The Fallen Idol Details

While working as a film critic in the 1930s, Graham Greene had first noticed Carol Reed's developing directorial talent. Adapted from Greene's short story The Basement Room, this was the first of their three collaborations as writer and director, and what a minor masterpiece it is. Bobby Henrey gives an exceptional performance as the ambassador's son whose attempts to help the butler he idolises only land the latter in hot water with the police after the suspicious death of the butler's wife. Credit should also go to Ralph Richardson and Michèle Morgan for allowing the boy to steal every scene in the interest of suspense.

A perfect example of the respectable quality film which achieved its apotheosis in late '40s Britain: tasteful,... read more on Time Out