Watch Conduct Unbecoming

Conduct Unbecoming is a 1975 drama film set in India in the late 1800s. The movie stars a talented cast, including Michael York, Richard Attenborough, Trevor Howard, Stacy Keach, and Christopher Plummer, among others, portraying British Army officers who are embroiled in a shocking scandal. The story begins when Lieutenant Arthur Drake (Michael York) joins the regiment stationed in British India. He is welcomed by his fellow officers, including Lieutenant Richard Benjamin (Trevor Howard), and Captain Edmonds (Christopher Plummer). Drake is soon introduced to the beautiful and mysterious Mrs. Scarlett (Susannah York), the wife of another officer who is away on duty. She is known for being flirtatious and provocative, which makes her the object of desire for many men in the regiment.

As the officers enjoy their leisure time, a young and inexperienced officer, Lieutenant Millington (James Faulkner), accuses two Indian soldiers of raping and assaulting Mrs. Scarlett. The accused soldiers are immediately arrested, and a court-martial is scheduled. Captain Harper (Richard Attenborough), a close friend of Mrs. Scarlett's husband, is appointed as the prosecutor, while Captain Edmonds defends the accused soldiers.

The trial is the catalyst for a series of events that reveal the dark side of the British Army in India. The officers' prejudices and biases are exposed as they come face to face with the realities of colonialism and racial tensions. Drake starts to distrust his fellow officers when he realizes that they are willing to sacrifice justice for the sake of their own reputations.

Conduct Unbecoming explores themes of betrayal, loyalty, and honor. It delves into the complex relationships between the British and the Indian soldiers, highlighting the abuse of power and the hypocrisy that often characterized colonial rule. The film also sheds light on the sexual exploitation of women and the cost of speaking the truth.

The production value of the movie is impressive, with beautiful cinematography and a haunting musical score. The film's pacing is slow, allowing for the buildup of tension and the gradual uncovering of the characters' motivations. The script is well-written, with insightful moments of dialogue that capture the nuances of human behavior.

The performances in Conduct Unbecoming are excellent, with each actor bringing depth and authenticity to their respective roles. Michael York delivers a nuanced performance as the young officer who must navigate the intricacies of the British Army's social hierarchy. Richard Attenborough is the standout performer, portraying the prosecutor with a powerful combination of charisma, wit, and determination. Trevor Howard brings gravitas to his role, while Stacy Keach adds a touch of humor with his portrayal of the bumbling Lieutenant Colonel Strang.

Overall, Conduct Unbecoming is a thought-provoking and engrossing drama that explores the complexities of colonialism and the cost of maintaining power. The film's themes are as relevant today as they were in 1975, making it a timeless classic that deserves to be watched and discussed.

Conduct Unbecoming is a 1975 crime movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 47 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.5.