The Browning Version (1951)

A middle aged schoolmaster (Michael Redgrave) is leaving his position because of ill health. He is a humorless, dried up man with an adulterous wife (Jean Kent) and sees his life as a failure. Based on the play by Terence Rattigan (SEPARATE TABLES), who adapted his play for the screen and directed by Anthony Asquith (THE VIPS). Although much admired, Michael Redgrave never quite got the adulation of some of his contemporaries like Laurence Olivier, John Gielgud or even Ralph Richardson. His immaculate performance here shows a great actor at the top of his game. It's not a showy performance (Redgrave isn't that kind of actor) but within the limitations of his character's emotionally stymied psyche, he gives a beautifully modulated character study. His reveal of emotion at a student's gift and his farewell speech to the school are a master class in acting. Though Redgrave's performance dominates the film, it's not the only admirable performance. Jean Kent as his embittered and cruel wife doesn't give us an inch of compassion and Nigel Patrick as her lover brings a conscientious dignity to the part. Remade in 1994 by Mike Figgis. With Ronald Howard, Wilfrid Hyde White and Bill Travers.