Watch The Winslow Boy

Set in early 20th century England, "The Winslow Boy" tells the story of a middle-class family's struggle for justice and reputation. Based on Terence Rattigan's play of the same name, the 1948 film stars Robert Donat as Arthur Winslow, a retired bank employee and father of three children. When his youngest son Ronnie (played by Neil North) is expelled from the Royal Naval College for allegedly stealing a five-shilling postal order, the Winslow family is thrown into a legal battle that tests their loyalty, morality, and social standing.

At the heart of the story is the question of whether or not Ronnie is innocent. His family believes him to be wrongly accused and fighting for his honor becomes their top priority. Arthur Winslow hires the famous barrister Sir Robert Morton (played by Cedric Hardwicke) to represent Ronnie in court, but the case proves to be more complicated than expected. With the support of his wife Grace (played by Marie Lohr), his daughter Catherine (played by Margaret Leighton), and his friend Desmond Curry (played by Basil Radford), Arthur fights against the authorities and the public opinion to clear his son's name.

Directed by Anthony Asquith, "The Winslow Boy" is a classic drama that explores themes of class, justice, and family dynamics. The film portrays the Winslow family as decent, hardworking, and close-knit, but also as vulnerable to social prejudices and power inequalities. Despite their privileged status, the Winslows struggle to navigate the legal system, the media coverage, and the public opinion, which all work against them. The film also raises questions about the role of women in society, as Catherine's education and intelligence are often overlooked or dismissed by the male characters around her.

The performances in "The Winslow Boy" are a standout feature of the film. Robert Donat, who was already an established actor when he took on the role of Arthur Winslow, brings a dignified and determined presence to the character. His performance is nuanced and restrained, conveying the inner turmoil and sense of duty that drive Arthur's actions. Cedric Hardwicke, meanwhile, exudes charm and confidence as Sir Robert Morton, the brilliant barrister with a reputation for winning difficult cases. Hardwicke's scenes with Donat are particularly compelling, as the two actors play off each other's strengths and weaknesses.

The supporting cast of "The Winslow Boy" is equally impressive, with Marie Lohr playing the loyal and supportive Grace Winslow, Margaret Leighton playing the independent and opinionated Catherine Winslow, and Basil Radford providing comic relief as the bumbling but well-meaning Curry. All of these characters contribute to the film's portrayal of the Winslow family as a unit that is both flawed and admirable.

The cinematography by Freddie Young is also worth noting, as it captures the period detail and the emotional intensity of the story. The film's interiors are lush and detailed, with the Winslow's home and Sir Robert's office reflecting the social status and taste of their owners. The outdoor scenes, meanwhile, convey a sense of grandeur and expansiveness, underscoring the themes of justice and patriotism that are central to the story.

Overall, "The Winslow Boy" is a timeless and thought-provoking film that showcases the talents of its cast and crew. It is a story about justice, but also about the values that define us as individuals and as a society. The film's ending is both poignant and hopeful, leaving the audience with a renewed sense of faith in the power of decency and perseverance.

The Winslow Boy is a 1949 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 57 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.6.