The Winslow Boy

The Winslow Boy

Year: 1948

Runtime: 117 mins

Language: English

Director: Anthony Asquith

DramaMoving relationship storiesEnduring stories of family and marital dramaPassion and romanceTouching and sentimental family stories

In pre-WW1 England, a youngster is expelled from a naval academy over a petty theft, but his parents raise a political furor by demanding a trial.

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Timeline & Setting – The Winslow Boy (1948)

Explore the full timeline and setting of The Winslow Boy (1948). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

Early 20th century

Set in a period marked by strict social codes and rising demands for reform, the story unfolds through formal proceedings, parliamentary debates, and a high-stakes legal battle. The era’s emphasis on duty, honor, and due process shapes every decision the family makes and heightens the stakes of the courtroom fight.

Location

Oxford University, London, Reading

The Winslow family story travels from the academic halls of Oxford to the public chambers of Parliament and the courtroom, with key action unfolding around the family home and the bank. The narrative also touches on the cityscape of London where Parliament and the legal system operate, and Reading as a place of work for one family member.

🎓 Oxford University 🏛️ Parliament 🏦 Bank

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 17:14

Main Characters – The Winslow Boy (1948)

Meet the key characters of The Winslow Boy (1948), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Arthur Winslow (Cedric Hardwicke)

A proud, stubborn patriarch who retires from the bank after 46 years due to arthritis. He launches a determined fight to clear his son's name, risking his health and finances for family honor. His resolve anchors the story as he navigates legal and social pressures.

👨 Family man 🏦 Bank employee 🛡️ Protector of the family

Ronnie Winslow (Neil North)

The younger Winslow, abruptly accused of stealing a postal order. Under intense pressure, he confronts memory gaps and fear, while his innocence becomes the driving force behind the legal battle.

🧒 Accused youth 🕊️ Innocence at stake

Dickie Winslow (Jack Watling)

The eldest son, at Oxford but pulled back by financial strain. His predicament embodies the cost of defending family honor, including losing his place at university and taking up work in Reading.

🎓 Student 👨‍👦 Brother

Catherine Winslow (Margaret Leighton)

A determined daughter and non-militant suffragette who supports her family while negotiating evolving social roles. Her arcs touch on personal sacrifice and a potential, subtle romance with Morton.

👩 Progressive 💪 Strong-willed

Sir Robert Morton (Robert Donat)

The top barrister hired to defend Ronnie. He is sharp, principled, and focused on exposing the truth, even at the cost of political advancement that might tempt him to compromise.

⚖️ Barrister 🧭 Moral compass

Desmond Curry (Basil Radford)

The family solicitor who coordinates the legal strategy. Practical and loyal, he keeps the inquiry moving and ensures the case remains focused on truth and justice.

🧑‍⚖️ Lawyer 🤝 Loyal ally

John Watherstone (Frank Lawton)

The neighbor who asks for his daughter's hand in marriage, embodying social expectations and the pressures of propriety surrounding the Winslow family.

🧑 Neighbor 💍 Social pressure

Grace Winslow (Marie Lohr)

The matriarch who provides emotional steadiness and resilience as the family endures the legal ordeal and its consequences.

👩 Mother 🛡️ Family anchor

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 17:14

Major Themes – The Winslow Boy (1948)

Explore the central themes of The Winslow Boy (1948), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

⚖️ Justice

Ronnie’s innocence drives the central legal battle, with the family and Morton challenging flimsy evidence in a system meant to safeguard due process. The courtroom drama reveals how truth must contend with institutional inertia and public perception. The case ultimately restores Ronnie’s reputation but exacts a personal and financial toll on the family.

🏛️ Institutions

Parliament, government, and the legal profession become arenas for debates about rights, duty, and accountability. The Magna Carta reference underscores the principle that no subject should be condemned without a fair trial. The film exposes tensions between authority and the individual when high-stakes cases collide with public interest.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family

Family loyalty is the engine of the story, driving sacrifices across health, finances, and personal futures. Each member bears costs as they pursue justice, from undoing social expectations to reshaping plans for education and marriage. The drama frames honor as a collective family endeavor, not just a legal victory.

🔎 Truth-seeking

The pursuit of truth leads to meticulous scrutiny of memories, signatures, and motives. Lawyers and family alike piece together evidence to separate fact from fear, showing how careful inquiry can overturn seemingly conclusive claims. It also shows how truth can require courage when confronting powerful institutions.

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 17:14

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Unlock the Full Story of The Winslow Boy

Don't stop at just watching — explore The Winslow Boy in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what The Winslow Boy is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

The Winslow Boy Summary

Read a complete plot summary of The Winslow Boy, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

The Winslow Boy Summary

The Winslow Boy Timeline

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The Winslow Boy Timeline

More About The Winslow Boy

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More About The Winslow Boy

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