The Prisoner is a 1955 British black-and-white psychological thriller film directed by Peter Glenville and based on the play of the same name by Bridget Boland.

To purge himself of his perceived sin, in the show trial that follows, the cardinal confesses to every lie of which he is accused, including collaborating with the Nazis, though, privately, he looks to God, rather than the court, for forgiveness.

A romantic sub-plot involves a young guard at the prison, who is in love with a married girl, who wants to leave the country to join her husband, who has left due to the political situation.

[6][7] The New York Times called The Prisoner a "grim and gripping drama—which also happens to be an equally revealing motion picture, one of the best of the year", and a "film that will make you shiver—and think.

"[8] The Radio Times, while praising the two main performances in the film, said that "Peter Glenville's theatrical direction won't do much to persuade those without religious or political convictions to become involved".