Based on a real-life court case, this is a 1999 period drama film directed by David Mamet.

    It is Christmas 1911 and Arthur Winslow, a London banker, is making preparations for a dinner to seal the engagement* between his daughter Catherine, a supporter of women’s suffrage*, and Captain John Watherstone.

    During the dinner, Arthur discovers that his youngest son Ronnie, a 13-year-old cadet* at the Royal Naval College, Osborne, is unexpectedly home.

    Ronnie has been accused of* stealing a postal order and expelled from school. Ronnie says he is innocent* and his father believes him — enough so that he demands an apology from the college. When the college refuses, Arthur decides to take the matter to court. With the help of his daughter and Desmond Curry, a solicitor* and friend of the family, Mr. Winslow decides to hire the most highly sought-after lawyer in England at the time, Sir Robert Morton.

    Catherine had expected Sir Robert to refuse the case. Instead, he is persuaded of Ronnie’s innocence by his responses to questioning in front of his family.

    In the meantime, the case creates media hysteria* and puts a heavy burden on the Winslow family — their money is rapidly spent to cover legal expenses. Mr. Winslow’s health worsens under the stress* and the happiness of the Winslows’ home is destroyed.

    When their victory finally arrives, not a single member of the Winslow’s family is present at court. It is Violet, a family maid, who tells Mr. Winslow and Catherine what has happened at court. Shortly after, Sir Robert appears in the Winslows’ home to share the good news. The film ends with a suggestion that romance might yet blossom between Sir Robert and Catherine, who realizes that she had misjudged* him all along.(SD-Agencies)