Graham Greene drew upon his experience as a war reporter in French Indochina to write his novel on which this film is based. He was severely criticised to put it mildly for supposed anti-Americanism in the character of Alden Pyle, an undercover CIA agent. Following the Hollywood blacklistings, 'politics' dictated that Joseph L. Mankiewicz's version should show this 'quiet American' as a character motivated by altruism rather than by a political agenda. However the notion that America is a beacon of morality is no less laughable now than it was then. On the films release Mankiewicz was in turn attacked by Europeans for betraying the books intentions and making it pro-American. Graham Greene of course disowned the film entirely.
In this the American, who has no name, is played by Audie Murphy, far from being a great actor but whose wholesome persona suits the way the part is written and whose sterling War record would presumably improve the films box office potential.
As Phuong, the Vietnamese girl loved by both the American and Fowler the journalist, Mankiewicz cast Georgia Moll, an Italian. Her casting has raised a few eyebrows and would now be considered by the PC brigade to be decidedly 'non-inclusive'. She is however both touching and appealing in the role. Mention must be made of Claude Dauphin as Inspector Vigo whose scenes with Fowler are splendid. Fowler is played by Michael Redgrave and it is his sensitive and powerful performance that carries the day and provides the films driving force.
Mankiewicz himself was disappointed with the finished product and it fared badly.
The remake directed by Philip Noyce with Michael Caine as Fowler is more faithful to the novel but I don't think that makes it a better film. Let's face it, Mankiewicz at his worst is in a different class to Noyce and Caine at his best is no match for Redgrave!
