The Third Man Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A broke pulp writer goes to Vienna, finds his friend is dead, then not dead, then definitely dead (again), all while a zither plays.

🍿 The Third Man: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Arrival in Post-War Vienna

Holly Martins, a writer of pulp westerns, arrives in Vienna at the invitation of his friend Harry Lime, who has promised him a job. However, upon arrival, Martins discovers that Lime has recently died in a traffic accident. Vienna is depicted as a city divided into sectors controlled by different Allied powers, reflecting the political and economic turmoil of post-war Europe. This setting becomes crucial to the unfolding mystery.

Investigating Harry’s Death

Martins becomes suspicious of the circumstances surrounding Lime’s death. He learns conflicting accounts from various individuals, including Lime’s acquaintances Kurtz and Popescu, and the porter of Lime’s building. He also meets Anna Schmidt, Lime’s lover, a stateless actress with forged papers. The inconsistencies in the stories lead Martins to believe that Lime’s death was not accidental but potentially a murder.

The Third Man and Dark Discoveries

Martins’ investigation leads him to seek a mysterious “third man” who was reportedly present at the scene of Lime’s death. As he digs deeper, he uncovers evidence suggesting Lime was involved in criminal activities, specifically the trafficking of diluted penicillin. This adulterated penicillin caused severe harm and death, especially among children. This revelation dramatically shifts Martins’ perception of his friend.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Holly Martins (Joseph Cotten): An out-of-work pulp fiction novelist who investigates the suspicious death of his friend in postwar Vienna.
• Harry Lime (Orson Welles): A charismatic black market racketeer whose actions have deadly consequences.
• Anna Schmidt (Alida Valli): Harry Lime’s lover who struggles with her feelings for him despite his criminal activities.
• Maj. Calloway (Trevor Howard): A British officer who is determined to bring Harry Lime to justice.
• Karl (Paul Hörbiger): The porter at Harry Lime’s building, who provides key information about the ‘third man’.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Harry Lime: “In Italy for 30 years under the Borgias they had warfare, terror, murder and bloodshed, but they produced Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci and the Renaissance. In Switzerland they had brotherly love – they had 500 years of democracy and peace, and what did that produce? The cuckoo clock.” – This cynical speech, delivered on the Ferris wheel, encapsulates Lime’s moral justification for his actions by comparing cultural output to societal virtue.
• Holly Martins: “I’m a writer. I write stories, you know. Cheap novelettes.” – Holly introduces himself, highlighting his contrast to the darker, more complex reality he encounters in Vienna.
• Major Calloway: “Death’s at the bottom of everything. Leave death to the professionals.” – Calloway’s cynical line conveys the grim realities of post-war Vienna, advising Martins to avoid meddling in dangerous affairs.
• Harry Lime: “Nobody thinks in terms of human beings. Governments don’t, so why should we?” – Lime justifies his black marketeering by arguing that individuals are insignificant in the larger political scheme.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $2,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $1,067,364
• Worldwide Gross: $1,406,393

💥 The Third Man Reviews

Personal Review

I was blown away by The Third Man! The atmosphere is incredible. The shadows and tilted camera angles really put you on edge. Orson Welles’ entrance is iconic, and the sewer chase scene had me gripping my seat. It’s a movie that sticks with you long after you’ve seen it.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of classic film noir”
  • “Viewers interested in post-war European history”
  • “Those who appreciate suspenseful thrillers with complex moral themes”
  • “Viewers seeking movies with unique cinematography”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Violence”
  • “Adult themes”
  • “Implied harm to children”

Professional Reviews

• The New York Times: “A brilliantly realized thriller, The Third Man showcases the stark beauty of post-war Vienna. Reed’s direction and Welles’ captivating performance combine to create a timeless noir experience that lingers long after the credits roll. The music and cinematography are superb.
• Variety: “The Third Man is a triumph of atmosphere. From the bombed-out streets of Vienna to the claustrophobic sewer chase, the film immerses the viewer in a world of shadows and moral ambiguity. Orson Welles’ brief but memorable performance is a highlight.
• Sight & Sound: “Carol Reed’s masterpiece is a perfect example of British noir, combining a compelling story with stunning visuals. The use of tilted camera angles and stark lighting creates a sense of unease and disorientation that perfectly reflects the film’s themes.

