'21 Days Together' (1940) Movie Written by Graham Greene

'21 Days Together' (also known as '21 Days') is a 1940 British drama film starring Laurence Olivier, Vivien Leigh, and Leslie Banks. The screenplay was adapted by Graham Greene from John Galsworthy’s short story The First and The Last. Though not among the most famous Greene adaptations, the film carries his signature moral dilemmas and themes of fate, guilt, and justice.

Plot Summary: The story follows Larry Durrant (Laurence Olivier), a man who accidentally kills his lover’s abusive husband in a struggle. Knowing that the authorities will inevitably catch up to him, Larry hides the crime with the help of his brother Keith (Leslie Banks), a high-profile barrister. Meanwhile, an innocent man is arrested for the murder, presenting Larry with a moral quandary: should he confess and sacrifice his happiness with his fiancée Wanda (Vivien Leigh), or stay silent and let another man suffer for his crime?

Performances: Laurence Olivier delivers a strong performance as Larry, convincingly portraying the inner conflict of a man torn between love and duty.

Vivien Leigh brings elegance and warmth to the role of Wanda, though the film does not give her much depth beyond being the devoted fiancée.

Leslie Banks is excellent as Keith, the pragmatic and morally ambiguous older brother whose legal expertise adds another layer to the tension.

Direction and Writing: Directed by Basil Dean, the film moves at a deliberate pace, allowing the central ethical dilemma to unfold naturally. However, some scenes feel a bit stagey, a likely consequence of the film's theatrical origins.

Graham Greene’s screenplay captures his fascination with human weakness and moral complexity, though it lacks some of the sharper cynicism found in his novels. The adaptation remains relatively faithful to Galsworthy’s story but softens its bleakness in favor of romance and melodrama.

Strengths: Moral complexity: The central ethical question—whether Larry should confess—is gripping and thought-provoking.

Strong lead performances: Olivier and Leigh, a real-life couple at the time, share a natural chemistry.

Compact storytelling: At only 72 minutes, the film is lean and focused, making for an efficient drama.

Weaknesses: Predictability: The plot follows a fairly conventional moral dilemma structure, making the resolution somewhat expected.

Underdeveloped supporting characters: Beyond the three leads, other characters feel like background figures rather than meaningful contributors to the story.

Lack of Greene’s usual edge: While well-written, the film doesn’t quite match the tension or darker psychological depth found in Greene’s best work.

Final Verdict: '21 Days Together' is a solid if somewhat understated moral drama. Fans of Graham Greene may find it interesting for its themes of guilt and justice, though it lacks the noirish tension of his later adaptations. The strong performances by Olivier, Leigh, and Banks elevate the material, making it a worthwhile watch for fans of classic British cinema.