The Fallen Idol Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A kid with a pet snake accidentally ruins a butler’s affair by being too honest and then too dishonest about a suspicious death.

🍿 The Fallen Idol: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Introduction to Phillipe and Baines

Phillipe, the young son of the French ambassador in London, is largely left in the care of Baines, the embassy’s butler. Baines becomes a father figure to the lonely boy, regaling him with imaginative stories and providing much-needed companionship. Phillipe idolizes Baines, creating a strong bond between them.

The Affair and the Secret

Phillipe discovers that Baines is having an affair with Julie, a young woman who works at the embassy. Baines asks Phillipe to keep the secret, complicating the boy’s understanding of right and wrong. This introduces a moral dilemma for Phillipe, who is torn between loyalty to Baines and the potential consequences of keeping a secret from Mrs. Baines, the stern housekeeper.

Tragedy Strikes

Mrs. Baines is found dead after an apparent fall, and Phillipe mistakenly believes Baines is responsible. Driven by loyalty and fear, Phillipe tries to protect Baines by lying to the police. However, his innocent lies create more suspicion and complicate the investigation, putting Baines in a precarious situation. Phillipe’s attempts to help ultimately backfire, highlighting the complexities of adult relationships and the consequences of deception.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Baines (Ralph Richardson): The English butler in a French embassy, suspected of murder, grapples with a loveless marriage and a secret affair.
• Phillipe (Bobby Henrey): The lonely ambassador’s son idolizes Baines and becomes entangled in a web of lies and misunderstandings.
• Mrs. Baines (Sonia Dresdel): The shrewish and domineering wife of Baines, whose accidental death triggers suspicion.
• Julie (Michèle Morgan): The young embassy secretary involved in a discreet love affair with Baines.
• Inspector Crowe (Denis O’Dea): The lead police inspector investigating the death of Mrs. Baines.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Baines: “There are faults on both sides, Phile. We don’t have any call to judge. Perhaps she was what she was because I am what I am. We ought to be very careful, Phile. ‘Cause we make one another.” – Baines speaks these words to Phillipe while trying to explain the complexities of his relationship with his wife.
• Phillipe: “I thought God made us.” – Phillipe responds to Baines’ philosophical reflection with a child’s simple faith.
• Baines: “Trouble is, we take a hand in the game.” – Baines acknowledges the human role in shaping destiny, adding another layer to his earlier sentiment.

💰Box Office

• Budget: £397,568
• Domestic Gross: $341,121
• Worldwide Gross: $373,185

💥 The Fallen Idol Reviews

Personal Review

I was completely drawn in by the story of Phillipe and Baines. Ralph Richardson’s performance is so nuanced, you really feel for his character’s predicament. The way the movie portrays the world through a child’s eyes is brilliant, and it’s heartbreaking to see how adult lies and secrets affect him. The suspense kept me on the edge of my seat, especially during the scenes with the police investigation. This is a movie that stays with you long after the credits roll.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of classic British cinema”
  • “Viewers interested in suspenseful dramas with psychological depth”
  • “Those who appreciate films exploring themes of childhood and innocence”
  • “Fans of Graham Greene adaptations”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Brief scenes of violence”
  • “Implied domestic tension”
  • “Themes of infidelity and death”

Professional Reviews

• Indiewire: “Turner Classic Movies to Celebrate the American Cinematheque’s 40th Anniversary with films like The Fallen Idol.
• HeyUGuys.co.uk: “HeyUGuys mentions “The Third Man” in a piece about winning on 4K UHD, connecting it to the director and era of “The Fallen Idol”.

Audience Reactions

The film’s exploration of adult secrets through a child’s perspective resonated deeply with viewers.: Many praised the film’s suspenseful plot, superb acting, and atmospheric cinematography, creating a lasting impression.

Overall Consensus: “The Fallen Idol” is generally regarded as a well-crafted and suspenseful British film noir that effectively portrays the complexities of adult relationships through the eyes of a child. Viewers praise its acting, direction, and atmosphere.

Awards

1. British Academy Film Award (Best British Film)- 1949

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Director Carol Reed restricted Bobby Henrey’s access to the cake trolley during tea breaks on-set to prevent him from gaining weight and disrupting continuity.”
• “Bobby Henrey had never acted before; he was chosen for his looks and bilingual skills (English and French).”
• “Carol Reed used a magician on set to entertain Bobby Henrey and keep his attention during the long shoot.”

🖥️ How to Watch The Fallen Idol?

As a classic film, “The Fallen Idol” may be available for rent or purchase on various digital platforms such as Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and Google Play Movies. Availability may vary by region. Check local listings for potential television airings on classic movie channels.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed The Fallen Idol, you might like these similar films:

• The Third Man (1949): Directed by Carol Reed and written by Graham Greene, it shares a similar atmosphere of post-war intrigue and moral ambiguity.
• The Innocents (1961): A gothic horror that explores themes of childhood innocence, deception, and a sinister secret, told from the perspective of an adult trying to protect children.
• The Nanny (1965): A psychological thriller where a disturbed young boy accuses his nanny of dark deeds, leading to suspense and mystery.

🛒 The Fallen Idol Related Products

• The Third Man (The Criterion Collection) [Blu-ray]: A must-have for Carol Reed fans. Features Orson Welles, from the same director and era as “The Fallen Idol”. The Third Man showcases stunning visuals and a captivating story.
• Graham Greene: Collected Stories: This anthology features “The Basement Room,” the short story on which “The Fallen Idol” is based. Explore Greene’s writing style and themes in their original form.
• Film Noir: The Dark Side of Hollywood: Explore the darkness with a digital download of a film-noir classic. Features captivating stories and sharp storytelling, ideal for fans of Carol Reed.
• London Film Location Guide: Discover the iconic London locations of “The Fallen Idol” and other classic British films.

🎧 Soundtrack

The Fallen Idol features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Main Title” – performed by William Alwyn
• “The Chase” – performed by William Alwyn

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

L.A. Noire: Perfect Interrogation – Marlon Hopgood at his Studio [A Fallen Idol Case]

Ever wondered how to nail an interrogation in L.A. Noire? Check out this clip of a ‘perfect’ interrogation of Marlon Hopgood! It’s pretty satisfying to see him crack under pressure, and it really shows off the game’s detective work.

L.A. Noire Interview Guide | The Fallen Idol Part 1 (June Ballard & Jessica Hamilton)

Struggling with the interviews in the ‘Fallen Idol’ case? This guide is a lifesaver! It breaks down the best way to approach June and Jessica’s interrogations, so you can finally get to the bottom of the mystery.

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