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
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Title: The Fallen Idol (1948)
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Cast
| Cast overview, first billed only: | |||
| Ralph Richardson | ... | Baines | |
| Michèle Morgan | ... | Julie (as Michele Morgan) | |
| 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 | |
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Plot Summary
|
Add Synopsis
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. Written by <P.M.Laws@education.leeds.ac.uk>
Taglines:
The Suspense is Almost Unbearable ... in this Four-Award Thriller !Parents Guide:
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Details
Country:
UKRelease Date:
25 October 1948 (UK) See more »Also Known As:
El ídolo caído See more »Edit
Box Office
Opening Weekend USA:
$9,030, 12 February 2006, Limited ReleaseGross USA:
$57,745, 18 November 2016Company Credits
Show more on
IMDbPro »
Technical Specs
Runtime:
Sound Mix:
Mono (RCA Sound System)Color:
Black and WhiteAspect Ratio:
1.37 : 1
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Did You Know?
Trivia
Baines' (Sir Ralph Richardson's) comment about tea being "the cup that cheers" is based on the old temperance slogan promoting tea drinking, "The cup that cheers, but does not inebriate." See more »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. See more »Frequently Asked Questions
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This is an excellent adaptation of the Graham Greene novella. Richardson's performance is incredible, and the relationship between Philippe and the butler is the centerpiece of the film.
I sometimes wonder if this film would have been more successful with a different title. IMHO "The Fallen Idol" suggests a Saturday matinee shlockfest or a pretentious drawing room comedy.
This is a good companion piece to another Graham Greene novella -- also directed by Reed -- the Third Man, which is just possibly the greatest film of all time...