Wednesday, April 10, Quentin Falk concluded his three day Visiting Authors tour with the University of North Georgia. He held a screening of the 1948 film The Fallen Idol, which is an adaptation of Graham Greene’s short story, “The Basement Room.”
The film is shot from the perspective of the French diplomat’s son, Phillipe, who witnesses the death of the butler’s wife. Phillipe idolizes the butler, Baines, but gets caught up in the lies and secrets of everyone. From Baines affair with Julie to Mrs. Baines plan to catch Baines in the act. However after an altercation between Baines and Mrs. Baines, she falls to her death from the window. Phillipe, believing Baines killed her, tries to protect him through lying. However Baines is eventually found not guilty when they find evidence that supports that Mrs. Baines death was upon her own accord.
Following the screening of the film, Falk discussed how the short story was adapted and the differences between the two. According to Falk, Graham Greene believed short stories were better to turn into films because it gave the story room to grow and to be created into something more. He also mentioned that the film had a profound affect because it was shot in black and white which allowed for the director to play with the shadows in the room. He also discussed that the entire success of the film depended solely on the acting of a boy who looked the part, but who had no experience in acting. Because of this, they gave him few lines and most takes are of Bobby Henrey, who plays Phillipe, by himself. Without giving the original story way, Falk stated that the main difference is that the film has a happier ending so that it was more accessible to the audience.
Following his analysis of the film, Falk held a brief Q&A followed by closing comments by Dr. Joyce Stavick, who awarded Quentin Falk with a t-shirt for him and his wife as well as a plaque.
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