'The Man Within' (1947) Movie of the Book by Graham Greene

No good copies of this movie are available - this is a kind-of roto-scoped version that I did (I prefer this to the bitty-fragmented images of the unprocessed print I managed to track down).

'The Man Within' (1947) is a British drama film directed by Bernard Knowles, based on Graham Greene’s 1929 debut novel of the same name. The film explores themes of betrayal, guilt, and the search for personal redemption, staying true to Greene’s introspective and morally complex storytelling. It stars Michael Redgrave as Andrews, Richard Attenborough as Carlyon, and Jean Kent as Elizabeth, the woman who challenges Andrews' moral struggles.

The story follows Francis Andrews, a timid and conflicted young man who works as an informer against a smuggling ring led by the charismatic but ruthless Carlyon. Haunted by the memory of his tyrannical father, who was also a smuggler, Andrews is torn between loyalty and fear. After betraying the gang to the authorities, he becomes a hunted man, grappling with his own cowardice and sense of guilt.

Fleeing from Carlyon’s wrath, Andrews finds refuge with Elizabeth, a compassionate and independent woman who offers him shelter and emotional support. As their relationship deepens, Andrews begins to confront his fears and question his identity, seeking a path toward personal redemption. However, his past continues to pursue him, as Carlyon and his gang remain determined to exact revenge.

The tension escalates as Andrews must decide whether to face his enemies and atone for his betrayal, or continue living in fear and self-loathing. In the climactic confrontation, Andrews ultimately finds the courage to stand against Carlyon, marking a turning point in his moral and emotional journey.

The film concludes with Andrews beginning to reclaim his sense of self, no longer defined by fear or the shadow of his father’s legacy. His relationship with Elizabeth suggests a hopeful future, as he seeks forgiveness and inner peace.

The Man Within received praise for Michael Redgrave’s nuanced performance as the troubled Andrews and Richard Attenborough’s chilling portrayal of the vengeful Carlyon. While the film softened some of Greene’s darker themes, it effectively captured the novel’s moral ambiguity and psychological depth, exploring the struggle for identity and the cost of betrayal.