The Stranger Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A Nazi war criminal hides in plain sight as a clock-obsessed professor until a persistent war crimes investigator and a very tall clock tower ruin everything.

🍿 The Stranger: Detailed Plot Synopsis

The Hunt Begins

Following World War II, Mr. Wilson, an investigator with the War Crimes Commission (Edward G. Robinson), seeks Franz Kindler, a Nazi mastermind responsible for the Holocaust who has disappeared. With no photographs available and Kindler’s true identity a mystery, Wilson releases Konrad Meinike, one of Kindler’s former associates, hoping he will lead them to Kindler.

A Small Town Deception

Wilson follows Meinike to Harper, Connecticut, where Meinike attempts to reconnect with Kindler. There, he discovers Kindler has assumed the identity of Charles Rankin (Orson Welles), a history professor at a local boys’ school and is preparing to marry Mary Longstreet (Loretta Young), the daughter of a Supreme Court Justice. Meinike is killed by Kindler before he can officially identify him.

Suspicion and Doubt

With Meinike dead, Wilson’s only clue is Kindler’s fascination with clocks. Wilson poses as an antiques dealer and begins to investigate Rankin. He subtly plants seeds of doubt in Mary’s mind regarding her new husband, while Rankin feels his past closing in, leading to paranoia and suspicion of those around him, including his wife.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Prof. Charles Rankin/Franz Kindler (Orson Welles): A notorious Nazi war criminal hiding in a small Connecticut town under the guise of a history professor.
• Mr. Wilson (Edward G. Robinson): A determined War Crimes Commission investigator hunting for Franz Kindler and bringing him to justice.
• Mary Longstreet (Loretta Young): An innocent and naive woman who unwittingly marries the Nazi war criminal, Charles Rankin.
• Konrad Meinike (Konstantin Shayne): A former associate of Kindler, released from prison as bait to lead authorities to the infamous Nazi.
• Judge Adam Longstreet (Philip Merivale): A respected Supreme Court Justice and Mary’s father, unaware of the true identity of his daughter’s husband.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Mr. Wilson: “Well, who but a Nazi would deny that Karl Marx was a German because he was a Jew?” – Wilson uses this statement to provoke Rankin and test his true ideology.
• Konrad Meinike: “I am travelling for my health.” – Meinike nervously repeats this phrase to customs officials, revealing his anxiety and fear of being caught.
• Charles Rankin: “Perhaps it’s not possible to bring back the dead, but you can always repair a clock.” – Rankin’s obsession with clocks reveals his desire to control and fix things, reflecting his past attempt to control society.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $1.034 million
• Domestic Gross: $3.2 million
• Worldwide Gross: $3.2 million

💥 The Stranger Reviews

Personal Review

I was captivated by ‘The Stranger’! Orson Welles is just amazing, I couldn’t take my eyes off of him. The suspense kept me on the edge of my seat the entire movie. The scene where Loretta Young’s character begins to suspect her husband’s true identity was so intense, it made me gasp. I love films like this because they stay with you long after the credits roll. Definitely a must-see if you enjoy classic thrillers!

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of classic film noir”
  • “Viewers interested in post-WWII thrillers”
  • “Admirers of Orson Welles and Edward G. Robinson”
  • “Those who appreciate suspenseful, character-driven stories”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Deals with sensitive themes relating to Nazi atrocities”
  • “Includes depictions of violence”
  • “Some suspenseful scenes may be disturbing to sensitive viewers”

Professional Reviews

• Variety: “Welles delivers a taut thriller showcasing post-war anxieties. Robinson’s portrayal of the relentless investigator is captivating, and the clock tower climax is unforgettable. A must-see for fans of suspense and noir.
• The New York Times: “The Stranger captures the unsettling atmosphere of a small town harboring a dark secret. Although the plot occasionally falters, the performances, especially Welles’ chilling portrayal of Kindler, make it a worthwhile watch. Strong direction.
• Hollywood Reporter: “A compelling post-war thriller, The Stranger benefits from strong performances and Welles’ signature visual flair. The film explores themes of identity and deception in a suspenseful narrative. Though predictable at times, its still worth a watch.

Audience Reactions

The suspenseful atmosphere and the unpredictable plot twists had everyone hooked!: Viewers consistently praise Edward G. Robinson’s compelling performance as the determined war crimes investigator.

The clock tower scene was visually stunning and incredibly tense!: The film effectively captures the sense of paranoia and unease in post-war America.

Overall Consensus: A classic post-war thriller with suspenseful storytelling and memorable performances, especially from Orson Welles and Edward G. Robinson, making it a highly recommended watch.

Awards

1. Edgar Award (Best Motion Picture)- 1947

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Orson Welles initially wanted Agnes Moorehead, a fellow Mercury Theatre player, to play the role of Mr. Wilson, but the studio insisted on Edward G. Robinson for box-office appeal.”
• “This was the first mainstream American movie to feature actual footage from Nazi concentration camps, which Welles insisted on including to underscore the reality of Nazi atrocities.”
• “The film’s exteriors, including the church with its clock tower, were built on the backlot of United Artists Studios, showcasing impressive set design despite budgetary constraints.”

🖥️ How to Watch The Stranger?

The Stranger is available to rent or purchase on various platforms, including Amazon Prime Video and Apple TV. Check your preferred digital retailer for pricing and availability. It is also available on DVD and Blu-ray.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed The Stranger, you might like these similar films:

• Notorious (1946): Another post-World War II thriller dealing with Nazi remnants in South America, emphasizing suspense and intrigue.
• The Boys from Brazil (1978): Explores the theme of hidden Nazis and their plans for a Fourth Reich, albeit in a more sensationalized, science fiction-infused way.
• Marathon Man (1976): A thriller where the protagonist unwittingly uncovers a plot involving a Nazi war criminal hiding in plain sight, creating suspense and danger.
• Shadow of a Doubt (1943): Hitchcock directed this classic about a young woman who begins to suspect her beloved uncle is not who he seems.

🛒 The Stranger Related Products

• The Stranger (The Criterion Collection) [Blu-ray]: A beautifully restored edition of The Stranger in stunning Blu-ray quality, complete with insightful bonus features and essays that explore the film’s production, themes, and lasting impact.
• Orson Welles: The Road to Xanadu: A detailed biography of Orson Welles, covering his life, career, and the making of ‘The Stranger’, providing a comprehensive look into the director’s genius and struggles.
• Edward G. Robinson: A Life of Greatness: This biography explores the life and career of Edward G. Robinson, detailing his early life and the making of ‘The Stranger’, providing a comprehensive look into the actor’s genius and the impact of his roles.
• The Stranger Movie Poster (1946) – Vintage Reproduction: A high-quality reproduction of the original theatrical poster for ‘The Stranger’. A classic piece of movie memorabilia that captures the film’s atmosphere and star power.

🎧 Soundtrack

The Stranger features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Main Title” – performed by Bronislau Kaper
• “Meinike’s Theme” – performed by Bronislau Kaper
• “The Clock Tower” – performed by Bronislau Kaper

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

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Want a quick and entertaining breakdown of ‘The Stranger’ before diving into the movie? Thug Notes makes understanding complex literature surprisingly fun!

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Albert Camus’s the Stranger

Ever wondered what’s really going on beneath the surface of ‘The Stranger’? This video digs into the deeper themes and philosophical ideas behind Camus’s work, making the movie even more thought-provoking.

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