Term of Trial (1962)

Synopsis: Made at the height of the “kitchen sink” boom in British cinema, this rather neglected drama boasts one of Laurence Olivier's most uncharacteristic and underrated performances.

As the teacher at an inner-city school who is looked down upon by everyone from his blowsy wife Simone Signoret to class bully Terence Stamp, he conveys a sense of both seedy decency and wounded resignation that makes his prosecution for molestation and persecution by Signoret all the more painful to endure.

In her screen debut, Sarah Miles is superb as the scorned teenager and Thora Hird bristles with indignation as her grasping mother.

Cast: Laurence Olivier.
Runtime: 138 min