The Fallen Idol (England, 1948)


Figure 1.-Here the police detectives are questioning Phillipe, the ambasador's son. The butler's wife has been murdered. He does not come out with all he knows.

'The Fallen Idol' is a well regarded British film. It was nominated for two Oscars and won a variety of awards. Philippe, the son of a diplomat idolizes Baines, the diplomat's efficent butler. Philippe idealized Baines and as the plot unfolds is unable because of his age to fully appreciate what is happening. He even tries to help Baines after he kills his nagging wife who was rather unkind to the boy. She was taking care of the boy, but was rather mean to him. The boy wears short pants and white knee socks. He eventually gives up the secrets he was trying to keep. I didn't think that Bobby Henrey who played Philippe was a very personable boy. The film is based on a story by Graham Green.

Filmology

'The Fallen Idol' is a well regarded British film. It was nominated for two Oscars and won a variety of awards including the British Academy award

Book

The film is based on a novella written by Graham Green. It was the author who actually drafted the screenplay, so not surprisingly, the movie follws the origininal story. Both the novella and film address one of the themes that Green is noted for: loyalty and betrayal. Also addressed is marriage and divorce. Ehat makes the story destinctive is that it develops through the eyes of an innocent young boy--Phillipe.

Setting

The film was shot in London.

Chronology

It has a contemprary setting, meaning 1948.

Cast

Ralph Richardson starred as Baines. Sonia Dresdel plays the nagging, narrow-minded wife to perfection. The only boy in the film was Philippe. I didn't think that Bobby Henrey who played Philippe was a very personable boy. Other reviewers thought Henrey played the role quite well. This was his first film. Interestingly, given the fact that the fim is now considered a British film classic, in good measure because of Bobby's performance, Bobby actually had virtully no interest in acting. What you see on the screen is largly Assistant Director Guy Hamilton managing to beautifully capture Bobby in the act of being a child. Bobby's only other film was 'The Wonder Kid' made 3 years later. Perhps becuse of the script or other actors it was not a box office or critical succes. And Hamilton was not here to repeat his magic from 'Falln Idol'.

Plot

Philippe, the son of a diplomat. In this case the London embassy of a French speaking country (which would mean either France or Belgium). Philippe is very lonely. He has the run of the embassy and garden, but no play mates. His father is very busy and has a very efficient valet/ chef de maison, Baines, to assist him. Philippe's mother is not in the film. She is apparently unwell and unable to care for him. He does not even remember her. Baines' wife is given the task of caring for Philippe. But she is not very nice, either to Philippe or her huband. Philippe as a result comes to idolize Baines, who actually is kindly to him. As the plot unfolds, Philippe because of his age is unable to fully appreciate what is happening. A young woman, Julie, makes it just unbearable for Baines to endure his screw of a wife. Philippe tries to help Baines after he kills his nagging wife. He eventually gives up the secrets he was trying to keep.

Costuming

The costuming seems quite accurate for 1948. Phillipe wears a sleeveless pull-over, dark short pants (probably navy blue), and white ankle socks. He buttons his collare, but does not wear a tie. This accurately reflects French styles, but was a little different than Englsh styles. Grey shorts were more common than blue shorts in England. White socks were not very common in England, but sandals were very common..






HBC





Navigate the Boys' Historical Clothing Web Site:
[Return to the Main Movie Fa-Fl page]
[About Us]
[Introduction] [Activities] [Biographies] [Chronology] [Clothing styles] [Countries] [Topics] [Theatricals]
[Bibliographies] [Contributions] [FAQs] [Glossaries] [Images] [Links] [Registration] [Tools]
[Boys' Clothing Home]




Created: 3:43 AM 3/29/2007
Last updated: 8:43 AM 5/13/2017