David Lean directs this film based on the true story of a Glasgow woman accused of murdering her lover in 1857. Madeleine (Ann Todd) is the eldest daughter in a respectable Victorian Glasgow family. She begins an affair with Frenchman Piere Emile L'Anglier (Ivan Desny) without her father's knowledge. Meanwhile, Madeleine's father (Leslie Banks) insists on her seeing various suitors. When Madeleine becomes engaged to William Minnoch (Norman Wooland), Pierre threatens to reveal their relationship. Five weeks later, Pierre is found dead, and Madeleine is arrested for his murder.

Classic British drama with Dirk Bogarde in his first starring role. In late-19th Century England, a dashing squire (Bogarde) impregnates one of his servants (Kathleen Ryan). In the face of local disapproval, the maid determines to bring up the child on her own.