Serious Charge
Serious Charge (also known as A Touch of Hell in the United States) is a 1959 British drama film directed by Terence Young and adapted from Philip King's 1956 stage play of the same name.[1] The story follows Reverend Howard Phillips (Anthony Quayle), a new vicar in a small town who becomes the target of false accusations of sexual misconduct after intervening in the life of a troubled youth, leading to intense social prejudice and a fight to clear his name.[2] Produced by Mickey Delamar and co-written by Delamar and Guy Elmes, the film stars Quayle alongside Sarah Churchill as a parishioner with unrequited feelings for him, Andrew Ray as the accusatory youth, and marks the screen debut of pop singer Cliff Richard in the role of the youth's brother.[1][3] Filmed on location in Stevenage, Hertfordshire, Serious Charge runs for 95 minutes and delves into themes of false accusation, homophobia, and the challenges faced by clergy in addressing youth delinquency, obliquely touching on homosexuality in a post-censorship era that allowed for more frank social commentary.[2][3] Released amid controversy for its handling of sensitive topics, the film was marketed partly through Richard's rising stardom but earned praise for its serious exploration of prejudice and moral integrity, though it received mixed critical reception for its melodramatic elements.[1] An accompanying EP soundtrack by Cliff Richard and The Drifters, featuring songs from the film, was also released in 1959, contributing to Richard's early career momentum.The film
Plot
Reverend Howard Phillips arrives in the town of Bellington to assume his duties as the new vicar, determined to engage with the local youth and address social issues in the community. He quickly immerses himself in town life, attending a juvenile court hearing to speak in support of troubled teenager Curley Thompson and organizing activities to reach out to wayward young people, including those frequenting the local coffee bar that represents the emerging youth culture of the late 1950s. His efforts soon bring him into contact with 19-year-old Larry Thompson, a petty criminal and leader of a gang known for disruptive behavior, such as breaking into the public lido to steal towels.[4][5][3] The central conflict develops when Mary Williams, a young woman impregnated by Larry, confides in Howard and seeks his guidance on her situation. Larry, evading responsibility and more interested in pursuing Michelle, the French helper at the vicarage, rejects Mary's pleas. Howard confronts Larry at the lido about the pregnancy and urges him to do the right thing, but Larry denies any involvement and storms off in anger. Later, at the vicarage, Larry returns in a rage, smashes furniture, and stages a scene of struggle before accusing Howard of sexually assaulting him. Hester Peters, a local woman harboring unrequited affection for Howard and having earlier seen Mary leaving the vicarage, arrives on the scene and corroborates Larry's false claim out of misguided jealousy and misunderstanding.[6][7][5] News of the accusation spreads rapidly, igniting community backlash against Howard and isolating him socially. Parishioners shun his church services, where a heated confrontation erupts during one sermon as rumors of his supposed misconduct surface openly; he receives anonymous poison-pen letters, finds his car tires slashed, and even faces physical aggression from Larry's father in a moment of escalating tension. In a tragic turn, Mary witnesses Larry kissing Michelle and, overwhelmed by despair and abandonment, runs into oncoming traffic at a busy street, resulting in her accidental death. Howard's position becomes untenable as he grapples with the town's hostility and contemplates resigning.[4][3][6] The escalation leads to an investigation into the events, during which Hester begins to question her support for Larry, prompted by conversations with Howard's mother that expose inconsistencies in his story. Michelle's involvement proves crucial, as her account of Larry's advances and actions that evening helps unravel the deception. Confronted with the mounting evidence, Larry confesses to fabricating the assault charge to deflect blame for his own wrongdoing. With Larry punished by his father and the truth revealed, Howard is fully vindicated, the community begins to reconcile, and a sense of resolution emerges, underscoring the triumph of honesty amid adversity.[6][7][5]Cast
The principal cast of Serious Charge features Anthony Quayle as Reverend Howard Phillips, the central figure who embodies moral integrity as the falsely accused vicar.[8][9] Quayle's dramatic lead performance anchors the film's exploration of injustice and community tension.[10] Sarah Churchill portrays Hester Peters, serving as the romantic interest and key supporter to the protagonist.[8][9] Andrew Ray plays Larry Thompson, the troubled youth acting as the antagonist who drives much of the conflict.[8][9] Supporting roles include Irene Browne as Mrs. Phillips, the vicar's mother, providing emotional grounding.[8][5] Percy Herbert appears as Mr. Thompson, Larry's father, adding familial dynamics to the narrative.[8][5] Cliff Richard makes his film debut as Curly Thompson, Larry's brother, in a non-speaking musical role as a youthful singer that highlights the era's youth culture.[8][11][12]| Actor | Role |
|---|---|
| Noel Howlett | Mr. Peters |
| Leigh Madison | Mary Williams |
| Judith Furse | Probation Officer |
| Wensley Pithey | Police Sergeant |
| 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) |
| Julie Martin | (uncredited) |
| Wilfred Pickles | Magistrate (uncredited) |