CINEXA

The Third Man

An out of work pulp fiction novelist, Holly Martins, arrives in a post war Vienna divided into sectors by the victorious allies, and where a shortage of supplies has led to a flourishing black market. He arrives at the invitation of an ex-school friend, Harry Lime, who has offered him a job, only to discover that Lime has recently died in a peculiar traffic accident. From talking to Lime's friends and associates Martins soon notices that some of the stories are inconsistent, and determines to discover what really happened to Harry Lime. Use this page to compare cast context, genre fit (Drama, Film-Noir, Mystery), release year 1949, and whether this film matches tonight's mood.

The Third Man poster on CINEXA

Story of The Third Man

An out of work pulp fiction novelist, Holly Martins, arrives in a post war Vienna divided into sectors by the victorious allies, and where a shortage of supplies has led to a flourishing black market. He arrives at the invitation of an ex-school friend, Harry Lime, who has offered him a job, only to discover that Lime has recently died in a peculiar traffic accident. From talking to Lime's friends and associates Martins soon notices that some of the stories are inconsistent, and determines to discover what really happened to Harry Lime.

Use this page to compare cast context, genre fit (Drama, Film-Noir, Mystery), release year 1949, and whether this film matches tonight's mood.

Title facts

  • Type Movie
  • Release year 1949
  • Released 01 Feb 1950
  • Runtime 104 minutes
  • Content rating Approved
  • IMDb rating IMDb 8.1/10 from 193,556 votes
  • Metascore 97/100
  • Genres Drama, Film-Noir, Mystery
  • Languages English, German, Russian, French
  • Countries United Kingdom, United States

Cast

Orson Welles, Joseph Cotten, Alida Valli

Direction and writing

Directed by: Carol Reed

Written by: Graham Greene, Alexander Korda, Carol Reed

Awards and recognition

Won 1 Oscar. 6 wins & 4 nominations total

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