The Fallen Idol

It's a great life if you don't weaken.

The Fallen Idol (AKA: The Lost Illusion) is directed by Carol Reed and adapted to a screenplay by Graham Green from his own short story called The Basement Room. Additional dialogue was scripted by Lesley Storm and William Templeton, the music is by William Alwyn and Georges Périnal is the cinematographer. It stars Ralph Richardson, Bobby Henrey, Michèle Morgan, Sonia Dresdel and Denis O'Dea.

Film is told thru the eyes of Phillipe (Henrey), the young son of a diplomat living at the French Embassy in London. With his parents often away from home, Phillipe has latched onto the family butler, Baines (Richardson), for friendship and guidance. Baines regales the boy with fanciful tales of adventure, b...

Phillipe (Bobby Henrey) lives a privileged life as the young son of an ambassador, but he frequently finds himself neglected and dependent on the friendship of their butler Baines (Sir Ralph Richardson) who helps keep him occupied. With his father away on his latest trip, the youngster discovers his friend having tea with a woman he calls his niece. Whilst we can appreciate quite clearly that Julie (Michèle Morgan) is a little more than that, Phillipe is too young and is quite excited to be sworn to secrecy so Mrs. Baines (Sonia Dresdel) doesnt learn of their meeting. Back at the embassy, Mrs. Baines proves to be quite a suspicious character and sets a bit of a trap that ends up tragically involving the police and tests of loyalty all aroun...