A schoolteacher plagued by alcoholism and his refusal to serve in World War II, Graham Weir inspires contempt in almost everyone around him, including his bitter wife, Anna. When the lovely young Shirley Taylor, one of Weir's students, falls for her unfortunate instructor, he is tempted and flattered but turns down her advances. Taylor's subsequent actions make Weir's life even more complicated.
| Actor | Role |
|---|---|
 Laurence OlivierGraham Weir | Graham Weir |
 Simone SignoretAnna Weir | Anna Weir |
 Sarah MilesShirley Taylor | Shirley Taylor |
 Terence StampMitchell | Mitchell |
 Hugh GriffithO'Hara | O'Hara |
 Roland CulverTrowman | Trowman |
 Dudley FosterDetective Sergeant Keirnan | Detective Sergeant Keirnan |
 Frank PettingellFerguson | Ferguson |
 Thora HirdMrs. Taylor | Mrs. Taylor |
 Norman BirdMr. Taylor | Mr. Taylor |
| NNewton BlickProsecutor | Prosecutor |
 Allan CuthbertsonSylvan-Jones | Sylvan-Jones |
 Barbara FerrisJoan | Joan |
 Rosamund GreenwoodConstance | Constance |
 Nicholas HannenMagistrate | Magistrate |
 Roy HolderThompson | Thompson |
 Derren NesbittLodger | Lodger |
| CClive Colin BowlerCollins | Collins |
 Earl CameronChard | Chard |
 Julia FosterVirginia | Virginia |
 Vanda GodsellMrs. Thompson | Mrs. Thompson |
 Lloyd LambleInspector Ullyat | Inspector Ullyat |