Plot
Londoners Arnold and Evelyn Boult had high hopes for their son Edward's life; his relatively-short life was one of privilege and irresponsibility. It ended at 23 when he was killed in battle in World War II. Arnold recounts pivotal moments in his son's life, such as a serious medical issue at 5, near-expulsion from a prestigious private school at 12, and impregnating a girl he had no intention of marrying at 20--and the extreme measures Arnold took to protect his son's name. But other things Arnold did throughout Edward's life, like having an extramarital affair, show that he acted more for his own happiness and standing in the community, which eventually included being dubbed a Lord. His actions have dire consequences for many, including Evelyn, who begins to hate her husband and sadly admits that she never really understood or knew her son. But after Edward's death, old family friend Dr. Larry Woodhope does his small part to ensure that Arnold's family legacy cannot continue.
Written by
Robert Morley, Donald Ogden Stewart, Noel Langley
Directed by
George Cukor
Crew
Production Countries
United States of America
Production Companies
Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer
Languages
English
Awards
Nominated for 1 Oscar. 2 nominations total