Libel (1959)

A shell-shocked WWII veteran with memory problems is accused of being an impostor by a former comrade.

Director:

Anthony Asquith

Writers:

Edward Wooll (play), Anatole de Grunwald,

Stars:

Dirk Bogarde, Olivia de Havilland, Paul Massie

Nominated for 1 Oscar.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Dirk Bogarde	...	Sir Mark Sebastian Loddon / Frank Welney
Olivia de Havilland	...	Lady Margaret Loddon
Paul Massie	...	Jeffrey Buckenham
Robert Morley	...	Sir Wilfred
Wilfrid Hyde-White	...	Hubert Foxley (as Wilfrid Hyde White)
Anthony Dawson	...	Gerald Loddon
Richard Wattis	...	The Judge
Richard Dimbleby	...	Himself
Martin Miller	...	Dr. Schrott
Millicent Martin	...	Maisie
Toke Townley	...	Associate
Deering Wells	...	Editor
Bill Shine	...	The Guide
Ivan Samson	...	Adm. Loddon
Sebastian Saville	...	Michael Loddon

Storyline

A Canadian commercial pilot sees a telecast in London of an interview with Sir Mark Lodden at his home. The Canadian is convinced that the baronet is a fraud, that he is actually a look-alike actor named Frank Welney. The Canadian, the baronet, and the actor were all prisoners in the same German camp during the war and escaped together. One of them disappeared during the escape. Was he Sir Mark or Welney? The tabloids have a field day with the Canadian's accusations and Lady Maggie urges her husband to sue for libel and engage the distinguished barrister Sir Wilfred. The long-drawn-out case is made complex by the fact that Sir Mark himself is not quite sure of his identity. Injured in the war, he stutters on occasion and has difficulty remembering portions of his life. As the evidence sways back and forth in court, it begins to appear that Sir Mark is an impostor and the possible murderer of the missing baronet. Even his wife is convinced of his guilt and turns against him. She ...

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Plot Keywords:

libel | amnesia | libel suit | courtroom | based on play

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Genres:

Drama

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Details

Country:

UK

Language:

English

Release Date:

6 May 1960 (Finland)

Also Known As:

A Grande Difamação

Filming Locations:

Longleat House, Wiltshire, England, UK

Company Credits

Production Co:

De Grunwald Productions

Technical Specs

Runtime:

100 min

Sound Mix:

Mono

Color:

Black and White

Aspect Ratio:

2.00 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Olivia de Havilland gets first billing on the opening credits, but Dirk Bogarde gets first billing on the closing credits.

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Connections

References Apasionada (1952)

User Reviews

Excellent courtroom drama of identity conflict - wonderfully acted by Bogarde

This is a fine courtroom drama piece with a superb performance by Dirk Bogarde in three roles. Although nominated only for a Sound Oscar (deserved- the sound mixing was excellent), it should have earned nods for Actor and Screenplay as well. Bogarde plays a WWII shattered Lord whose pre-prisoner of war camp escape memories have disappeared. Into his quiet country life comes an old war buddy who is convinced that Sir Mark is not who he says he is, but indeed is an imposter - a look alike buddy of both of them who was plotting to knock off Sir Mark and assume his identity. It is a most intriguing premise which has Sir Mark at one point not sure which man he is. Thoroughly enjoyable as drama and entertainment and worth seeking out. Olivia de Havilland as Lady Loddon does well, but it is Bogarde, often acting in flashback with himself in the dual role, that walks away with the acting honors.