Classification: NR

Alfred Hitchcock enjoyed the challenge of the seemingly theatrical confines of restricted space — Lifeboat, Rear Window, Rope — creating works of extraordinary fluidity. But the actual theatre pieces which dominated his early British career defeated even his genius and this adaptation of Galsworthy`s London success is inevitably dated.

It concerns a wealthy family, the Hillcrests, dominated by the aristocratic mother (Helen Haye in the film's best performance) which is at loggerheads with a neighbouring builder who wants to replace farms with factories. The situation raises themes of class and “progress” and rattles a few skeletons in the cupboard.

Watch out for the appearance of Laurence Olivier's first wife, Jill Esmond, as Jill Hillcrest.

If you are unlucky enough to get a dvd release of this released by Laserlight Video then watch out for a atrocious and hammy introduction by Tony Curtis, circa 1999. Absolutely no expense has been undertaken in its production!