Serious Charge – 1959 | 87 mins | Drama | B&W

Plot Synopsis

Absorbing British drama adapted from Philip King’s stageplay that tackles social issues of the day including juvenile delinquency and small-town prejudices. Anthony Quayle‘s portrayal of the sincere bachelor clergyman sympathetic and convincingly.A rather unusual film to provide a screen debut for wholesome singer Cliff Richard, but he does find time to sing his first chart-topper Livin’ Doll.

Progressive clergyman Reverend Howard Phillips (Anthony Quayle) is an ex-military padre who now works in a small town parish helping to defend juvenile delinquents in court and operating a youth club to keep them out of trouble. Phillips has romantic complications in the shape of a frustrated spinster Hester Peters (Sarah Churchill), who openly admits to the vicar that she loves him and is angered when he spurns her.

Chief amongst the town troublemakers is vicious Teddy boy Larry Thompson (Andrew Ray), who gets local girl Mary Williams pregnant and whom Phillips partly holds responsible for her subsequent death. When Phillips finally confronts Larry in the vicarage, the vindictive youth falsely accuses the vicar of indecent assault, and uses the vindictive Hester to support his allegation. The townsfolk turn against Phillips, and with his reputation in tatters, only Hester can assist in restoring his standing.