The Idol (1966 film)
| Company type | Film |
|---|---|
| Industry | Film industry |
| Founded | 1966 |
| Founder | Daniel Petrie (director) |
| Products | Drama film |
The Idol is a 1966 British drama film helmed by director Daniel Petrie, featuring performances by Jennifer Jones, Michael Parks, Jennifer Hilary, and Guy Doleman. Set against the backdrop of London during the Swinging Sixties, the narrative centers on a defiant art student whose rebellious behavior culminates in devastating consequences.
Plot
Marco, a conceited art student, maintains a friendship with Timothy, who is studying medicine, and Timothy's partner Sarah. Timothy lives under the strong influence of his affluent mother Carol, who is in the process of divorcing and preparing to remarry. Although Timothy yearns for autonomy, he remains controlled by Carol.
With financial assistance from Timothy, Marco obtains a studio apartment, hoping that Timothy will join him there and switch to studying art. Carol obstructs this plan, resulting in Sarah moving in with Marco instead. At a social gathering, Carol witnesses Marco and Sarah sharing a kiss and promptly expels Marco.
After defending Timothy during a pub altercation, Marco earns Carol's approval, which sparks mutual attraction. On New Year's Eve, Marco seduces Carol but subsequently humiliates her as retribution for her earlier dismissal. Later, he arrives intoxicated at a party accompanied by a streetwalker, bragging about his conquest to Sarah—an exchange overheard by Timothy.
During a confrontation on a ship's deck, Timothy shoves Marco, causing him to fall into the water. Despite efforts to save him, Marco drowns. The police interrogate Timothy, who withholds full details; the incident is deemed accidental but implicates Timothy. During his arrest, Carol reaches out to him, but he rejects her contact.
Cast
- Jennifer Jones as Carol
- Michael Parks as Marco
- John Leyton as Timothy
- Jennifer Hilary as Sarah
- Guy Doleman as Martin Livesey
- Natasha Pyne as Rosalind
- Jack Watson as Police Inspector
- Jeremy Bulloch as Lewis
- Gordon Gostelow as Simon
- Priscilla Morgan as Rosie
- Edna Morris as Mrs. Muller
- Fanny Carby as barmaid
- Renée Houston as 1st woman at party
- Caroline Blakiston as 2nd woman at party
Production
Initially, Carlo Ponti offered Jennifer Jones a script by Ugo Liberatore, suggesting she star alongside her son Robert Walker Jr. portraying mother and son roles; however, Jones declined. The script was then acquired by Joseph E. Levine who arranged for an English adaptation and cast Kim Stanley in the lead role. When Stanley became ill shortly before filming commenced, Jones agreed to take on the part.
Directed by Daniel Petrie, recognized for his 1961 work A Raisin in the Sun, this project marked Jones's first screen appearance following the death of her husband David O. Selznick. The majority of filming occurred on location in London.
Music
The film's score was composed by John Dankworth, featuring pieces such as "The Idol," "Empty Arms and Empty Heart," and "The Party." A memorable sequence showcases Marco performing Vivaldi's "Winter" from The Four Seasons.
Critical reception
The Monthly Film Bulletin characterized the movie as a bleak psychological melodrama hindered by a shallow script that neglects to delve into essential relationships, thereby restricting the actors' performances. The depiction of London settings was inadequately captured, and even the musical score by John Dankworth failed to bring vitality to the production.
Variety highlighted that although the film benefited from high-quality production and the thoughtful cinematography of Ken Higgins, it was undermined by stagnant character arcs and a meandering storyline, which diminished its overall dramatic effect.
Leslie Halliwell described the film succinctly as a "Stupefyingly boring generation gap sex drama."