A woman stands trial for murdering her husband, taking the blame to protect her young lover
Story Structure — 4 Plot Phases
The Crime and Confession
The mysterious murder of Francis Rattenbury and his wife's surprising confession that shocks the nation.
Key Events
Husband's Murder — Francis Rattenbury found bludgeoned to death Characters: Francis Rattenbury, Alma Rattenbury, George BowmanLocation: Rattenbury Home
Alma's Confession — Alma confesses to murdering her husband Characters: Alma Rattenbury, George Bowman, Constable BagwellLocation: Police Station
The Defense Preparation
T.J. O'Connor takes on the controversial case of defending Alma Rattenbury against all odds.
Key Events
Legal Defense — T.J. O'Connor agrees to defend Alma Characters: Alma Rattenbury, T.J. O'ConnorLocation: Law Office
The Trial Proceedings
The dramatic courtroom battle unfolds as evidence and testimonies create more questions than answers.
Key Events
Trial Begins — High-profile murder trial commences Characters: Alma Rattenbury, T.J. O'Connor, J.D. Casswell, P.P. Croom Johnson, Mr. Justice HumphreysLocation: Courtroom
Evidence Presentation — Evidence suggests George Bowman might be guilty Characters: T.J. O'Connor, J.D. Casswell, George BowmanLocation: Courtroom
Public Scrutiny — Public opinion turns against Alma due to affair Characters: Alma Rattenbury, Public, MediaLocation: Outside Court
Witness Testimony — Key witnesses provide conflicting testimonies Characters: Irene Riggs, Joan Webster, T.J. O'Connor, J.D. CasswellLocation: Courtroom
Defense Arguments — O'Connor presents final defense arguments Characters: T.J. O'Connor, Alma Rattenbury, Mr. Justice HumphreysLocation: Courtroom
Justice Delivered
The culmination of the trial as the jury reaches a verdict that will determine Alma's fate.
Key Events
Jury Deliberation — Jury deliberates on the verdict Characters: Jury Members, Alma Rattenbury, T.J. O'ConnorLocation: Jury Room
Verdict Reached — Court delivers final verdict in the case Characters: Mr. Justice Humphreys, Alma Rattenbury, T.J. O'Connor, George BowmanLocation: Courtroom
Story Breakdown
The Crime — Francis Rattenbury found murdered, wife confesses
Discovery — Body found bludgeoned to death
Confession — Alma admits to the murder
The Defense — T.J. O'Connor takes on the controversial case
Legal Strategy — Building defense against public opinion
Client Relationship — Complex alliance between lawyer and client
The Trial — Courtroom battle with conflicting evidence
Prosecution Case — Evidence points toward George Bowman
Defense Arguments — Questioning reliability of evidence
Witness Testimonies — Conflicting accounts from key witnesses
The Verdict — Jury's decision that determines Alma's fate
Deliberation — Jury weighs all evidence
Judgment — Final verdict in the high-profile case
When the ailing husband of an adulterous wife is discovered bludgeoned to death and suspicions fall on the older woman's young lover, the newly widowed woman claims that it was she who was solely responsible for the death despite evidence that points to the contrary in this dramatic account of true-life 1935 trial that shocked all of England. Though notable evidence and strong suspicion suggests that the murder may have been of crime of passion perpetrated by the jealous lover only half her age, Alma Rattenbury (Helen Mirren) confesses to the murder of her husband and is soon brought to trial. Despite the fact that Alma is already being deemed guilty by the general public for her adulterous indiscretion alone, her lawyer, star attorney T.J. O'Connor (David Suchet), remains convinced that his client will eventually be cleared of all charges.
