The Heart of the Matter (1953)
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Synopsis of The Heart of the Matter
Heart of the Matter is a faithful if somewhat austere adaptation of the same-named novel by Graham Greene. Set in Sierra Leone during WW II, the film stars Trevor Howard as assistant police commissioner Scobie. While his wife Louise (Elizabeth Allan) is away on vacation, Scobie falls in love with Helen (Maria Schell), the widow of a U-boat victim. Scobie would like to get a divorce from his wife, and she from him, but their Catholicism prevents not only this break but Scobie's planned remarriage to Helen. In despair, Scobie chooses a desperate means of solving his dilemma--which only furthers to exacerbate the religious quandary in which everyone finds themselves. Posing several ethical questions throughout its 105 minutes, Heart of the Matter wisely allows the viewers to come up with their own answers. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
Complete Cast of The Heart of the Matter
- Trevor Howard - Harry Scobie
- Maria Schell - Helen Rolt
- Peter Finch - Father Rank
- George Coulouris - Portuguese captain
- Colin Gordon - Colonial Secretary
- Michael Hordern - Commissioner
- Gillian Lind - Mrs. Carter
- John Rae - Loder
- Anthony Snell - Doctor
- Judith Furse - Dr. Sykes
- Ewan Roberts - Druce
- Christopher Rhodes - French Officer
- John Glyn-Jones - Harris
- Elizabeth Allan - Louise Scobie
- Denholm Elliott - Wilson
- Gérard Oury - Yusef
- Earl Cameron - Ali
- Evelyn Roberts - Col. Wright
- Cyril Raymond - Carter
- Orlando Martins - Rev. Clay
- Peter Burton - Perrot
- Jane Henderson - Miss Malcott
- Errol John - African Policeman
- George More O'Ferrall
- Eugene Leahy - Newall
- Jack Allen - RNVR Lieutenant
- Director(s):
- George More O'Ferrall
- Writer(s):
- Lesley Storm, Ian Dalrymple
- Producer(s):
- Ian Dalrymple
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