The Fallen Idol poster

The Fallen Idol

The suspense is almost unbearable…

7.2(200)19481h 36m2

Phillipe, the son of an ambassador in London, hero-worships his father's butler Baines. His perception of the man changes when he accidentally discovers the secret that Baines keeps and witnesses the consequences that adults' lies can cause.

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Status
Released
Budget
—
Box office
—
Language
French
  • butler
  • zoo
  • embassy
  • suspicion
  • witness
  • kids
  • adult child friendship

Top billed cast

Behind the camera

Director

Carol Reed

Produced in

United Kingdom

Gallery

Still from The Fallen IdolStill from The Fallen IdolStill from The Fallen IdolStill from The Fallen IdolStill from The Fallen Idol

Videos

Release dates

  • United StatesUS

    • TheatricalNew York15 Nov 1949
  • United KingdomGB

    • Theatrical (limited)London30 Sept 1948
  • FranceFR

    • TheatricalU22 Jun 1949
  • ItalyIT

    • PremiereVenice Film Festival31 Aug 1948
  • NetherlandsNL

    • PhysicalDVD2 May 2016
  • SpainES

    • Theatrical31 Jan 1950

Frequently asked questions

The Fallen Idol was released on 30 September 1948.

Audience reviews

2
  • J

    John Chard

    2/8/2017

    9/10

    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…

  • C

    CinemaSerf

    3/30/2025

    7/10

    “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 Mor…

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