Customer Reviews

THE WINSLOW BOY [VHS]

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This is a marvelously acted English drama, typical of the genre for its time, but superior in its casting. Based upon the play by Terrence Rattigan, the film takes place in England during the early part of the twentieth century, before the advent of World War I. A thirteen year old Naval cadet is expelled for stealing a postal order. He claims he did not do it, despite seeming evidence to the contrary. His upstanding family stands behind him and supports him. After going to the Naval academy from which he was expelled, where their entreaties fall upon deaf ears, they decide to take the unprecedented step of suing the Crown.

The family retains the services of the well respected barrister, Sir Robert Morton, cooly played with dash by the ever wonderful Robert Donat, who agrees to represent the boy. The case becomes a cause celebre all over England, and Sir Morton's client becomes known as that Winslow boy, a notoriety that shakes the boy's very proper family to its core. While the case wends its way through the British legal system, tension between the boy's intelligent, bluestocking sistersister, beautifully played by the talented Margaret Leighton, and his barrister bubbles to the surface, and the sparks begin to fly.

The old time English courtroom scenes that follow will satisfy all legal beagles and lovers of courtroom drama. The resolution of the suit is somewhat predictable, but enhanced by the delicious wit of the dialogue and the wonderful performances by the entire cast. The movie ends on a note of romantic hope, as it does not lament what might have been between the barrister and the boy's sister, but, instead, augers what is surely to come.

All in all, this is a terrific movie with a stellar cast.

This is based on a true story and is a wonderful addition to any collection.
It is well written and the acting is superb. The subtle treatment of the budding romance is so well done; there's no violence or swearing in this movie - just a good story & wonderful actors.

Interesting drama of boy accused of stealing at UK Naval school.

First his father, and then a famous lawyer fight for to clear his name.

Robert Donat is terrific as the lawyer, and some of the character arcs
are very touching, but a number of the performances are stagy and
awkward, and the ending is too neat and perfect.

Definitely worth seeing for some great moments, but I found it more
uneven than most. So much so that I will try to see it again.

The VHS tape is far from a great transfer. The film really deserves upgrading
to DVD.

Beyond that, there are many VHS versions out there (I assume the
title is in public domain), and the first I bought under this listing had
a slightly different box, and was recorded at slow speed, so the transfer
was almost unwatchable. Buyer beware.

The plot is ever green, witness its many incarnations on stage
and screen. Terence Rattigan was the quintessential British
playwright of the '40s and '50s. Sometimes, as in this instance,
he used actual events to draw upon. The great British actor Robert Donat is the main reason to watch this film, his handsome face and
flawless diction. Hollywood kept trying to become his home, Hitchcock in particular wanted him. But he wasn't happy in La-La Land, so remained in Britain even through the war years. In demand for both stage and screen work, he husbanded his physical resources and did both. Afflicted with chronic asthma from childhood, his life was cut short at the age of 58. His signature role for Americans is Mr. Chips. Watch him in this film for the sublety and wit he brings to rather formal dialogue. The supporting cast is first rate, led by a very young Margaret Leighton.