The Idol

The Idol is a 1966 British drama film directed by Daniel Petrie and starring Jennifer Jones, Michael Parks, Jennifer Hilary and Guy Doleman. Set during the Swinging Sixties in London, the plot entails a rebellious student who disrupts the lives of all around him, leading to disastrous consequences. Plot Marco (Michael Parks), a young, arrogant art student, is friendly with Timothy (John Leyton), a medical student, and Sarah (Jennifer Hilary), Timothy's girl friend. Timothy is dominated by his wealthy and beautiful mother, Carol (Jennifer Jones), who is divorcing her husband. There is an Oedipal undercurrent between mother and son, and Timothy is not happy that Carol plans to marry again. Nevertheless, as Carol continues to control his life, Timothy wishes to be more independent. Marco finds a studio apartment, and Timothy pays the first two months' rent, planning to move in with his friend and switch from medicine to art. An angry Carol prevents the move, and Sarah, who has fallen in love with Marco, moves in instead. During a party at her weekend cottage, Carol becomes furious when she finds Marco and Sarah kissing in Timothy's room, and she orders Marco from the house. Later, Timothy is involved in a pub brawl, and Marco defends him and brings him home unconscious. Carol is appreciative, and warms to him. Later at a bar, Marco and Carol dance, and it is clear the repressed Carol is attracted to him. Timothy looks on, uneasily.