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The Winslow Boy

Play trailer Poster for The Winslow Boy G 1999 1h 44m History Drama Play Trailer Watchlist
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97% Tomatometer 36 Reviews 78% Popcornmeter 2,500+ Ratings
When 14-year-old Ronnie Winslow (Guy Edwards) is expelled from the Royal Naval College for theft, his father, Arthur (Nigel Hawthorne), is convinced that Ronnie was wrongly accused. After acquiring the talented lawyer Sir Robert Morton (Jeremy Northam), Arthur doggedly pursues the case, which becomes a sensationalized public story. As the case wears on, the Winslows' finances are drained, adversely affecting the older Winslow children, Dickie (Matthew Pidgeon) and Catherine (Rebecca Pidgeon).
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The Winslow Boy

The Winslow Boy

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Critics Consensus

Smart and engaging, The Winslow Boy finds David Mamet bringing his talents to bear on period drama, with easily commendable results.

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Critics Reviews

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Walter Goodman New York Times 11/30/2017
What began as a transformation of borrowed material by adroit stagecraft has lately become a demonstration of a movie maker's finesse in adaptation. Go to Full Review
Roger Ebert Chicago Sun-Times 01/01/2000
3.5/4
The real drama isn't about poor little Ronnie, but about the passions he has unleashed in his household -- between his parents, and between his sister and her suitors, declared and undeclared. Go to Full Review
Michael Dequina TheMovieReport.com 11/15/2009
3.5/4
An intelligent and very satisfying work of art. Go to Full Review
Sarah Boslaugh Playback:stl 03/23/2009
8/10
Arthur Winslow and Sir Robert Morton are as ruthless in their way as the real estate salesmen in Mamet's Glengarry Glen Ross are in theirs... Go to Full Review
Jim Lane Sacramento News & Review 08/07/2008
3/5
Rob Gonsalves Rob's Movie Vault 07/23/2007
C-
The filmmaking seems to be stuck in 1912. Go to Full Review
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Audience Reviews

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Jack S Feb 15 This intelligent and well adapted play about early twentieth century English society is supported by superior work by a fine cast (Hawthorne is a standout as the boy’s driven father). However, Pidgeon (Mrs. Mamet) is one exceptional weak point. She’s adequate to the role, but not a match for the others in either acting chops or likability. But overall this is a fine adaptation, although not the equal of the 1948 version. See more Alec B 12/13/2023 Despite the distinct lack of non-stop casual cursing, Rattigan's play is actually the perfect material for Mamet to adapt (quick detailed filled dialogue, examination of a supposed crime, etc.) and he does so without indulging in too many of his quirks. See more ramona w 02/07/2023 Such a gripping move and wonderful character study. At first glance Rebecca's performance may seem to be underplayed; however it is her cool demeanor and high intelligence coupled with the tense undercurrent with three suitors that keep one rapt. Mamet's direction is superb. He is a genius. It is impossible to take your eyes, but most especially your ears off the screen. The reasons may be to find out if the boy is lying or how the family will fare physically, emotionally and fiscally. It may be the outcome of the lie upon which the story hinges. But, Rebecca's character is much more engrossing than the fallout from the boy's possible lie. Her acting is superb. The nuances of her performance and the tension produced by her relational outcome keeps one riveted. See more paul d @PaulusLoZebra 08/14/2021 David Mamet's film The Winslow Boy is excellent. He takes the rich raw material of Terence Ratigan's play and brings it brilliantly to the screen. Set in London in the years preceding WWI, with evocative and convincing sets, the film has just enough "action" to allow the plot to unfold naturally, but its focus (and ours) is on the interesting and intricate characters and how the events of the film affect their relationships. All the characters are drawn well, but the performances of Nigel Hawthorne and Jeremy Northam stand out. A movie made by people who respect their audience. See more dustin d 09/25/2020 The Winslow Boy is a nicely done period piece about a little sideshow in English history. It is a clever character drama in which the (predictable) story happens (thankfully) mostly off-screen. See more william d @acsdoug 09/07/2020 A bit slow perhaps, but it is a very intelligent, and oh so English, script. See more Read all reviews
The Winslow Boy

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Movie Info

Synopsis When 14-year-old Ronnie Winslow (Guy Edwards) is expelled from the Royal Naval College for theft, his father, Arthur (Nigel Hawthorne), is convinced that Ronnie was wrongly accused. After acquiring the talented lawyer Sir Robert Morton (Jeremy Northam), Arthur doggedly pursues the case, which becomes a sensationalized public story. As the case wears on, the Winslows' finances are drained, adversely affecting the older Winslow children, Dickie (Matthew Pidgeon) and Catherine (Rebecca Pidgeon).
Director
David Mamet
Producer
Sarah Green
Screenwriter
Terence Rattigan, David Mamet
Distributor
Sony Pictures Classics, Columbia Tristar
Production Co
Winslow Partners Ltd.
Rating
G
Genre
History, Drama
Original Language
English
Release Date (Theaters)
Apr 16, 1999, Original
Release Date (Streaming)
Nov 30, 2010
Box Office (Gross USA)
$4.0M
Runtime
1h 44m
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