The Passionate Friends

The hotel staff begin their day at Hotel Splendide by a tranquil Swiss lake, establishing the setting. Cut to Mary aboard a luxury aircraft, with a voiceover expressing her excitement for a rare holiday with Howard. The contrast between the domestic routine and Mary's anticipation introduces the film's central tension.

Nine years earlier, at a New Year's party, Mary meets Steven and feels a powerful connection. As they drive home, she recalls their passionate affair and the depth of their love. She declines his proposal, choosing independence over a conventional life.

Howard travels to Germany and Italy on business, narrowing the distance between them. Steven calls Mary, and she goes to his apartment for lunch, where the affair rekindles. They begin an affair, not considering the consequences.

Howard returns home; they decide that he should know about the affair. Mary notices theatre tickets she left behind, hinting at unresolved tension. Steven brings Mary home; Howard invites him in for a drink, and Steven declares that they have always been in love. Mary tells Steven to leave.

In the morning, Steven receives a letter from Mary; he goes to the Justin house and finds trunks and dust sheets. He confronts Howard, who tells him he does not really know Mary. They are leaving for Washington. Mary confirms what Howard said and runs upstairs, weeping.

"That was 9 years ago," Mary's voiceover returns, reflecting on what she would have done had she known Steven was the man in the adjoining room. The line reframes their past as a fateful trap rather than a simple affair. The moment emphasizes lost chances and self-knowledge.

At breakfast, Steven has a half-day before returning to London. They travel by boat and cable car to a mountaintop picnic, where Steven reveals he has two children with his wife. Mary asks if he is happy, appearing to glimpse her own happiness, yet both acknowledge lingering regrets in their expressions.

Upon returning to the hotel, Howard arrives early and senses something at the door: Steven's suitcase being moved from the adjoining room. Mary waves to Steven from the terrace, unaware Howard is nearby, and the moment reveals the fragility of their arrangement. Howard storms out and files for divorce on adultery grounds.

Mary attempts to warn Steven, but he is served with divorce papers in front of his wife, wreaking havoc on his family life. The affair's consequences ripple outward, threatening friendships and reputations. The legal processes become a cold arena that tests loyalty.

Mary resolves to intervene and save Steven by informing him that Howard has withdrawn the divorce. She clarifies that nothing happened in the Hotel Splendide and that she knew nothing of the adjoining room. The decision marks a turn toward protecting Steven rather than pursuing the affair.

Howard confronts the evolving truth, expressing that he did not expect love but found it in Mary. He admits romantic feeling despite his previous disdain, but he is emotionally exposed and remorseful. Mary listens and then chooses to leave.

On the London Underground platform, Mary stands at the edge, contemplating a leap. Howard arrives just in time and catches her around the waist, preventing a tragedy. They share a tremulous embrace before returning home together.