Enjoyable period piece from 1962 with good turns from Robert Morley and Richard Todd. There were however two credibility issues for me:
The first was a casting issue in relation to the age of "The Boys". Two of them were 16 and 17 with the other two ever so slightly older. However the actors playing them were born between 1933 and 1936 i.e. In their mid to late 20's when the firm came out, and they looked it, so their so called high spirits were not believable nor was any sympathy elicited for them by virtue of their age.
The second was the key plot issue. Persecuting Counsel asked to re-examine two of "The Boys" and the judge said that he would only allow it if "The Boys" agreed and their counsel did. Incredibly, and stupidly, their counsel did, and advised them to agree. The tidy plot outcome of a death sentence was thus achieved but NEVER would that have occurred.
The second was the key plot issue. Persecuting Counsel asked to re-examine two of "The Boys" and the judge said that he would only allow it if "The Boys" agreed and their counsel did. Incredibly, and stupidly, their counsel did, and advised them to agree. The tidy plot outcome of a death sentence was thus achieved but NEVER would that have occurred.