The Fallen Idol (1948)

A butler working in a foreign embassy in London falls under suspicion when his wife accidentally falls to her death, the only witness being an impressionable young boy.

Director:

Carol Reed

Writers:

Graham Greene (story "The Basement Room"), Graham Greene (screenplay)

Stars:

Ralph Richardson, Michèle Morgan, Sonia Dresdel

Nominated for 2 Oscars. Another 7 wins & 5 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Ralph Richardson	...	Baines
Michèle Morgan	...	Julie
Sonia Dresdel	...	Mrs. Baines
Bobby Henrey	...	Phillipe
Denis O'Dea	...	Inspector Crowe
Jack Hawkins	...	Detective Ames
Walter Fitzgerald	...	Dr. Fenton
Dandy Nichols	...	Mrs. Patterson
Joan Young	...	Mrs. Barrow
Karel Stepanek	...	First Secretary
Gerard Heinz	...	Ambassador
Torin Thatcher	...	Policeman
James Hayter	...	Perry
Geoffrey Keen	...	Detective Davis (as Geoffrey Keene)
Bernard Lee	...	Detective Hart

Storyline

Philippe, a diplomat's son and good friend of Baines the butler, is confused by the complexities and evasions of adult life. He tries to keep secrets but ends up telling them. He lies to protect his friends, even though he knows he should tell the truth. He resolves not to listen to adults' stories any more when Baines is suspected of murdering his wife and no-one will listen to Philippe's vital information.

---

Plot Keywords:

british noir | fallen idol | euro noir | london england | screenplay adapted by author | 

---

Taglines:

The Suspense is Almost Unbearable ... in this Four-Award Thriller !

---

Genres:

Drama | Mystery | Thriller

---

Certificate:

Not Rated

Details

Country:

UK

Language:

English French

Release Date:

25 October 1948 (UK)

Also Known As:

El ídolo caído

Filming Locations:

1 Grosvenor Crescent, Belgravia, London, England, UK

Box Office

Opening Weekend USA:

$9,030, 12 February 2006, Limited Release

Gross USA:

$57,745, 18 November 2016

Company Credits

Production Co:

London Film Productions

Technical Specs

Runtime:

95 min

Sound Mix:

Mono (RCA Sound System)

Color:

Black and White

Aspect Ratio:

1.37 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Although Bobby Henrey had no experience at all, Carol Reed was delighted with his screentest and felt that he could work well with him. Bobby was smart, and had a hint of a French accent, which fit very well with the role. He was also an only child, which meant he could get along well in the company of adults. The only problem Reed saw was that the boy had a black nail from using a hammer. Reed told Mrs. Henrey to not let the boy play with hammers, but to also encourage him to keep his accent and, above all, to not grow any bigger until shooting was completed. A governess was appointed to look after Henrey.

---

Goofs

When Julie leaves the tea shop and closes the shop door, there is an Open / Closed sign hanging on the glass pane of the door. But when Baines and Phillipe leave the tea shop a minute or so later, the sign is no longer there.

---

Quotes

[first lines]
Baines: Good day, sir... In his office there, miss.

---

Connections

References Nick Carter, Master Detective (1939)

User Reviews

Lies My Butler Told Me

Lies, sometimes, are an act of kindness. Many times I hasten to add. The imagination of a lonely child is ignited by a meek man in love. The man, as played by the extraordinary Ralph Richardson, is a mass of contradictions and yet we understand him. Married to a shrew and in love with Michele Morgan no less. Carol Reed is not a director that comes immediately to mind when one lists the greatest directors of all time, but in my book, is right up there with the very best. No other director has been able to bring Graham Green to the screen with its spirit so gloriously intact. Guilt and fear as riveting entertainment. Suspenseful, funny and beautiful to look at. Go try to top that.