Friday, February 22, 2013

Fabulous Films of the 1940s Blogathon: Let Right Be Done in "The Winslow Boy"

Robert Donat as Sir Robert Morton.
When 12-year-old Ronnie Winslow is expelled from the Royal Naval Academy, his father has but one question: Did Ronnie steal the five-shilling postal order? When his son replies that he did not, Arthur Winslow, a retired upper middle-class bank accountant, sets out to prove his son's innocence.

It's a campaign that will reach the House of Commons and evolve into a passionate debate of fundamental citizen rights. Yet, it will also earn the Winslow family unwanted notoriety, put them on the brink of debt, and cause them to question one another's motives (even the normally restrained Grace Winslow accuses her husband of "pride and self-importance").

Cedric Hardwicke.
This 1948 adaptation of Terence Rattigan's hit 1946 stage play succeeds as enthralling drama and social commentary. In regard to the latter, the film's central issue is whether "a servant of the King" can sue the King. When Arthur Winslow's (Cedric Hardwicke) appeal to the Naval commandant fails, he seeks out famous solicitor Sir Robert Morton (Robert Donat). In one of the film's best scenes, Morton cross-examines Ronnie ruthlessly in the family's home. After getting the lad thoroughly flummoxed, Morton turns away to make an abrupt exit. The family assumes that hope is lost--before Sir Robert quips on his way out the door: "The boy is plainly innocent. I will take the brief."

In order to bring Ronnie's case to trial, Sir Robert must secure approval from the Attorney General through a Petition of Right. When approved, the petition is endorsed with the phrase: "Let right be done." Sir Robert's political maneuvering and inspiring speech in the House of Commons would make for an interesting film alone.

The poster stressed Donat's
billing, of course.
However, Rattigan also focuses on the impact to the family. As the legal bills mount, Arthur Winslow withdraws financial support for his older son at Oxford. Arthur's health deteriorates until his arthritis makes him wheelchair-bound. Catherine Winslow's fiance ends their engagement when his father--who finds the Winslow' notoriety socially unacceptable--threatens to stop his son's allowance. Arthur even considers firing the family maid after 24 years of loyal service.

Through all the stress, Arthur and his suffragette daughter Catherine remain the pillars of the family. Arthur's goal is simply to prove his son's innocence. Catherine, on the other hand, believes that the government has ignored a fundamental human right. Her beliefs align closely with Sir Robert's, whom she first perceives as an egotistical lawyer who views the case as an opportunity to press his own agenda. However, just like Elizabeth Bennet in Pride and Prejudice, Catherine later learns she has misjudged Sir Robert...and, indeed, their sparring seems to indicate a spark between the two.

Margaret Leighton in a publicity still.
Although the entire cast is impeccable, special recognition must be paid to Hardwicke, Donat, and Margaret Leighton as Catherine. A supporting performer through much of his film career, Hardwicke brings determination and depth to his role as the single-minded father who begins to question what he had done. As for Donat, who doesn't appear until 41 minutes into the film, this may be my favorite of his performances--crisp, energetic, and utterly believable. He and Leighton, whose quiet conviction is the backbone of the story, are a delightful pair and their denouement ends the film on a perfect note.

Terence Rattigan based his play on a real-life incident involving George Archer-Shee, a Royal Navy cadet accused of stealing a postal order in 1910. Archer-Shee's case made headlines, just as in The Winslow Boy, and he was eventually acquitted. His family subsequently sued the Admiralty and finally received compensation in 1911.

Although the 1948 film remains the best-known adaptation, there are at least three other versions: a 1997 BBC "filmed play" with Eric Porter (The Forsyte Saga) as Arthur; a 1989 telefilm with Gordon Jackson (Upstairs Downstairs) as Arthur and Emma Thompson as Catherine; and David Mamet's very good 1991 adaptation starring Nigel Hawthorne (Arthur), Jeremy Northam (Sir Robert), and Rebecca Pidgeon (Catherine).

Click here to check out all the great reviews in the CMBA's Fabulous Films of the 1940s Blogathon.

21 comments:

  1. Marvelous! You gave voice to the many reasons that make "The Winslow Boy" my favourite courtroom drama. A wonderful look at an enthralling movie.

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  2. Nicely done, Rick! I haven't seen this version of the story (in fact, I wasn't aware there WAS an earlier version, though I should have assumed so). I have seen the 1991 Mamet remake with Jeremy Northam as Sir Robert, and very much enjoyed it. I will seek out this version someday for sure.

