A butler in a 1930s aristocratic household has dedicated his life to serving his master, putting duty above all else and repressing his affection for the housekeeper, who also happens to be in love with him. On the outbreak of war, the nobleman's sympathies for the Nazi cause come to light, marking a change of heart in the old servant, who looks back with misgivings about the loyalty that may have cost him dearly. Period drama, with Anthony Hopkins, Emma Thompson and James Fox.