The Winslow Boy is, without doubt, a great film; in my humble opinion it is one of the greatest films ever made.
The story of Cadet Ronnie Winslow is a true one although the real name of the cadet was George Archer-Shee; Terence Rattigan, a playwright of the greatest quality, no doubt changed the name for reasons of propriety. Archer-Shee was accused of stealing a postal order while a cadet at Osborne Naval College and dismissed from his post; his father decided to challenge the dismissal and a battle royal ensued. While the real case had differences to the film, the essence was the same and Rattigan's play and the associated film tell the story in a way that fully demonstrates the drama, pathos and prejudices of the times.
The casting is impeccable and the performances outstanding. Sir Cedric Hardwicke as Ronnie's father is superb and Robert Donat as the great counsel, named as Sir Robert Morton in the film but actually Sir Edward Carson, could not have been bettered; his admittedly theatrical exmination of the boy before he accepts the case is sensational. That Donat is now largely forgotten is a tragedy, as is his early death. Margaret Leighton, another who died tragically young, is beautiful, strong-willed and brilliant as Ronnie's older sister who gives up her romance for the cause and eventually falls for Donat. The supporting cast is, without exception, wonderful if slightly elderly for some of their roles. Marie Lohr, Jack Watling, Francis L Sullivan and the rest are all superb. The atmosphere of the day, created by music hall interludes as well as by the overall surroundings, is perfect.
I've watched this film more times than I can remember but it never palls. The casting, script and acting are all of the highest quality; it is a perfect 10 out of 10
The story of Cadet Ronnie Winslow is a true one although the real name of the cadet was George Archer-Shee; Terence Rattigan, a playwright of the greatest quality, no doubt changed the name for reasons of propriety. Archer-Shee was accused of stealing a postal order while a cadet at Osborne Naval College and dismissed from his post; his father decided to challenge the dismissal and a battle royal ensued. While the real case had differences to the film, the essence was the same and Rattigan's play and the associated film tell the story in a way that fully demonstrates the drama, pathos and prejudices of the times.
The casting is impeccable and the performances outstanding. Sir Cedric Hardwicke as Ronnie's father is superb and Robert Donat as the great counsel, named as Sir Robert Morton in the film but actually Sir Edward Carson, could not have been bettered; his admittedly theatrical exmination of the boy before he accepts the case is sensational. That Donat is now largely forgotten is a tragedy, as is his early death. Margaret Leighton, another who died tragically young, is beautiful, strong-willed and brilliant as Ronnie's older sister who gives up her romance for the cause and eventually falls for Donat. The supporting cast is, without exception, wonderful if slightly elderly for some of their roles. Marie Lohr, Jack Watling, Francis L Sullivan and the rest are all superb. The atmosphere of the day, created by music hall interludes as well as by the overall surroundings, is perfect.
I've watched this film more times than I can remember but it never palls. The casting, script and acting are all of the highest quality; it is a perfect 10 out of 10