The Fake is a 1953 British crime film directed by Godfrey Grayson and starring Dennis O'Keefe, Coleen Gray and Hugh Williams. Its plot concerns an American detective who tries to solve the theft of a priceless painting from the Tate Gallery in London. Plot When Leonardo da Vinci's Madonna and Child arrives at London's Tate Gallery for a special exhibition, American Paul Mitchell (Dennis O'Keefe) is assigned to guard it. However, on examination, Paul realizes that the painting has been replaced with a fake. Joining forces with Tate employee Mary Mason (Coleen Gray), Paul attempts to find the original and collect the museum's $50,000 reward for its recovery. Cast Dennis O'Keefe - Paul Mitchell Coleen Gray - Mary Mason Hugh Williams - Sir Richard Aldingham Guy Middleton - Smith John Laurie - Henry Mason Eliot Makeham - Pavement Artist Gerald Case - Peter Randall Seymour Green - Weston Stanley Van Beers - Cartwright Dora Bryan - Barmaid Ellen Pollock - Miss Fossett Philip Ray - Bearded Tramp Morris Sweden - Pettigrew Michael Ward - Art Salesman Arnold Bell - Police Inspector Clifford Buckton - Lodging House Keeper Marianne Noelle - Girl Student Leslie Phillips - Boy Student Billie Whitelaw - Waitress Tom Clegg - 1st Thug Guy Deghy - Stranger John Wadham - Thug Frank Atkinson - Tate Gallery Attendant Johnnie Schofield - Tate Gallery Attendant Leonard Sharp - Tate Gallery Attendants Critical reception Leonard Maltin called the film an "OK crime drama," rating it two out of four stars, while The Hollywood Reporter found it "fairly diverting." References External links 1953 films 1953 crime films Films about theft Films directed by Godfrey Grayson Films set in London British crime films British black-and-white films Films with screenplays by Patrick Kirwan 1950s English-language films 1950s British films