Starring Alastair Sim as the fascinating Inspector Poole, this black and white classic British film produced by Watergate Productions is a timeless story about morality; individuals are responsible for each other and actions have consequences. The screenplay by Desmond Davis was adapted from the original 1945 play by J.B. Priestley. One evening the prosperous Mr. and Mrs. Birling (Arthur Young; Olga Lindo) are celebrating the engagement of their daughter to a young man they approve of. The Birling’s grown son is also present at the dinner and is preoccupied with drinking. An enigmatic visitor comes to the house to discuss a young woman’s suicide. The family calls him Inspector Poole. While each of the family members at first denies knowing the young woman who died, Inspector Poole patiently yet persuasively gets them to reveal their relationships with the young woman; these stories are told using flashbacks. Each family member becomes aware of how they have contributed to the young woman’s demise. Mr. Birling fires the young woman from his textile factory when she asks him for higher pay; the Birling’s daughter causes the woman to lose her next job in a clothing store after the woman makes fun of her trying on a hat; the finance sets her up in an apartment, appears to like her, and then abandons her; the Birling’s son gets her pregnant; and, Mrs. Birling’s charity committee denies her assistance when she is expecting and destitute. Inspector Poole is a truly mysterious character and his calm probing eyes hold sway over each member in the dining room. The plot is carefully crafted and the ending is surprising; surely fans of Rod Serling will enjoy the twist. Highly recommended. (T. Root)