The Winslow Boy

The son of Arthur Winslow has been sent home. The young navel cadet is alleged to have stolen a postal order. But he didn’t do it, he insists to his father. That is enough for Winslow (Hawthorne). He won’t rest until his son has been cleared of all blame. He manages to persuade a famous defence lawyer (Northam) to take the case and risks his name, his family capital, his marriage and his health. The story of ‘the Winslow Boy’, an English story through and through, is based on real-life events at the turn of the 20th century. It is even more striking that it is directed by David Mamet, who has made a name with pointed, cynical, contemporary American stories. With insight and feeling, Mamet draws a convincing portrait of a different era and different norms and values. The Winslow Boy is an achievement of narrative and mood that will satisfy lovers of British drama and great acting.