When a Stranger Calls Poster

When a Stranger Calls 1979

★ 6.2297 votes97 min📅 1979-08-24

"Every babysitter's nightmare becomes real..."

Directed by Fred Walton, *When a Stranger Calls (1979)* plunges audiences into a night of sheer dread as a student babysitter, Jill, becomes the target of a relentless, unhinged caller.

Director: Fred Walton

Cast

Carol Kane
Carol Kane
Jill Johnson
Charles Durning
Charles Durning
John Clifford
Colleen Dewhurst
Colleen Dewhurst
Tracy
Tony Beckley
Tony Beckley
Curt Duncan
Rutanya Alda
Rutanya Alda
Mrs. Mandrakis
Carmen Argenziano
Carmen Argenziano
Dr. Mandrakis
Kirsten Larkin
Nancy
Ron O'Neal
Ron O'Neal
Lt. Charlie Garber
Heetu
Houseboy
Rachel Roberts
Rachel Roberts
Dr. Monk

Frequently Asked Questions

What is *When a Stranger Calls (1979)* about?

Jill, a college student babysitting in an isolated suburban home, faces a terrifying ordeal when an unknown caller begins harassing her with increasingly sinister threats. What starts as prank calls spirals into a deadly game of survival as the caller's true intentions are revealed.

Who directed *When a Stranger Calls*?

Fred Walton directed the film, crafting a suspenseful atmosphere that lingers long after the credits roll.

Who stars in *When a Stranger Calls*?

The film features standout performances from Carol Kane, Charles Durning, Colleen Dewhurst, Tony Beckley, and Rutanya Alda.

Is *When a Stranger Calls (1979)* worth watching?

As a foundational thriller in the horror genre, *When a Stranger Calls* delivers relentless suspense and a twist ending that justifies its cult status. While it may not rely on gore, its psychological tension and atmospheric dread make it a must-see for fans of classic horror.

How long is *When a Stranger Calls*?

The film runs for 97 minutes, keeping tension high without unnecessary filler.

🎥 Trailer

About When a Stranger Calls (1979) — The 1979 Horror Classic That Redefined the Babysitter Thriller

Directed by Fred Walton, *When a Stranger Calls (1979)* plunges audiences into a night of sheer dread as a student babysitter, Jill, becomes the target of a relentless, unhinged caller. What begins as a series of eerie phone calls escalates into a chilling game of cat-and-mouse, blurring the line between reality and terror. Shot in a claustrophobic, suburban setting, the film masterfully builds suspense by isolating its protagonist in a seemingly safe home, transforming an ordinary evening into a psychological battlefield.

The horror unfolds through unsettling silence, sudden ring tones, and the creeping realization that the threat is closer than it appears. With a tight runtime of 97 minutes, *When a Stranger Calls* keeps tension high, culminating in a jaw-dropping finale that redefines the concept of a babysitter's nightmare.