

The Fallen Idol
The suspense is almost unbearable…
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.
TMDB
7.2/10
200 votes
IMDb
Not rated yet
View on IMDb
- Status
- Released
- Budget
- —
- Box office
- —
- Language
- French
- butler
- zoo
- embassy
- suspicion
- witness
- kids
- adult child friendship
Top billed cast

















Behind the camera
Gallery





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- J9/10
John Chard
2/8/2017
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…
- C7/10
CinemaSerf
3/30/2025
“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…
Member reviews
Sign in to rate and review. Browsing stays free and open.
Sign inMember comments
0Sign in to post a comment. Browsing stays free and open.
Sign in











