Conduct Unbecoming

PG

1975

1h 44m

Drama

List

63%

8 Reviews

Tomatometer

39%

250+ Ratings

Audience Score

On a British army base in India, two newcomers react in very different ways to their new setting. Lt. Millington (James Faulkner) comes from a military family but doesn't hide his desire to leave the service. Conversely, Lt. Drake (Michael York) is anxious to make his mark at his new post. When well-respected widow Mrs. Scarlett (Susannah York) accuses Millington of attacking her, the disillusioned soldier makes no effort to exonerate himself -- but Drake isn't so sure he's guilty.

Read More

Read Less

Prime Video

Rent Conduct Unbecoming on Prime Video, or buy it on Prime Video.

Audience Member

Soldier or not a violent act is still conduct unbecoming whoever commits it Based on the play the movie supports a classy cast from Christopher Plummer to Richard Attenborough to Susannah York to Michael York and Stacey Keach. It's one of the earliest films to discuss the failure of authority and standing up for ourselves. It also is part of several other movies exploring the inherent dishonor and idiosyncrasies of military culture in the face of violence. A British army base in 1800s India has several soldiers together but one night a woman Mrs. Scarlett-widow of a captain who was killed in battle suffers an assault and it looks like newcomer Millington is responsible. She tries to prove she was wrongfully treated but it gets harder to during the court trial. Since these men are upstanding men of their stature obviously they'd adhere to their rules, signs of respect, and traditions. But they also want to protect the sanctity of this regiment. Decorum and propriety is more important than hearing both sides. Millington is up to be prosecuted so easily but Drake is assigned to defend him despite the limitations he's given to follow procedure. Is there something deeper and darker going on? Could Mrs. Scarlett be lying? How come Millington doesn't react more to the accusation? The movie during several nights sheds light on a culture we still live in today that allows such behavior committed but also helps cover it up. Even a victim such as her could blame all men for the crimes not just one in particular making it a very contemporary thing. Yes certain individuals act like animals but that's also the same thing these men say about the enemies they're fighting during their occupation. They strictly live by the "bourgeoisie principle" the so-called honor in this regiment but Drake doesn't see it bring upheld. Clearly this shows the internal corruption of this unit as the men refuse to indict one another compromising their honor and roles even if they are guilty. The movie does afflict modern America from recognizing some dirty cops in the police department for example, although how many of them are still considered good if they don't speak up to protect those outside? It's a long court drama for sure but the well-performed cast work the material quite well. The mystery is shrouded enough to keep asking who's actually on trial; these soldiers' truth, honor, and standing. It's relevant but sad in the reality that still goes on today commentating on a culture shaped by authority. Makes us ask what is the real conduct unbecoming here? The actual reveal is quite troublesome but gives much leeway to why the attack originated. Engrossing courtroom drama this is.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

01/22/23

Full Review

Audience Member

Once the courtroom proceedings begin, you pretty much know what's going on. It's just a matter of guessing who done it. However, there was nothing external to the courtroom scene to keep it interesting. I understand it's based on a play, but as a movie there's so much more one could have done to establish connections, cause, motivation. Maybe some scenes of the two senior officers engaged in battle that forged their friendship and other external, flashback scenes that could have helped the viewer build his or her own case. Rather dull overall. It doesn't even look like it would make an interesting play. So much potential that is never fulfilled.

Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars

02/03/23

Full Review

Audience Member

A very intriguing court martial drama, with an unexpected ending. The trial had good pacing, and was not at all boring. Quality acting and script to work with. Can definitely see how it was adapted from a play.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

01/24/23

Full Review

Audience Member

Based on a play that opened in London, CONDUCT UNBECOMING is a fair adaptation but essentially a tempest in a teapot.

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

01/25/23

Full Review

Audience Member

Most of this movie was a boring courtroom drama, but the ending surprised me. Still, this could have been a better movie.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

01/22/23

Full Review

Audience Member

a little old-fashioned, a little outdated.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

01/18/23

Full Review

Read all reviews

Post a rating

Michael Anderson

Director

Michael York

2nd Lt. Arthur Drake

Richard Attenborough

Maj. Lionel E. Roach

Susannah York

Mrs. Marjorie Scarlett

Trevor Howard

Col. Benjamin Strang

Stacy Keach

Capt. Harper

Show Less Cast & Crew

Show More Cast & Crew

86%

78%

The Homecoming

38%

69%

Milton's Secret

TRAILER

for Milton's Secret

95%

73%

All Saints

TRAILER

for All Saints

10%

62%

God's Not Dead 2

TRAILER

for God's Not Dead 2

56%

98%

Overcomer

TRAILER

for Overcomer

Discover more movies and TV shows.

View More

View more photos

Pauline Kael

New Yorker

Conduct Unbecoming doesn't begin to know what it's about.

Oct 19, 2023

Full Review

Eddie Harrison

film-authority.com

... a pointed, angry play about the abuse of power, and the presentation is firm and accomplished. And while the side-lining of racial and sexual issues is very 1970s, the film entertains with a whodunit structure, and the punch -line is venomous.

Rated: 3/5

Jan 11, 2024

Full Review

David A. Nardozzi

Philadelphia Gay News

Top-notch intrigue with a polished, unexpected outcome.

May 26, 2020

Full Review

Jack Breschard

Los Angeles Free Press

Shoddily constructed by theatrical standards and preserved rather than prepared for its cinematic reincarnation.

Nov 21, 2019

Full Review

Jesús Fernández Santos

El Pais (Spain)

There's a certain humor to the way the story is told, but sadly, towards the end, it goes downhill. [Full Review in Spanish]

Jul 10, 2019

Full Review

Christopher Null

Filmcritic.com

Rated: 3/5

Dec 6, 2005

Full Review

Read all reviews

Synopsis

On a British army base in India, two newcomers react in very different ways to their new setting. Lt. Millington (James Faulkner) comes from a military family but doesn't hide his desire to leave the service. Conversely, Lt. Drake (Michael York) is anxious to make his mark at his new post. When well-respected widow Mrs. Scarlett (Susannah York) accuses Millington of attacking her, the disillusioned soldier makes no effort to exonerate himself -- but Drake isn't so sure he's guilty.

Director: Michael Anderson
Rating: PG
Genre: Drama
Original Language: English
Release Date (Streaming): Sep 2, 2019
Runtime: 1h 44m

Most Popular at Home Now