The Third Man starring Joseph Cotten, is about a man who arrives in post-WWII Vienna to start a job offered by his friend Harry Lime. However he arrives to discover that his friend was killed in a mysterious car accident. As he learns more about the accident he begins to suspect not all is as it seems. The key to the mystery seems to be the third man who was seen at the time of the accident. He spends time with Anna Schmidt, his friend’s former lover, and discovers more about his friend than he wanted to know…
I liked this film. There was a sense of mystery and discovery, as well as betrayal and corruption. The visuals are powerful, showing the destruction of the war on Vienna.
I didn’t understand a few bits. I couldn’t see how Anna Schmidt remains so devoted to Harry, when it is shown that the man is corrupt and evil, and does not care who he harms in the pursuit of money. I always hate the ends of films that are unclear, I like things all finished off and spelt out for me.
I did particularly enjoy the acting of Joseph Cotton as the lead and Trevor Howard who plays Major Callaway, a police investigator. They were two stand out roles for me, and made the appearance of the extraordinary Orson Welles almost pale in comparison.
Overall, a good film, with superb visuals.
Rating: 7/10
Summary: Post-war Vienna mystery magnificence
Memorable moment: [1:56:02] - The unmistakeable face of Orson Welles makes an appearance
Top 100 position: 39
IMDb: The Third Man
Buy it from: Amazon
Films remaining: 78
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