South Riding (1938)

A country squire (Ralph Richardson) is on the verge of bankruptcy because of the many years of having his mentally ill wife (Ann Todd) in an expensive sanitarium. He crosses paths with a crusading school teacher (Edna Best) and corrupt developers that will determine his future. Based on the novel by Winifred Holtby and directed by Victor Saville (GREEN DOLPHIN STREET). A rather absorbing look at local politics in pre WWII rural England. There's also a romance but it never takes center stage thus allowing the behind the scenes scheming and corruption to remain at the forefront. Above average acting and a smart script make it easy to digest. The B&W cinematography is by Harry Stradling (JOHNNY GUITAR). With Glynis Johns (in her film debut) Edmund Gwenn, Marie Lohr, Joan Ellum and John Clements.