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Term of Trial

1962 · 2 h 10 min
Directed by Peter Glenville · USA · New Hollywood
Drama

Cast

Laurence Olivier Simone Signoret Roland Culver Frank Pettingell Thora Hird Dudley Foster

Credits

Written by: James Barlow

Plot

A schoolteacher plagued by alcoholism and his refusal to serve in World War II, Graham Weir inspires contempt in almost everyone around him, including his bitter wife, Anna. When the lovely young Shirley Taylor, one of Weir's students, falls for her unfortunate instructor, he is tempted and flattered but turns down her advances.

Sinekatalog’s take

A British drama about an alcoholic teacher scorned by many, tempted by a student's crush. Character-driven and uncomfortable, built around a powerful lead performance. Recommended for admirers of grounded postwar British drama.Sinekatalog’s own editorial review – not a user or critic quote.

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Ratings

IMDb: 7.1 / 10 (986 votes)
IMDb rating and vote count from the IMDb ratings dataset (October 2026). Scores change over time.

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