An army captain is ordered to represent a soldier on trial for desertion. The defendant recounts the horrific experiences in the trenches that finally compelled him to turn his back on the conflict, leaving the hostile officer to sympathise with his actions and try desperately to save him from the firing squad. First World War drama, starring Dirk Bogarde and Tom Courtenay.

During World War I, Army Private Arthur James Hamp is accused of desertion during battle. The officer assigned to defend him at his court-martial, Captain Hargreaves, finds out there is more to the case than meets the eye.