The Detective (1954)
"Father Brown" (original title)

Works of art are disappearing, stolen by a master thief, a master of disguise. Father Brown has two goals: to catch the thief and to save his soul.

Director:

Robert Hamer

Writers:

G.K. Chesterton (stories), Thelma Schnee (adaptation),

Stars:

Alec Guinness, Joan Greenwood, Peter Finch

1 win & 1 nomination.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Alec Guinness	...	Father Brown
Joan Greenwood	...	Lady Warren
Peter Finch	...	Gustave Flambeau
Cecil Parker	...	The Bishop
Bernard Lee	...	Inspector Valentine
Sid James	...	Bert Parkinson
Gérard Oury	...	Inspector Dubois
Ernest Clark	...	Bishop's Secretary
Aubrey Woods	...	Charlie
John Salew	...	Station Sergeant
Sam Kydd	...	Scotland Yard Sergeant
John Horsley	...	Inspector Wilkins
Jack McNaughton	...	Railway Guard
Hugh Dempster	...	Train Passenger in Bowler
Eugene Deckers	...	French Cavalry Officer

Storyline

Works of art are disappearing, stolen by a master thief, a master of disguise. Father Brown has two goals: to catch the thief and to save his soul.

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Plot Keywords:

detective | remake

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Taglines:

An open and shut case of Guinness! Up to his EARS in chaos...Up to his NECK in laughs

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Genres:

Comedy | Crime | Drama

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Certificate:

Approved

Details

Country:

UK

Language:

English

Release Date:

1 November 1954 (USA)

Also Known As:

The Detective

Filming Locations:

Riverside Studios, Hammersmith, London, England, UK

Company Credits

Production Co:

Facet Productions

Technical Specs

Runtime:

91 min

Sound Mix:

Mono (RCA Sound System)

Color:

Black and White

Aspect Ratio:

1.37 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Alec Guinness was spotted in costume when walking home through the French countryside. A young boy ran up to him, yelling "Mon père! Mon père!" ("My father! My father!") Guinness did not speak French, so he could not correct the young boy's mistake, but was touched that the young boy apparently immediately bonded to him on the assumption that he was a priest. Soon after the film was released, Guinness converted to Catholicism.

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Goofs

In the stained-glass window behind the (catholic) bishop, there is a portrait of Henry VIII (second from left). Given that Henry was the first king to oppose the pope and separate the Church of England from the catholic church, his face would never be tolerated in this place.

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Quotes

Parkinson: Pardon, me lady, but the awful people are coming up the drive!
Lady Warren: What awful people? It is not my "at home" day.
Father Brown: I think he means the police.

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Connections

Version of Father Brown, Detective (1934)

User Reviews

Guiness provides a delightful portrayal...

1st watched 10/26/1997 - 8 out of 10(Dir-Robert Hamer): Guiness provides a delightful portrayal of a whimsical Father Brown who plays detective on the side. Despite slow spots in the story, the portrayal and determination of Father Brown to get his man soul and all keeps us watching.