Audience Reactions

The cinematography perfectly captures the despair and intrigue of post-war Vienna.: Viewers consistently praise the film’s stunning visuals and atmospheric score.

Orson Welles steals every scene he’s in, even with limited screen time.: Welles’ performance as Harry Lime is universally lauded as one of the greatest in cinema history.

Overall Consensus: A classic film noir celebrated for its atmospheric setting, brilliant cinematography, and memorable performances.

Awards

1. Academy Award (Best Cinematography, Black-and-White)- 1951
2. British Academy Film Award (Best British Film)- 1950
3. Cannes Film Festival (Grand Prize)- 1949

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “The zither music, composed and performed by Anton Karas, was discovered by director Carol Reed in a Viennese Heuriger (wine tavern). It became iconic and integral to the film’s atmosphere.”
• “Orson Welles ad-libbed the famous ‘cuckoo clock’ speech during the Ferris wheel scene. Graham Greene, the writer, initially disliked it but later conceded its brilliance.”
• “Many of the ‘police officers’ seen patrolling the sewers were actual members of the Vienna police force’s sewer unit.”
• “The distinctive tilted camera angles, known as ‘Dutch angles,’ were used extensively by cinematographer Robert Krasker to create a sense of unease and disorientation, reflecting the moral ambiguity of post-war Vienna.”

🖥️ How to Watch The Third Man?

The Third Man is widely available for streaming and purchase. You can find it on platforms like Amazon Prime Video for rental or purchase. It’s also often available on demand via Apple TV and other digital retailers. Check your local listings for television broadcasts, as it is a frequently aired classic.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed The Third Man, you might like these similar films:

• Casablanca (1942): Features moral ambiguity and romance against the backdrop of war-torn Europe.
• Touch of Evil (1958): Another noir masterpiece directed by Orson Welles. Showcases Welles’ signature style, with an American caught in a web of crime and corruption in a border town.
• Chinatown (1974): A neo-noir film with a complex mystery, moral corruption, and a cynical view of authority, similar to the themes explored in The Third Man.
• The Maltese Falcon (1941): A classic film noir with a private detective caught up in a dangerous game of cat and mouse as he investigates the death of his partner. Based on the novel by Dashiell Hammett.

🛒 The Third Man Related Products

• The Third Man (Criterion Collection) [Blu-ray]: Digitally restored high-definition transfer, featuring both the British and U.S. versions. Includes commentary, documentaries, and essays.
• The Third Man: Novella: Graham Greene’s original novella provides deeper insights into the characters and story. A must-read for those who want to explore the source material.
• The Third Man – Movie Poster: A reproduction of the original theatrical release poster. Perfect for framing and displaying your love for this classic film.
• Third Man Records: Vault Package #57 (Unofficial): While not officially licensed to the movie, its a homage of sounds and artistry from a record company with a similar aesthetic. Features live recordings, unique vinyl pressings, and exclusive merchandise that resonates with the movie’s dark elegance.

🎧 Soundtrack

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

• “The Third Man Theme” – performed by Anton Karas

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

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Why movies tilt the camera like this

You’ll be amazed by how often films use a simple camera trick that can completely change the feel of a scene. Ever wonder why a director might tilt the camera at an angle? The answer lies in German Expressionist cinema, a movement that started over 100 years ago and still influences films today.

Defining Film Noir

Prepare yourself for a fascinating journey through the dark and stylish world of Film Noir. This video dives into the genre’s defining characteristics, using iconic films like ‘The Third Man’ to illustrate its key elements.

✨ Rate