The Third Man
The Third Man emerged as one of the most talked-about Thriller films of 1949, combining the directorial talents of Carol Reed with exceptional performances by Joseph Cotten, Alida Valli, Trevor Howard. Since its release on , the film has continued to generate discussion for its creative approach and thematic depth.
The 105-minute runtime of The Third Man provides the perfect canvas for In postwar Vienna, Austria, Holly Martins, a writer of pulp Westerns, arrives penniless as a guest of his childhood chum Harry Lime, only to learn he has died. Martins develops a conspiracy theory after learning of a "third man" present at the time of Harry's death, running into interference from British officer Major Calloway, and falling head-over-heels for Harry's grief-stricken lover, Anna.. With a 7.918/10 TMDB rating, the film demonstrates strong craftsmanship and refreshing narrative development that elevates the Thriller genre. Critics have highlighted the director's vision as a standout aspect of this cinematic experience.
Overview
| Movie Name | The Third Man |
|---|---|
| Genre | Thriller, Mystery |
| Platform | Not available in your region |
| Original Language | English |
| Spoken Languages | English, Russian, German |
| Production Countries | United Kingdom |
| Producer | Carol Reed |
| Release Date | 1949-08-31 |
| Runtime | 105 minutes |
| Director | Carol Reed |
| Cast | Joseph Cotten as Holly Martins, Alida Valli as Anna Schmidt, Trevor Howard as Major Calloway, Orson Welles as Harry Lime, Paul Hörbiger as Karl the Porter |
| TMDB Rating | 7.918/10 (1939 votes) |
| Production Companies | London Films Productions |
| Budget | $0 |
| Revenue | $1,226,098 |
Story
The Third Man is a Thriller film directed by Carol Reed. Released in 1949, this suspenseful movie takes viewers into a suspenseful world where In postwar Vienna, Austria, Holly Martins, a writer of pulp Westerns, arrives penniless as a guest of his childhood chum Harry Lime, only to learn he has died. Martins develops a conspiracy theory after learning of a "third man" present at the time of Harry's death, running into interference from British officer Major Calloway, and falling head-over-heels for Harry's grief-stricken lover, Anna.. The narrative uses flashbacks to reveal character motivations, while impressive production design enhance the storytelling throughout. At its core, the film explores themes of identity and transformation, presenting characters who must navigate through personal challenges and external conflicts. The performances bring authenticity to the story, with each actor contributing to the film's overall impact. Joseph Cotten particularly stands out for a nuanced portrayal. Upon its release, The Third Man resonated deeply with audiences for its innovative approach and technical excellence. With a TMDB rating of 7.918/10 based on 1939 votes, the film has clearly made its mark in the Thriller genre. Whether you're a dedicated fan of Thriller cinema or simply looking for a captivating movie experience, this film delivers with its combination of engaging storytelling and polished execution.
Cast
Joseph Cotten
Holly Martins
Alida Valli
Anna Schmidt
Trevor Howard
Major Calloway
Orson Welles
Harry Lime
Paul Hörbiger
Karl the Porter
Ernst Deutsch
'Baron' Kurtz
Screenshots
Review
The Third Man represents a well-received addition to the 1940s catalog of United Kingdom cinema. Released in 1949, this Thriller film directed by Carol Reed brings fresh perspectives to the forefront of Thriller, Mystery storytelling.
The film's central storyline, which revolves around In postwar Vienna, Austria, Holly Martins, a writer of pulp Westerns, arrives penniless as a guest of his childhood chum Harry Lime, only to learn he has died. Martins develops a conspiracy theory after learning of a "third man" present at the time of Harry's death, running into interference from British officer Major Calloway, and falling head-over-heels for Harry's grief-stricken lover, Anna., is brought to life through stunning cinematography and compelling performances from the cast including Joseph Cotten as Holly Martins, Alida Valli as Anna Schmidt, Trevor Howard as Major Calloway, Orson Welles as Harry Lime, Paul Hörbiger as Karl the Porter. The 105 minute runtime allows the director to explore complex themes in depth, giving viewers a rich and immersive experience.
With a TMDB rating of 7.918/10 based on 1939 votes, The Third Man has clearly resonated with audiences. The film balances entertainment with artistic merit, making it a recommended watch for fans of Thriller, Mystery cinema. What sets this movie apart is its distinctive visual style, combined with a compelling pace that keeps viewers engaged throughout.
The multilingual nature of the film adds authenticity to its international setting.
Looking back at this 1940s release, it's clear the film has maintained its cultural relevance
Watch Trailer
FAQs
The Third Man was released on 1949-08-31.
The main actors in The Third Man are Joseph Cotten as Holly Martins, Alida Valli as Anna Schmidt, Trevor Howard as Major Calloway, Orson Welles as Harry Lime, Paul Hörbiger as Karl the Porter.
With a TMDB rating of 7.918/10, The Third Man is definitely worth watching.
The IMDb rating of The Third Man is 7.8/10.
You can watch The Third Man on popular streaming platforms.
