Windom's Way (1957)

In the volatile heart of Malaysia during a time of impending Communist revolution, Dr. Alec Windom (Peter Finch) tirelessly champions the health and welfare of the local villagers, including an orphan boy he has virtually adopted. His life and mission are thrown into turmoil when his estranged wife, Lee (Mary Ure), a once successful London artist, arrives unexpectedly. Claiming her artistic career has reached a dead-end, she seeks to mend their fractured relationship and find a new purpose as Alec's assistant and nurse. Despite her earnest intentions, Alec is skeptical and finds himself consumed by a brewing conflict in the village. The only significant local employer, a rubber plantation managed by the resolute Britton, Mr. Patterson (Sir Michael Hordern), is at the center of the discord. Patterson vehemently opposes the villagers' attempt to cultivate their own rice, insisting they should buy it cheaply from the plantation instead. He alleges that their agriculture endeavor is a disguised rebellion, stoking the flames of paranoia and suspicion. Dr. Windom finds himself thrust into the role of mediator, striving to quell the escalating tensions. His sincere concern for the villagers earns him the trust of the local leader, but Patterson's relentless pressure coerces native Mayor Lollivar (Grégoire Aslan) into inaction. This allows the impulsive police chief Lansang (George Margo) to resort to unbridled violence, culminating in the arrest and subsequent death of a respected village elder. As the situation spirals towards a bloody climax, Dr. Windom and his wife are forced to make decisions that will not only shape their personal lives but also determine the fate of the village they've come to call home. "Windom's Way" masterfully intertwines the personal and political, painting a gripping tale of love, duty, and the struggle for peace amidst chaos.

Windom's Way is a drama movie featuring Peter Finch and directed by Ronald Neame.

It is possible to rent Windom's Way on Mubi.