Film & TV Database

In 1917 in a cellar at Passchendaele Private Hamp awaits court martial for desertion. Detailed to defend him, Captain Hargreaves, a correct, efficient, young officer realises from Hamp's simple replies that he is an innocent victim of war nerves and fatigue after three years active fighting. In the face of the facts marshalled against him and with any reference to the mental condition of the defendant excluded, Hargreaves' plea for justice is overridden by the rule of law. In Hamp's cellar his fellow soldiers, due next day to return up the line, get drunk on stolen rum. Next morning the firing squad fails to perform its duty. It is Hargreaves' bullet which carries out execution.

Filmed in under three weeks. Budger reported as £86,000.