The Rake's Progress

Vivian Kenway, from an aristocratic family, is thrown out of Oxford. The only capital he has is his charm, and he decides to spend it on dissipation. He betrays his sweethearts, his family and his friends, and marries for money. Through all of it he feels no remorse; from where he stands the life is thoroughly enjoyable. Then the Second World War breaks out and the chance of a heroic death for his flag is put in front of him. The film does not offer that chance as redemption and leaves the end uncertain. The possibility that a person may never change is the real matter. Rex Harrison and Lilli Palmer appear in Sidney Gilliat’s hundred minute British film, completed in 1945.