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  3. Excellent piece, Rick. A great story, and though I regret I've never seen this version, like Jeff, I've seen the 1991 remake. Your compelling post makes me want to see Robert Donat, so talented in every movie he appeared.

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  4. Let right be done! I love "The Winslow Boy" and most particularly for the three outstanding performances you have spotlighted. It also charmed me in that we don't see the verdict but rather hear it proclaimed from the streets, then announced from the maid who was the only family member present, and finally the judicial statement is read to the father and daughter by Sir Robert, who knew they would want to hear it.

    I was very pleased to see the 1991 version hold up well, too. I have not seen either Eric Porter or Gordon Jackson's versions but would love to do so, if given the opportunity, for their roles as Soames and Hudson have endeared both actors into my heart as well.

    Impeccably done, Rick, and a perfect selection for Fabulous Films of the 1940s!

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  5. Wonderful review Rick, I have never heard of this film, but.. the story sounds like a wonderful drama..

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  6. My favorite Robert Donat performance as well and I like him in everything. A great movie and the 1991 version is also very good. The material is so good, it's almost impossible to screw up. Hopefully your post will lead some readers to this terrific movie.

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  7. Have not seen this Rick, but Donat is such a charming actor that he alone would make it worth catching. Well done!

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  8. I have sort of avoided this film because it didn't seem very interesting to me. But, now that I've read your review, I want to see it! This event has certainly highlighted a lot of interesting films.

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  9. Rick, I haven't seen this version, though I did see the 1999 adaptation on TV a few years ago. Having read your take on the original, and being a fan of Robert Donat and Margaret Leighton, it's now on my "find and watch" list.

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  10. Rick, reading a post on a British film from the 40s made a pleasant change, and I'm glad you picked one that isn't so well known. I don't know if this is my favorite Donat performance--he's always so good, it would be hard for me to pick one performance over another. But he is very affecting here--controlled, with a sense of inner quiet, and seeming somehow very wise. I'm not that familiar with Margaret Leighton, but she also made a strong and positive impression on me. I've seen performances where she's almost too intense, and here she seemed more relaxed. I've seen the later remake too, and I recall that unlike the Donat verion it seemed to emphasize the obsessiveness of the father and the ruinous consequences of the trial on the family.

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  11. Never seen this, but it sounds like an intriguing story. Cedric Hardwicke was such a good actor, it's good to know from time to time he was given bigger opportunities to shine.

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  12. I've seen this on stage in the past and have definitely seen at least one of the later film adaptations, possibly the 1989 BBC one, but don't think I've ever seen this film. I do like Robert Donat in particular so will have to make sure to catch up with it. A fine review.

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  13. Rick,
    I haven't seen this film.
    Robert Donat in a powdered wig, egotistical lawyers, then a lawsuit. I'm sorry that I haven't.

    Your review left me feeling like I'm missing out on yet a good film. So glad you reviewed it with your honest review.

    Page

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  14. I'm another one who's seen the BBC remake but haven't seen this version. It looks terrific - especially with that cast!

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  15. I love classic movies! The first movie (with Robert Donat) that I saw was Goodbye Mr. Chips. Truth to tell, this is the first time I've read a proper description of this movie I only knew by its title. Thanks for posting!

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  16. I have never seen this movie and now I must! Your great review has piqued my curiousity. Thanks for helping me discover a new "Must see" movie!

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  17. I really need to catch up with this once since I always enjoy Robert Donat. He was one of the best at playing intelligent, well-spoken characters. Thanks for an intriguing review.

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  18. Thanks everyone for the thoughtful comments! Kevin, indeed "the material is so good, it's almost impossible to screw up." But that said, the cast is truly stellar. I haven't seen Margaret Leighton in a lot of films, but also thought she was quite good in THE BEST MAN.

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  19. Sorry it took so long for me to get to this. I've seen the terrific 1991 version but need to seek this one out. Thank you for selecting this!

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  20. I'm late with this one, Rick, but then I've been late with everything these days! I think this is a wonderful film, and agree with your assessment of the main actors. Donat's performance is perfection, and it is one of my favorites of his too. I remember first seeing Margaret Leighton in 7 Women when I was young, and I've watched for her ever since. And Cedric Hardwicke always makes any film better -- his voice alone can do it! I know that my favorite part of The War of the Worlds is his wonderful prologue about the planets and the touching epilogue of the movie. Good review, Rick.

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  21. Beautifully written piece on a film I haven't seen. Never fails the Cafe is well over my head in classic circles. Winslow is now on my "must watch" list.

    Thanks,

    Aurora

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