The Fallen Idol

What a terrific movie! The movie begins slowly then storms full speed ahead by the end. The pacing is deliberate and captivating. Initially it seemed like a comedy about a lonely child, but progressed into a suspenseful mode. The acting and dialogue were superb. Unusual story, screen play, and plot/character development. Highly recommend.

Ok bur not worth the hype.

Not a Hitchcock, but what is? Nicely done, and very well-acted by the young boy.

Carol Reed directed, but you'da thought it was Hitchcock. Terrific photography, top-flight acting.

Another excellent companion piece to Carol Reed's " The 3rd Man" And "Odd man out" This Noir contains an air of mystery, Secrets and lies along side innocent bystanders . A young boy gets caught in the middle of infidelity, confrontation and misunderstandings. Being taught one must never tell lies he wants to do right by his Idol ,the Butler. A man known for spinning stories and tall tales ,ropes himself into a murder accusation. As the Police investigation gets heated everyone's moral values for truth and justice are put to the test. I wouldn't want to spoil this ending, Therefore I highly recommend you watch it to discover the secrets for yourselves.

If I taught a filmmaking class this work of art would be among the first films I'd shoe my students. It works on every level. Of particular interest is the set design of the embassy by Vincent Korda. Director Carol Reed's The Third Man, which he did months later, is why perhaps this gem of his has been overlooked.

Masterful direction is showcased this classic police procedural.  Reed manipulates events to create tension all through the investigation of a mysterious death. Ralph Richardson does the upstanding citizen trying hard to do the right thing but bought down by one flaw. Upstanding yes, but he's also s bit wooden here. What really stands out is the phenomenal performance the director coaxes from the boy.

I believe it's my second Carol Reed film, an early big film-noir name. A stricked lady is little Phillipe's most anoying person in the world. She is always nagging on him ."Do not eat before dinner!", "Go to bed!", "Don't to that!". She lives in a big house with, Baines - a butler and a man that Phillipe likes a whole lot. Well, Mrs. Baines is not happy when she find's out that Baines is out dating a younger girl. The little boy finds out and he is twisted into a whole bunch of secrets and lies. This is not easy. When Baines is accused for killing his wife things get even more complicated as the little man is the only witness. Should he lie, and if so, how much? A pretty smart and interesting film with some nerve and suspense. Pretty Hitchcockian and it also looks pretty sweet. A good noir that hasn't aged all that well, but still a solid film that remains pretty unknown. 6.5 out of 10 snakes.

If ever there was an argument in favor of smacking a kid, I give you Philippe - the most annoying child on film.

A wonderful film from the Talking Pics channel. If you think you know how the film will end, then you will be surprised. Ralph Richardson at his understated best. Sonia Dresdel is menacing as Richardson's wife. Bobby Henrey gives a very good performance as the young boy. Great supporting cast including Jack Hawkins, Dandy Nichols, Bernard Lee and Geoffrey Keene.