Carol Reed and Graham Greene were a perfect cinematic pairing; their twin instincts for
mischief and morality yielded potboilers rich with human detail.
The Fallen Idol, the second best of their collaborations (dude,
The Third Man!), is this story of a convenient friendship between a lonesome French diplomat's son and his butler. A murder mystery, a boy crying wolf (and
kissing snake!), postwar intrigue, class politics, and the lasting power of a beautifully photographed staircase—just a few elements that keep this masterpiece alive. (
Grand Illusion, 1403 NE 50th St, 523-3935. 7 and 9 pm, $5—$8.
Dude, The Third Man
plays next week!)