The Third Man 1949
"Hunted by men ... Sought by WOMEN!"
Directed by the visionary Carol Reed, *The Third Man (1949)* is a post-war thriller that weaves a web of intrigue around Holly Martins, a struggling American writer drawn to Vienna by the promise of opportunity.
Director: Carol Reed
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
Erich Ponto
Dr. Winkel
Siegfried Breuer
Popescu
Hedwig Bleibtreu
Anna's Landlady
Bernard Lee
Sergeant Paine
Frequently Asked Questions
What is The Third Man (1949) about?
*The Third Man* follows Holly Martins, a writer who travels to Vienna at his childhood friend Harry Lime's invitation, only to discover Lime has died under mysterious circumstances. Martins becomes ensnared in a conspiracy, uncovering secrets about Lime's life and death while clashing with authorities and crossing paths with Lime's lover.
Who directed The Third Man?
The film was directed by Carol Reed, a British filmmaker known for his work in noir and suspense. Reed's direction gives *The Third Man* its distinctive tone and visual style.
Who stars in The Third Man?
The film features Joseph Cotten as Holly Martins, Alida Valli as Anna Schmidt, Trevor Howard as Major Calloway, and Orson Welles as Harry Lime, with standout performances that bring the story to life.
Is The Third Man (1949) worth watching?
*The Third Man* is widely regarded as a classic of the thriller genre, celebrated for its atmospheric storytelling, stellar cast, and Reed's masterful direction. If you enjoy mystery, noir, or post-war intrigue, this film is well worth your time.
How long is The Third Man?
The film has a runtime of 105 minutes.
🎥 Trailer
About The Third Man (1949) — A Post-War Thriller of Betrayal and Mystery
Directed by the visionary Carol Reed, *The Third Man (1949)* is a post-war thriller that weaves a web of intrigue around Holly Martins, a struggling American writer drawn to Vienna by the promise of opportunity. Upon arrival, Martins discovers that his childhood friend Harry Lime has died under suspicious circumstances, setting off a chain of events that unravels a darker reality. As Martins digs deeper, he uncovers the shadowy figure of a "third man" at the scene of Lime's death, while navigating entanglements with British authorities and Lime's enigmatic lover, Anna. The film's moody black-and-white cinematography and haunting zither score create an atmosphere of suspense and moral ambiguity, echoing the fractured world of post-war Europe.
With a stellar cast led by Joseph Cotten as Martins and Orson Welles as the charismatic yet menacing Harry Lime, *The Third Man (1949)* blends mystery, noir aesthetics, and sharp dialogue into a timeless classic. Reed's direction infuses the film with a sense of urgency and mystery, making it a standout in the thriller genre. Whether you're drawn to its gripping plot or its atmospheric storytelling, this film remains a must-see for fans of classic cinema.
