The Third Man
Mystery, Thriller
Criterion  (1949) 104 mins Approved

8.5 (40,449 votes) Top 250: #52
Pulp novelist Holly Martins travels to shadowy, postwar Vienna, only to find himself investigating the mysterious death of an old friend, black-market opportunist Harry Lime, and thus begins this legendary tale of love, deception, and murder. Thanks to brilliant performances by Joseph Cotten, Alida Valli, and Orson Welles; Anton Karas's evocative zither score; Graham Greene's razor-sharp dialogue; and Robert Krasker's haunting deep focus shots, off-kilter angles, and dramatic use of light and shadow, The Third Man, directed by the inimitable Carol Reed, only grows in stature as the years pass....

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Cast and Crew
Joseph Cotten  ......  Holly Martins
Alida Valli  ......  Anna Schmidt (as Valli)
Orson Welles  ......  Harry Lime
Trevor Howard  ......  Major Calloway
Bernard Lee  ......  Sergeant Paine
Paul Hörbiger  ......  Harry's Porter (as Paul Hoerbiger)
Director  .....  Carol Reed
Producer  .....  Carol Reed; Alexander Korda; David O'Selznick
Writer  .....  Graham Greene; Alexander Korda
Notes
Goofs:
Continuity: Three cats were used for Harry Lime's only loved cat. But all three cats had different sizes and colors. (more)

Trivia:
Graham Greene based the character of Harry Lime on British double agent Kim Philby, who was Greene's superior in the British Secret Intelligence Service. (more)

Filming Locations:
Isleworth, Middlesex, England, UK (more)

Quotes:
Harry Lime: What did you want me to do? Be reasonable. You didn't expect me to give myself up... 'It's a far, far better thing that I do.' The old limelight. The fall of the curtain. Oh, Holly, you and I aren't heroes. The world doesn't make any heroes outside of your stories. (more)

Awards:
Won Oscar. Another 2 wins & 4 nominations (more)