The Winslow Boy is a 1999 US made film period drama directed by David Mamet and starring Nigel Hawthorne, Rebecca Pidgeon, Jeremy Northam and Gemma Jones.

Set in London before World War I, it depicts a British family defending at all costs the honour of its naval cadet young son against a false charge of theft.

[2] It is nearing Christmas 1911 and Arthur Winslow, a London banker, is making final preparations for a dinner to seal the engagement between his daughter Catherine, an outspoken supporter of the cause of women's suffrage, and Captain John Watherstone.

The family and guests are toasting the forthcoming marriage when Arthur discovers that his youngest son Ronnie, a 13-year-old cadet at the Royal Naval College, Osborne, has returned home earlier than expected.

An internal enquiry, conducted without notice to his family and without benefit of representation, had found him guilty and Mr. Winslow is "requested to withdraw" his son from the college (the formula of the day for expulsion).

With the help of his daughter and Desmond Curry, a solicitor and friend of the family, Mr. Winslow decides to hire the most highly sought after barrister in England at the time, Sir Robert Morton, known also to be a shrewd opposition Member of Parliament.

In the meantime, the case creates media hysteria and puts a heavy toll on the Winslow family – their funds are rapidly depleted in order to cover legal expenses.

Forced to make economic sacrifices, Grace Winslow is unwilling to take the drastic measure of dismissing Violet, who has been the family's maid for over twenty years.

The eldest son, Dickie Winslow, has to leave Oxford University due to the lack of money, destroying his chance for a career in the Civil Service.

Her fiancé John Watherstone breaks off their engagement under pressure from his father (an Army Colonel) because of the publicity surrounding the case, forcing her to consider a sincere and well-intentioned offer of marriage from Desmond, whom she does not love.

The special features include an audio commentary by director/screenwriter David Mamet and cast members, Jeremy Northam, Nigel Hawthorne and Rebecca Pidgeon.