Ann Todd’s portrayal improves as she gradually embodies the role of a cunning and dishonest young woman in this version of a well-known Glasgow murder story originating in 1857. "Madeleine" is a daughter from an affluent household whose father (played with considerable authority by Leslie Banks) seems puzzled by her refusal to marry someone he approves of – oblivious to her affair with a similarly deceitful Frenchman who’s interested in her family's money. His attempts at extortion go disastrously wrong, and soon she finds herself accused of his murder. The courtroom scenes that follow showcase solid acting from Barry Jones and André Morell as the lawyers, which helps to quicken the pace of this otherwise deliberate drama toward a fairly compelling conclusion—a distinctive characteristic of Scottish law. It might not be David Lean’s finest or most significant film, but his familiar approach is evident throughout. (By the way, listen for a wonderfully Presbyterian performance from John Laurie – you'll know his voice before he appears onscreen).

Source on TMDB