I think the film's [Brief Encounter] appeal is partly to do with the music. It was [director] David Lean's idea to have the Rachmaninov [Piano Concerto No.2].

Young people come dressed up in the style of the 40s. They bring a handkerchief for the last few scenes because they know they're going to cry. [on attending special screenings of "Brief Encounter"]

It was nerve-wracking, but fascinating as well. You could hear these things coming over and then the sound stopped. I knew they were going to drop but you didn't know where. I remember how the audience would get down on the floor and you could hear the seats going back. And then this great explosion would happen and dust would drop down from the top of the theatre. [remembering the Axis "buzz bombs" dropping on London]