When The Browning Version premiered in 1948, British critics were quick to praise Rattigan's achievements. Many recognized how Rattigan had matured as a playwright. A London correspondent of the New York Times, W. A. Darlington, asserted, "[The play] might have devolved into sentimentality on the one hand or domestic brawling on the other. It does nothing of the sort, for Rattigan has at call not only the superb craftsmanship ... but also that sure grasp of character...." When the play premiered in the United States a year later, however, critical response was mixed.

Some critics found much to praise. The anonymous critic of Newsweek contended: ' 'By skillful writing, Rattigan has been able to endow this stuffed figure of a scholar with genuine emotion. ..." Howard Barnes of the New York Herald Tribune seconded his colleague. He maintained, "The Browning Version is honest and eloquent. ... [H]e has composed...