An aging actress and socialite, Jessica Medlicott has ended her engagement with a younger man and is now being sued by her former fiancé. Esteemed barrister Sir Arthur Glanville-Jones is assigned to represent Jessica in the lawsuit, and he also happens to be an old suitor of hers from decades earlier. While Jessica claims not to remember him, and Arthur still smarts from her earlier rejection, the two form a close bond during the case.
In Edwardian England, a renowned and aging actress, Jessica Meadows, is on trial for slandering a dissolute duke who had a brief affair with her. Her defense is handled by a distinguished barrister, Sir Arthur, who had once been her lover. As the trial unfolds, Jessica skillfully uses the proceedings to expose the duke's character and reveal the hypocrisy of the upper class. The drama culminates in a poignant reunion and reconciliation between Jessica and Sir Arthur, revisiting their past love.
The television film was widely praised for its performances, particularly Katharine Hepburn's, and its faithful adaptation of the stage play. It was considered a triumph for television drama at the time, showcasing sophisticated storytelling and acting prowess.
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Katharine Hepburn won an Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Limited Series or a Special. The film was also nominated for a Golden Globe Award for Best Television Film.
The film was originally intended as a vehicle for Katharine Hepburn to star alongside Laurence Olivier, but Olivier withdrew due to illness, and Richard Johnson was cast in his place.
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