Exemplary adaptation of the Terence Rattigan play, ostensibly about a naval cadet accused of stealing a postal order but predominantly concerned with the liberty of the individual. Savouring every word of Rattigan's immaculate dialogue, Robert Donat excels as defense counsel Sir Robert Morton, outwardly cold and unemotional yet inwardly warm hearted and good humoured, with Sir Cedric Hardwicke providing strong competition in a career-best performance as the boy's father.