Michael Denison and Dulcie Grey formed one of post-war Britain's most popular screen pairings, and they lead an impressive cast in this adaptation of Josephine Tey's novel – named among the 'Top 100 Crime Novels of All Time' by the British Crime Writers' Association. A mystery based on real-life events, The Franchise Affair has been adapted several times for film, radio and television; this 1951 adaptation is presented here in a brand-new transfer from the original film elements, in its as-exhibited theatrical aspect ratio.

Young lawyer Robert Blair is called on in desperation by two women, mother and daughter, who live in a large, isolated house known as The Franchise, and have been questioned by the police in connection with a peculiar accusation. As feelings in the local village run high, the police build up a case on a formidable amount of circumstantial evidence – against which Blair can put only the improbability of the charge, and some unsuccessful amateur detection…