brief Encounter (1974)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Brief Encounter (1974). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

1950s

The movie takes place during the 1950s, a period characterized by post-war social stability and traditional values. Courtship and social expectations influenced relationships, shaping the characters' lifestyles and decisions, especially concerning romance and societal norms.

Location

Railway Station, Milford

The story is set mainly in a small railway station and the town of Milford. This setting serves as a bustling yet intimate hub where characters connect and part ways, symbolizing life's transient moments. The station's environment highlights the themes of fleeting encounters and emotional tension.

🚉 Transportation 🏘️ Small Town 🕰️ Classic Era

Last Updated: August 19, 2025 at 04:48

Main Characters – Brief Encounter (1974)

Meet the key characters of Brief Encounter (1974), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Anna Jesson (Sophia Loren)

Anna Jesson is a devoted wife and mother who finds herself emotionally torn between her stable family life and the passionate feelings for Alec. Her introspective nature reveals her inner conflict and longing for fulfillment beyond her conventional life.

💍 Wife 💕 Romantic 🧠 Reflective

Alec Harvey (Richard Burton)

Alec is an idealistic doctor caught in the dilemma of balancing duty to his family with his love for Anna. He exhibits a gentle, conscientious personality and faces the painful decision of choosing responsibility over personal happiness.

👨‍⚕️ Doctor 💓 Forbidden Love 🤔 Thoughtful

Stephen (John Le Mesurier)

Stephen is Alec's friend who allows their relationship to take place at his flat. He appears as a considerate and understanding friend, providing a space for their secret meetings amid the complexities of their lives.

🤝 Friend 🏡 Supportive 🎭 Observer

Laura Jesson (Sophia Loren)

Laura is a married woman seeking emotional escape and fulfillment through her affair with Alec. Her character embodies vulnerability, internal conflict, and the struggle between societal duties and personal desires.

💃 Homemaker 💔 Inner Conflict 💭 Dreamer

Fred Jesson (not specified)

Fred is Laura's husband, representing stability and traditional expectations. His interactions imply a gentle but distant relationship, highlighting the emotional gap that develops between him and Laura.

👔 Husband 🛋️ Stable 🤷‍♂️ Unaware

Last Updated: August 19, 2025 at 04:48

Major Themes – Brief Encounter (1974)

Explore the central themes of Brief Encounter (1974), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

💔 Forbidden Love

The film explores the emotional turmoil of an illicit romantic relationship between Laura and Alec, which defies societal expectations. It examines themes of passion, guilt, and the personal sacrifices involved in forbidden love during a conservative era.

⏳ Transient Nature of Life

Brief encounters and fleeting moments emphasize the impermanence of life and relationships. The characters grapple with the pain of parting and the choices that define their paths, highlighting life's ephemeral beauty and inevitable change.

Last Updated: August 19, 2025 at 04:48

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Unlock the Full Story of Brief Encounter

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Brief Encounter Summary

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Brief Encounter Summary

Brief Encounter Timeline

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Brief Encounter Timeline

Brief Encounter Spoiler-Free Summary

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Brief Encounter Spoiler-Free Summary

More About Brief Encounter

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Brief Encounter: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About Brief Encounter