The Winslow Boy 1998

views updated

The Winslow Boy ★★★ 1998 (G)

Mamet successfully treads on unfamiliar ground with this English period piece in which young Ronnie Winslow (Edwards) is accused of stealing and expelled from military school. His father (Hawthorne) becomes determined to clear his name at whatever cost. And the cost is to be high, for his family, his health, and his moderate fortune. He hires renowned lawyer Sir Robert Morton (Northam), also with consequences for family and bank balance. Although based on a real case, the story largely ignores the main events of the scandal, focusing on its effects on the various family members. Strong performances are led by Northam and Hawthorne. Based on Terence Rattigan's play. 104m/C VHS, DVD . Nigel Hawthorne, Jeremy Northam, Rebecca Pidgeon, Gemma Jones, Guy Edwards, Matthew Pidgeon, Colin Stinton, Aden (John) Gillett, Perry Fenwick, Sarah Flind, Sara Stewart, Alan Polanski, Neil North; D: David Mamet; W: David Mamet; C: Benoit Delhomme; M: Alaric Jans.