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Term of Trial

Play trailer Poster for Term of Trial 1962 1h 53m Drama Play Trailer Watchlist
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A schoolteacher plagued by alcoholism and his refusal to serve in World War II, Graham Weir (Laurence Olivier) inspires contempt in almost everyone around him, including his bitter wife, Anna (Simone Signoret). When the lovely young Shirley Taylor (Sarah Miles), one of Weir's students, falls for her unfortunate instructor, he is tempted and flattered but turns down her advances. Taylor's subsequent actions make Weir's life even more complicated.

Critics Reviews

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Clyde Gilmour Maclean's Magazine Not even Sir Laurence Olivier's immense talent for characterization can defeat a tinge of monotony in his role here as a seedy, idealistic North England schoolteacher... Oct 7, 2019 Full Review Dwight MacDonald Esquire Magazine The only interest is in confirming, once more, one's opinion that Laurence Olivier is the best actor now going: he actually gets something out of his cliché part. May 9, 2019 Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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Audience Member English film is pretty predictable fare, but a good cast helps. Laurence Olivier and the wonderful Simone Signoret. 3 stars Rated 3 out of 5 stars 01/14/23 Full Review Audience Member above average drama-gr8 cast Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 01/21/23 Full Review Audience Member very underrated film with incredible performances from Olivier,Miles and Signoret Rated 4 out of 5 stars 02/22/23 Full Review Audience Member Like many british films of this period , this one came and went largely unheralded which is a great pity as it is a very good understated film that deals with the complexities of relationships within the framework of a teacher and a student who develops an obsessive love for him. Laurence Olivier does a fine job in a role that would have more naturally suited Michael Redgrave or Alec Guinness . Indeed , Olivier was criticised by some for playing the sensitive,weak romantic idealist instead of an outgoing, commanding figure more traditionally associated with him. The critics got it very wrong as they often do when an actor steps away from type. His impassioned courtroom speech is jaw-droppingly well done and the scenes with Sarah Miles have genuine poignancy.Miles gives a very convincing portrait of youthful emotional angst and Simone Signoret does a good job as Olivier's tired and depressed wife. A young Terence Stamp is charismatic as the cruel and arrogant class lout and the rest of the cast gives good support. Lets hope more of these well crafted and intelligent british films see the lght of day. Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 02/14/23 Full Review Audience Member I can see this remake vividly! Very true even now! Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 01/16/23 Full Review Audience Member good well written drama Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars 02/25/23 Full Review Read all reviews
Term of Trial

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Term of Trial

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Movie Info

Synopsis A schoolteacher plagued by alcoholism and his refusal to serve in World War II, Graham Weir (Laurence Olivier) inspires contempt in almost everyone around him, including his bitter wife, Anna (Simone Signoret). When the lovely young Shirley Taylor (Sarah Miles), one of Weir's students, falls for her unfortunate instructor, he is tempted and flattered but turns down her advances. Taylor's subsequent actions make Weir's life even more complicated.
Director
Peter Glenville
Production Co
Romulus Films Ltd.
Genre
Drama
Original Language
English
Release Date (DVD)
Sep 15, 2009
Runtime
1h 53m