Brief Encounter

Lew Grade strikes again as he brings star power together for this television remake of David Lean's classic.

This modern updating has Dr Alec Harvey (Richard Burton) meeting housewife Anna Jesson (Sophia Loren) after she gets some grit in her eye.

Both are trapped in mundane marriages, just pottering along. Harvey and Jesson find a spark, maybe destined to be soulmates.

As Anna works part time at a Citizens Advice Bureau. They start to regularly meet then both go in opposite directions on the train.

Is their growing relationship enough for both of them to walk out on their respective families.

Loren is too glamorous to be an ordinary housewife. Burton at least relishes a chance to be gentle and romantic.

The movie does not work, it is too flat and dull. I think the Lean version was of its time and works in that respect.