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The Fallen Idol
The Fallen Idol
7.9
/10
1,769 Ratings

THE FALLEN IDOL

Directed by Carol Reed
United Kingdom, 1948
Thriller, Mystery, Drama, Film noir

Synopsis

Philippe, the young son of a diplomat, idolises Baines, his father’s butler. When Baines’ wife is found murdered and Baines is implicated, Philippe tries everything to point the investigation away from the butler. In doing so, he unintentionally makes matters worse for his idol.

Synopsis

Philippe, the young son of a diplomat, idolises Baines, his father’s butler. When Baines’ wife is found murdered and Baines is implicated, Philippe tries everything to point the investigation away from the butler. In doing so, he unintentionally makes matters worse for his idol.

Our take

This macabre mystery gets due praise for director Carol Reed, being the first of three epic collaborations with writer Graham Greene. But it is young actor Bobby Henrey’s performance—imbued with curiosity, preternatural sensitivity, and a yearning for love—that brings so much pathos to the thriller.