The Ware Case 1938

The jury looks back on events that lead to profligate baronet Sir Hubert Ware being tried for murder. He had run up huge debts over many years, but always managed to talk his way out of trouble, while not paying his creditors any money. He pretends that his wife's wealthy brother Eustace will stand guarantor for his debts, and is given three months to pay his debts or face bankruptcy. His wife Meg has for a long time tried to make him behave responsibly, and wants him to work out a plan to pay what he owes, but soon realises that Hubert has no intention of even trying to retrench. Their friend Michael, a barrister, who is in love with Meg, also tries to get Hubert to be responsible. Eustace, who has always refused to help Meg in any way - out of meanness, not because of Hubert's behaviour - tells Hubert that Michael is in love with Meg, which Hubert treats lightly, and repeats to Michael and Meg.