Philip Leacock directs this 1960s British film exploring a childhood friendship threatened by a religious divide. Michael O'Malley (Philip Needs), a young Catholic boy, and Rachel Mathias (Loretta Parry), a young Jewish girl, become friends when the former rescues the latter from schoolyard bullies. With both considered outsiders in Protestant England, a strong basis exists for a bond between the pair. However, in their innocence, Michael and Rachel become friends in spite of, rather than because of, their family backgrounds. Distraught when Rachel's parents declare that they are moving away, the pair set off on an adventure that may well change their lives forever...

Ewan McGregor stars in this adaptation of Stendahl's classic novel. The handsome young Julien Sorel (McGregor) believes that he has a better chance of furthering his position in society if he chooses to enter the church (the black) rather than the army (the scarlet), and is found a position by his mentor Father Chélan as tutor to the children of the powerful Monsieur De Rénal. Julien finds favour with the children, rapidly becoming a beloved member of the household. However, when his relationship with Madame De Rénal (Alice Krige) goes beyond the professional, Julien's future is dramatically altered.