THE FALLEN IDOL (1948)

Cast

Plot

Reed's taut suspense thriller, based on a story by Graham Greene called 'The Basement Room', effectively captures a child's point of view of events seen by Phillipe, a diplomat's son. He finds it hard to understand the adult world he observes from the sidelines and he heroworships the house's butler, Baines, but ends up landing him in trouble with his wife the housekeeper, after seeing him end an affair with an embassy typist. The husband and wife quarrel and, when Mrs Baines is found dead, suspicion falls on her husband. Phillippe attempts to protect him, but has his devotion blinded him to the truth? Wonderful cinematography and Reed's masterful direction enhance a compelling story. Ding dong.