The Great Defender

Thomas Bentley directs this 1930s drama in which a prestigious defence lawyer becomes embroiled in a case close to his heart.

Sir Douglas Rolls (Matheson Lang) has spent decades building up his reputation as one of the eminent KCs in the country, working with such diligence and commitment that his doctor advises him to take a break or retire before his busy schedule catches up with him.

Douglas is on the verge of following the advice until an unusual case arrives on his desk.

Leslie Locke (Arthur Margetson), the man who broke his heart by winning the affections of Douglas' only true love, Laura (Margaret Bannerman), is on trial accused of murdering a woman with whom he was having an affair.

Douglas is unable to resist taking on the case, but will it prove too much for him to handle in such frail health?