THE FALLEN IDOL
UK, 1948, 94 minutes, Black and White.
Michele Morgan, Ralph Richardson, Sonia Dresdel, Bobby Henrey.
Directed by Carol Reed.
Fallen Idol is a classic British drama directed by Carol Reed in the late 40's, the period of Odd Man Out and The Third Man. It was a high point in Reed's career. Ralph Richardson is expert in the central role as the butler. The screenplay was written by Graham Greene from one of his short stories. Greene has had great interest in the film as a reviewer in the 30s and many of his novels and stories have been adapted for the screen. He was then to go on to write the screenplay for The Third Man which Carol Reed was also to direct. Reed was later to direct Greene's Our Man in Havana in 1960. The Fallen Idol' is straightforward and excellent British drama.
1. This film is considered a classic of the 40s and of British film-making? Why? The contribution of Caroll Reed as director, Ralph Richardson and his performance, Graham Greene's story and screenplay?
2. The significance of the title? Its emphasis on Baines and Philip's point of view? An indication of themes? The making significant an ordinary romantic and sordid melodrama?
3. The film's focus on Baines? What kind of man was he, his character, his role at the embassy, his style in his work, his relationship with his wife, his relationship with the girl?
4. How important was it for the film to establish Philips' world? Seeing people from Philip's point of view? What kind of boy was Philip?
5. Philip and the significance of his tortoise?
6. Why did Philip follow Baines? The importance of the afternoon tea sequence? The way it was filmed from Baines' point of view, from Philip's? The girl?
7. A boy's confusion at the world of secrets? Did Baines handle the situation well? Why couldn't Philip understand?
8. How did the film show Mrs Baines' suspicions building up? The zoo, the meal?
9. The melodramatics of Mrs. Baines' death? Where did audience sympathies lie? How well was the death handled? Philip's point of view? Baines, point of view?
10. The film's presentation of Phillip's suspicions, defence?
11. The build-up of the investigations, the style and character of the police and their investigation? The atmosphere of lies?
12. The interrogation of Baines? A decision whether Baines should shoot himself? The secretary? The girl?
13. Philip's desperation in still trying to save Baines? Baines, final attitude towards Philip? The others not listening?
14. What values were explored well in this film? The world of the small boy confronting adult situations and characters, truth and lies, secrecy, violence, fidelity and infidelity? The themes of the adult world explored: marital relationships, love and fidelity? Suspicion and violence? How suitable was the embassy as an environment for the exploration of these themes?
