The Fallen Idol (film)

The Fallen Idol (also known as The Lost Illusion) is a 1948 film directed by Carol Reed and based on the short story The Basement Room, by Graham Greene. The film was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Direction and Best Adapted Screenplay, and won the BAFTA Award for Best British Film.

Plot

The film is told through the naive eyes of a diplomat's young son, Phillipe, who idolises his father's butler, Baines. Baines has invented a heroic persona to keep the boy entertained, and often tells him stories of his exotic and daring adventures in Africa and elsewhere. In reality, the servant has never been to Africa and is stuck in a loveless marriage, while dreaming of happiness with a younger woman (whom he tells Phillipe is his niece after the boy finds them together). After Baines has an argument with his jealous wife, she accidentally falls from a landing to her death. However, Phillipe believes that he has seen Baines murder her. The boy desperately and clumsily attempts to protect his hero when the police investigate, but his efforts only lead Baines deeper into trouble.

Cast

• 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 (Police Officer)
• James Hayter (Perry)
• Geoffrey Keen (Detective Davis)
• Bernard Lee (Detective Hart)
• Dora Bryan (Rose)

References

• The Great British Films, pp 125–127, Jerry Vermilye, 1978, Citadel Press, ISBN 080650661X
• A Film Star in Belgrave Square, a book about the making of the film by Mrs. Robert Henrey, mother of Bobby Henrey.

External links

• The Fallen Idol at the Internet Movie Database
• The Fallen Idol at AllRovi