a classic sadly almost ignore and forget probably because of it small scale be a quite simple screen version of the popular stage play . alec guinness be the cardinal arrest by the state during the cold war and jack hawkins be the state inquisitor try to break him . ex comrade in arm and fight in the resistance against the nazi while they now find themselves on oppose side of church and state . an intense battle of will ensues and superb performance all round include wilfred lawson a the jailer . highly recommended .