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 (based on a short story by), Graham Greene (screenplay)

Stars:

Ralph Richardson, Michèle Morgan, Sonia Dresdel

Nominated for 2 Oscars. Another 7 wins & 6 nominations.

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

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.

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Plot Keywords:

london england | boy | witness | fire escape | british noir | 

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Taglines:

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

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Genres:

Drama | Mystery | Thriller

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Did You Know?

Trivia

In scenes showing Phillipe (Bobby Henrey) in close-up next to Baines (Sir Ralph Richardson), whose face is not visible in the shot, the man walking or standing beside him was Producer and Director Carol Reed.

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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.

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Quotes

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

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Connections

Featured in Dangerous Edge: A Life of Graham Greene (2013)

User Reviews

Superb

Worth it just for that last shot of the little boy on the stairs, whose mother has just come home and is calling to him. Exquisitely crafted--beautifully acted, written, directed, and filmed. They don't make films like this anymore. When you see something like this you realize that intelligence has really left cinema.

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

Gross USA:

$341,121

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$373,185

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