Edward, My Son

Arnold Boult and his wife Evelyn celebrate their son Edward's first birthday at their London home, joined by their friend, Dr. Larry Woodhope. Arnold is about to start a new career in finance with Harry Simpkin, who has just been released from prison for fraud. The scene establishes key relationships and the ambition driving the family's future.

Five years later, Edward is diagnosed with a serious illness requiring an expensive operation abroad. Boult resolves to burn down a building to finance the surgery with insurance money, and Simpkin agrees to go along despite his reservations. The plan marks the first major moral compromise shaping Boult’s ascent.

As the years pass, Boult becomes a wealthy, unscrupulous financier willing to do anything to protect his son. When Edward faces expulsion from his prep school, Boult quietly assumes the school's mortgage, extending his control over Edward's future. The move tightens Boult’s grip on their lives.

Evelyn confides in Larry that Edward drinks heavily and shows little moral restraint. Larry urges that something be done to curb Edward, but Boult remains convinced his son can do no wrong and resists outside intervention. The tension foreshadows the growing moral conflict in the family.

Simpkin serves another fraud sentence and asks Boult for a job, which Boult denies. In retaliation, Simpkin commits suicide by leaping from his former partner's office building; Boult's secretary, Eileen Perrin, lies about Simpkin’s visit, and Boult and Eileen begin an illicit affair. The relationship deepens Boult’s secrets and complicates his life.

A year later, Boult and Eileen are seen by a detective hired by Evelyn's attorney, forcing Boult to end the affair to avoid scandal. Eileen dies from an overdose, and Boult travels to Switzerland to confront Evelyn and Edward. The reckoning solidifies Evelyn’s disillusionment and Boult’s determination to keep his secrets.

Evelyn pressures Boult to keep silent about his true nature, threatening to expose him to Edward. Boult agrees to destroy Doctor Woodhope (Larry) to preserve Evelyn’s reputation, and she consents to remain silent. The promise cements a fragile, dangerous alliance between them.

Years pass as Evelyn grows increasingly unhappy and turns to alcohol. Edward becomes an alcoholic himself and is engaged to socialite Phyllis Mayden, while pregnant Betty Foxley believes he will marry her. The family framework continues to unravel under concealed vices.

Boult informs Betty of Edward's engagement and suggests he could pay her off or arrange an abortion, but Betty rejects the offer and asserts she can take care of herself. The encounter reveals Boult’s continued willingness to manipulate others for control.

Edward serves as an RAF pilot during World War II and dies in a crash, along with his crew. Boult learns that Larry delivered Betty's child and begs for information about the grandchild, but Larry refuses, determined to shield the next generation from Boult’s corrupting influence. Boult’s obsession deepens after this loss.

Boult’s longstanding schemes are temporarily interrupted when he is imprisoned for burning down his business decades earlier. Upon release, he declares an unwavering intention to resume his search for his grandchild, undeterred by the consequences of his past actions.