The Winslow Boy

What makes this version stand out is that... we see the court case unfold — a treat, because Robert Donat is superb as the dashing barrister Sir Robert Morton.

This is quite definitely a film to see and enjoy.

Directed with great care for feeling and detail.

This is a super ensemble "David and Goliath" style story. When young "Ronnie" returns home having been expelled from the Naval Academy, accused of forgery, his father is quickly convinced of the young man's integrity and innocence. This is not just a proud father's belligerence, but a determination on behalf of this upstanding and principled man "Arthur" (Sir Cedric Hardwicke) to see his son gets justice. To that end, he alights on the renowned barrister and parliamentarian "Sir Robert Morton" (Robert Donat) to raise the issue in Parliament - it was not possible to seek ordinary legal redress for the lad as it would have meant effectively suing the King which was a big taboo! What now ensues is a well delivered story of right and wrong, of sacrifice and of love. Donat features sparingly really, but when he appears his delicate charm and subtle means of engaging with the camera speak volumes that, coupled with Rattigan's own adaptation of his play and with a solid cast including the always reliable Kathleen Harrison, Basil Bradford and Margaret Leighton create a potent look at just how effective the little man can be, when given the right impetus and a proper champion. It's not devoid of humour, either - usually at the hands of the gramophone-wielding, rather foppish "Dickie" (Jack Watling) who is happily wasting £200 a year at university with all the academic acumen of a toadst…