Serious Charge

Serious Charge is a stirring British drama from 1959 directed by Terence Young. Boasting a star-studded cast featuring Anthony Quayle, Sarah Churchill, and Andrew Ray, the movie touches on some contentious and deeply moving subjects. It also serves to historically mark the debut film appearance of the legendary musician, Cliff Richard.

The central character, portrayed by Anthony Quayle, is Reverend Howard Phillips, a young parson and the new vicar of a parish in a small English town. He is a fiercely moralistic character with unwavering faith in his religion and an unshakeable belief in his ethical stances. He is determined to rid the town of what he perceives as its moral decrepitudes, which puts him at odds with some of the town's more liberal citizens. Quayle's performance paints a compelling image of a man torn between the poise of his position and the tumultuous reality of the society that surrounds him.

Upon his arrival, he immediately locks horns with Larry Thompson, a rebellious youth leader and local womanizer played by Andrew Ray. A self-styled rebel, Larry has grown popular among the town's youth, much to Phillips' disapproval. The interaction between Phillips and Thompson serves as the beating heart of the narrative, their clashes reflecting broader societal tensions of the time. Their disagreement takes a drastic turn following an accusation that results in a scandal shaking the small community to its core and threatening to rip it apart.

Sarah Churchill takes on the role of Hester Peters, a local woman grappling with her feelings for the idealistic new vicary. Her portrayal of Hester provides one of the movie's emotional anchors, as she skillfully navigates the complex emotions of a woman caught up in emotional and moral conflicts. Her relationship with Phillips unfolds as an engaging subplot that complements the central story and brings further depth to the characters and their struggles.

Cliff Richard makes his acting debut as Curley Thompson, Larry's younger brother, a role which allows the then-rising-star to showcase both his acting and singing talents. This marks a significant historical point in Richard's career and makes the film a must-see for fans of the music icon.

Director Terence Young handles the sensitive themes skillfully, ensuring the screenplay, written by Ken Hughes and based on Phillip King's play of the same name, unfolds in a manner that is both gripping and poignant. The performances of the lead actors, combined with Young's deft directorial capabilities, result in a compelling exploration of the complexities of human morality and social conflicts.

As a British courtroom drama from the late 1950s, Serious Charge carries a particular tone and atmosphere. The trials and tribulations of each character are deeply entrenched in the contextual setting of post-war Britain, encapsulating the audience with an engaging societal image of that era.

From its striking performances to its adept handling of provocative themes, Serious Charge remains a paradigm of British postwar cinema that echoes lingering societal questions of the time yet never losing its individual narrative pulse. It's an emotionally charged movie that carefully straddles the boundaries of drama and controversy. The lead performances, distinctive plotline, and cultural significance make it an absorbing cinematic experience that leaves audiences contemplative long after the credits roll.

Whether you're a fan of great performances, historical drama, the iconic madness of Cliff Richard, or looking to explore the depths and complexities of human morality – Serious Charge has something to offer for everyone. It's a serious film that asks serious questions about society and leaves its viewers with some serious thoughts to ponder over. A well-crafted piece of cinema that stands out in its own regard and stakes its pole firmly in the ground of 1950's British drama.