The Small Back Room

Sammy Rice is a British scientist working in a London 'back room' weapons unit during the Second World War. He endures constant pain from a prosthetic foot and battles self-doubt that strains his relationship with his girlfriend Susan. Bureaucrats and poor management make progress slow and frustrating.

Rice's background in bomb disposal is recalled as he tries to keep his nerves steady under mounting pressure. He grapples with feeling unworthy as bureaucrats and shifting politics hamper the weapon project. Susan tries to keep him focused despite the toxic work environment.

Captain Stuart drags Rice into a hush-hush assignment to probe a new Nazi booby-trap device. The project remains secret and progress is slow due to bureaucratic obstacles.

In the middle of bureaucratic and political turmoil, Susan urges Rice to be more assertive at his job, hoping to salvage his career. He interprets the push as interference and pushes back, deepening the rift. The conflict strains both his professional prospects and his relationship.

Propelled by alcohol and anger, Rice returns to his flat and smashes it up in a drunken rampage. Susan, fed up with his temper, leaves him. The personal fallout hits just as his work situation remains unstable.

Still drunk, Rice receives a call from Stuart reporting that two intact devices have been found on Britain's Channel coast. The discovery triggers a race to get there before disaster strikes. Rice prepares for a dangerous assignment that could influence the war.

On arrival, Rice learns that Stuart has died while trying to defuse the first device. The mission exposes the human cost of the secret project and the stakes of the work. Rice steels himself for the remaining device.

Before tackling the second device, Rice listens to transcripts of Stuart's disarming attempts. He discovers the second device has two booby traps and must carefully navigate them. He succeeds in neutralizing both traps.

Rice returns to London with his reputation enhanced and his self-esteem restored. The successful outcome rekindles his confidence and redefines his standing with colleagues. He seems ready to take on bigger responsibilities.

Susan directs him to an urgent meeting with an army colonel whom he had previously supported during a contentious hearing over an experimental artillery gun. The officer had opposed the project, but Rice's success earns a new chance. The meeting marks a turning point in his career.

Rice is offered the opportunity to lead the Army's own new scientific research unit, with a commission as a major. He accepts the post, signaling a fresh start in his professional life. The move aligns with his personal growth after his Channel coast ordeal.

Back at his flat, the previous damage is repaired. Susan awaits him there, signaling a hopeful reconciliation and a new chapter in their relationship. The day closes with a sense of renewal.