The Heart of the Matter (1953): Cast & Plot
The Heart of the Matter is a 1953 drama directed by George More O’Ferrall, starring Trevor Howard as Harry Scobie, Michael Hordern and Elizabeth Allan. It runs 1 hour 45 minutes.
- Released
- Runtime
- 1h 45m (105 min)
- Director
- George More O’Ferrall
- Genre
- Drama
- Original language
-
English - Studio
- London Films Productions
- After the credits
- No No extra scene
What Is The Heart of the Matter About?
The premise of The Heart of the Matter without spoilers. The whole story is in the plot summary further down.
Based on Graham Greene’s novel, a married colonial police chief struggles with his conscience when he has an affair with a younger woman.
The Heart of the Matter Themes & Keywords
· 16 tags- africa
- based on novel
- wartime
- conscience
- psychological
- psychological drama
- affair
- military
- military officer
- security officer
- military police
- melancholy
+4 more Show fewer
- married
- woman
- love
- young
The Heart of the Matter Cast & Characters
Trevor Howard leads the cast as Harry Scobie, with Michael Hordern as Commissioner and Elizabeth Allan as Louise Scobie. Directed by George More O’Ferrall; 11 actors are credited in all.
- Director George More O’Ferrall
-
Trevor Howard as Harry Scobie -
Michael Hordern as Commissioner - Elizabeth Allan as Louise Scobie
- Gérard Oury as Yusef
Also Starring in The Heart of the Matter
· 7 more- Maria Schell Helen Rolt
- Denholm Elliott Wilson
- George Coulouris Portuguese Captain
- Peter Finch Father Rank
- Judith Furse Dr Sykes
- Earl Cameron Ali
- Jane Henderson Miss Malcot (uncredited)
More from George More O’Ferrall
More films directed by George More O’Ferrall: Three Cases of Murder, The Holly and the Ivy and Angels One Five.
The Heart of the Matter Plot Summary
What happens in The Heart of the Matter from start to finish, spoilers included, with a timeline of 13 key events. The opening is below; the full summary is a 3-minute read.
Spoilers ahead
Harry Scobie, Trevor Howard, is the Deputy Commissioner of the Sierra Leone Police in Freetown during World War II. He is unhappily married to Louise, a fellow Catholic, Elizabeth Allan, and together they mourn the loss of their only daughter. After fifteen years of service in the country, Scobie is passed over for a coveted promotion when the Police Commissioner announces his retirement, and a younger man shipped from the United Kingdom takes the job instead. The setback festers into a quiet resentment as Scobie keeps dutifully policing a city perched on the edge of wartime chaos.
Full summary
The whole story of The Heart of the Matter, scene by scene
How Well Do You Know The Heart of the Matter?
10 questions about the story, each with a hint if you get stuck. Pick an answer to see whether you were right.
Question 1 of 10
- Question 1: not answered
- Question 2: not answered
- Question 3: not answered
- Question 4: not answered
- Question 5: not answered
- Question 6: not answered
- Question 7: not answered
- Question 8: not answered
- Question 9: not answered
- Question 10: not answered
What is the name of the Deputy Commissioner of the Sierra Leone Police?
The Heart of the Matter Also Known As
4 alternative titles, including “Das Herz aller Dinge” and “L'incubo dei Mau Mau”.
- Also known as
-
- Das Herz aller Dinge
- L'incubo dei Mau Mau
- Le Fond du problème
- Lovløse hjerter
Seen The Heart of the Matter?
Movies Like The Heart of the Matter
Films with a similar story, tone or audience, including Heart of Fire, The Heart of Me and The Mothering Heart.
The Heart of the Matter FAQ: Cast, Runtime & Release Date
Runtime, release date, director, cast and post-credit scenes of The Heart of the Matter, each answered in a sentence.
How long is The Heart of the Matter?
The Heart of the Matter runs 1 hour 45 minutes (105 minutes).
When was The Heart of the Matter released?
The Heart of the Matter was released on November 3, 1953.
Who directed The Heart of the Matter?
The Heart of the Matter was directed by George More O’Ferrall.
More films by George More O’Ferrall Who is in the cast of The Heart of the Matter?
The Heart of the Matter stars Trevor Howard as Harry Scobie, Michael Hordern as Commissioner and Elizabeth Allan as Louise Scobie, among 11 credited actors.
Does The Heart of the Matter have a post-credit scene?
No. The Heart of the Matter has no extra scene during or after the credits.
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