Very solid adaptation of the 1948 play written by Terence Rattigan, lead by a terrific performance by Michael Redgrave as Master Andrew Crocker-Harris.

Even though the entire cast delivers, special mention goes to Jean Kent as Millie (Redgrave’s wife on-screen) and Brian Smith as the sensitive student Taplow, it is Redgrave who keeps us completely immersed to the story through his portrayal of the disenchanted, conflicted and depressed master.

The story for itself is a simple one, and we could even say that, although it is understood as a fundamental part to the plot, the love story between Millie and, Andrew’s fellow master, Frank Hunter (played by Nigel Patrick) is rather uninteresting. Much more engaging is the relationship of Andrew with Taplow, providing many of the high points of the story and truly tapping on the profound trouble side of Andrew’s character that ended up affecting all aspects of his life (including his marriage): the sense of being a failure.

On the weaker side, we could say that, as it happens with many stage adaptations to the screen, it does not seem to intend any sort of cinematic approach to the material. Even if we could say that the sets are well-accomplished, it just still feels as simply a purely staged movie piece with not much artistry and intention behind it to make it something more unique.

In conclusion, as many stage-based films, that keeps the essence of a play and only puts it on a screen, it basically relies completely on the fact that the quality of its story and acting is top-notch. Happily, we can say that in this particular case this is fulfilled.