6/15/99

THE WINSLOW BOY
Rating: ***

CAST:
Nigel Hawthorne, Jeremy Northam, Rebecca Pidgeon, Gemma Jones, Guy Edwards, Matthew Pidgeon, Colin Stinton, Aden Gillet, Neil North


"The Winslow Boy" is a true story based on the 1946 play by Terence Rattigan. The film tells the story of 14-year-old Ronnie Winslow (Guy Edwards), a young Naval cadet accused of stealing and forging a five shilling postal order. As minor as this event seems, the film (circa-1910) delves into the "bigger picture", namely, the issue of Right vs. Justice and the overwhelming cost of principle. Ronnie's banker father, Arthur Winslow (Nigel Hawthorne) begins an uphill battle to defend and clear his name at all costs, including nearly impoverishing and destroying the family core.

The family calls upon Sir Robert Morton (Jeremy Northam) to help with Ronnie's legal defense. Sir Robert represents the Winslow family with great conviction taking the case to the House of Commons, into the House of Lords, and lastly, to the First Lord of Admiralty (Neil North).

The surrounding cast is superb. Catherine Winslow (Rebecca Pidgeon) as the outspoken feminist suffragette family member, Dickie Winslow (Mattew Pidgeon) her whimsical brother, and Grace Winslow, their elegent, supportive mother.

This film keeps the audience engrossed mainly through its witty dialogue and interactions among the entire cast. The relationship between Catherine and Sir Robert was especially notable. Their sly bantering was intense, while at the same time rather amusing!

I recommend this movie to anyone looking for a "change of pace" from the usual summer blockbusters.


Copyright 1999, 2000 Stephanie Geter