AllMovie

Well-interpreted, with an emphasis on dialogue over action, this drama about political scandal in high places was written by Michael Gurr, based on his stage play. Presley Swift (Michael Duffield) the retired, former Australian ambassador to Italy, is about to return to Rome to relocate with his wife Sylvia (Patricia Kennedy)The couple has gone to spend their last week-end in the country with their son Simon (Serge Lazareff), who is also involved in the world of politics. Joining them is Frances (June Jago), an old friend. That week-end, a shameful story breaks -- they are informed by the press that a long-buried story is about to surface which implicates Presley Swift in the death of a young girl. The tragedy had been covered up at the time it happened, and is about to bring about strong reactions in the former ambassador's son (who is worried about his own political career), and in the couple's friend Frances (who cannot forgive the betrayal of her trust).