Serious Charge Poster

Serious Charge 1959

★ 5.89 votes96 min📅 1959-04-30

"Never Has the Screen Been So Bold!"

In the quiet town of Bellington, newcomer vicar Howard Phillips seeks to bridge the gap between spirituality and the restless youth of post-war Britain.

Director: Terence Young

Cast

Anthony Quayle
Anthony Quayle
Reverend Howard Phillips
Sarah Churchill
Sarah Churchill
Hester Peters
Andrew Ray
Andrew Ray
Larry Thompson
Irene Browne
Irene Browne
Mrs Phillips
Cliff Richard
Cliff Richard
Curley Thompson
Percy Herbert
Percy Herbert
Mr Thompson
Noel Howlett
Noel Howlett
Mr Peters
Leigh Madison
Leigh Madison
Mary Williams
Liliane Brousse
Liliane Brousse
Michelle
Judith Furse
Judith Furse
Probation Officer

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Serious Charge (1959) about?

This 1959 drama follows a new vicar in Bellington who faces false accusations after confronting a troubled teen. The town rallies against him, fueled by gossip and a young woman's resentment, leaving him to question his calling and integrity.

Who directed Serious Charge?

Terence Young, known for his work on James Bond films like *From Russia with Love*, directed *Serious Charge*.

Who stars in Serious Charge?

The film stars Anthony Quayle, Sarah Churchill, Andrew Ray, Irene Browne, Cliff Richard, and Percy Herbert in key roles.

Is Serious Charge (1959) worth watching?

While it lacks an IMDb rating, *Serious Charge* offers a compelling blend of drama and social commentary, anchored by strong performances. Its themes of injustice and faith make it a thought-provoking watch for fans of mid-century British cinema.

How long is Serious Charge?

Serious Charge has a runtime of 96 minutes.

About Serious Charge (1959) — A Vicar's Crisis of Faith and Community Betrayal

In the quiet town of Bellington, newcomer vicar Howard Phillips seeks to bridge the gap between spirituality and the restless youth of post-war Britain. His sincere efforts take a dark turn when a rebellious teenager, backed by the town's gossip-hungry residents, accuses him of a crime he didn't commit. The fragile trust of Hester Peters, the previous vicar's daughter, shatters in the face of scandal, leaving Phillips questioning not just his innocence but his faith itself. Terence Young's *Serious Charge (1959)* crafts a tense drama of betrayal and moral crisis, set against the backdrop of a community quick to judge.

With a stellar cast led by Anthony Quayle as the tormented vicar and Cliff Richard making a rare dramatic appearance, this British gem explores themes of redemption, societal hypocrisy, and the fragility of reputation. The film's undercurrent of quiet tension mirrors the era's anxieties, while its bold storytelling—captured in the tagline *Never Has the Screen Been So Bold!*—reflects a willingness to tackle taboo subjects head-on.