Serious Charge
“Never Has the Screen Been So Bold!”
Synopsis
Howard Phillips, a vicar who's new in the town of Bellington, wants to reach out to youth. The previous vicar's daughter, Hester Peters, who fears being a spinster, wants to be his wife. He tells her he's not interested. When he confronts a tough kid about something the youth has done, the lad sets out to frame the vicar. Hester, who's walked in on the confrontation, backs the youth's story. The town sides with her and the lad, turning against Phillips. He has a crisis of faith. What options does he have; can no one help him, his reputation, or his calling?
Top Cast
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Anthony Quayle
Reverend Howard Phillips
Sarah Churchill
Hester Peters
Andrew Ray
Larry Thompson
Irene Browne
Mrs Phillips
Cliff Richard
Curley Thompson
Percy Herbert
Mr Thompson
Noel Howlett
Mr Peters
Leigh Madison
Mary Williams
Liliane Brousse
Michelle
Judith Furse
Probation Officer
Wensley Pithey
Police Sergeant
Wilfrid Brambell
Verger
Jean Cadell
Almshouse Matron
Olive Sloane
Mrs Browning
George Roderick
Fishmonger
Jess Conrad
Dancer (uncredited)
Marie Devereux
Sexy Girl in Coffee Bar (uncredited)
Philip Lowrie
Boy in Coffee Bar/Larry's Gang (uncredited)
Key Information & Fast Facts
- Director
- Terence Young
- Screenplay & Story
- Guy Elmes, Mickey Delamar
- Original Score
- Leighton Lucas
- Original Title
- Serious Charge
- Country of Origin
- United Kingdom
- Spoken Languages
- English
- Runtime
- 1h 36m
Creative Leadership & Key Crew
Terence Young
Guy Elmes, Mickey Delamar, Philip King
Leighton Lucas
Georges Périnal
Reginald Beck
Mickey Delamar
Department Leadership Roster
Mickey Delamar
Producer
Reginald Beck
Editor
Georges Périnal
Director of Photography
Terence Young
Director
Leighton Lucas
Original Music Composer
Guy Elmes
Screenplay
Mickey Delamar
Screenplay
Age Classification & Content Advisories
Official viewer rating standards and content warnings across international classification boards.
International Certification Matrix
Parental Guidance — Unlikely to upset children 8 and older.
Production Stills & Gallery
Official cinematic photography and background stills for Serious Charge.
Featured In Curated Collections
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MovieLens[30K:40K]
Musicals
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Frequently Asked Questions About Serious Charge
Quick factual answers about cast, synopsis, director, box office, and release information.
What is Serious Charge about?
Howard Phillips, a vicar who's new in the town of Bellington, wants to reach out to youth. The previous vicar's daughter, Hester Peters, who fears being a spinster, wants to be his wife. He tells her he's not interested. When he confronts a tough kid about something the youth has done, the lad sets out to frame the vicar. Hester, who's walked in on the confrontation, backs the youth's story. The town sides with her and the lad, turning against Phillips. He has a crisis of faith. What options does he have; can no one help him, his reputation, or his calling?
Who directed Serious Charge?
Serious Charge was directed by Terence Young.
Who stars in Serious Charge?
The principal cast of Serious Charge includes Anthony Quayle, Sarah Churchill, Andrew Ray, Irene Browne, Cliff Richard.
When was Serious Charge released and how long is it?
Serious Charge was released in 1959 with a total runtime of 1h 36m.
Who composed the musical score for Serious Charge?
The original motion picture soundtrack for Serious Charge was composed by Leighton Lucas.
Is Serious Charge based on a book or true story?
Serious Charge is adapted from the following source material: Novel: "Philip King".
What is the age rating and content advisory for Serious Charge?
Serious Charge holds official age classifications: GB: PG (Parental Guidance — Unlikely to upset children 8 and older.).