The Third Man (1949)

Detailed Summary

Introduction and Setting

The Third Man is a 1949 British film noir directed by Carol Reed and written by Graham Greene. The film stars Joseph Cotten, Alida Valli, Orson Welles, and Trevor Howard. Set in post-World War II Vienna, the film follows an American writer who travels to the city to visit a friend, only to find himself investigating a mysterious death in a city divided by the Allies.

The Story Unfolds

Arrival in Vienna

The film begins with American pulp novelist Holly Martins (Joseph Cotten) arriving in Vienna at the invitation of his childhood friend, Harry Lime (Orson Welles). Martins arrives to discover that Lime has died in a suspicious car accident. At Lime’s funeral, Martins meets Major Calloway (Trevor Howard), who hints that Lime was involved in illegal activities.

The Investigation

Determined to clear his friend’s name, Martins begins investigating Lime’s death. He encounters Anna Schmidt (Alida Valli), Lime’s actress girlfriend, who also doubts the official story. Martins learns from witnesses that a mysterious “third man” was seen helping to carry Lime’s body after the accident, suggesting a cover-up.

The Climax and Resolution

Uncovering the Truth

As Martins delves deeper, he discovers a black market operation involving diluted penicillin that has led to numerous deaths. Eventually, it is revealed that Harry Lime is alive and faked his own death to evade capture. Martins arranges to meet Lime, leading to the famous scene in the Vienna Ferris wheel, where Lime chillingly justifies his actions.

The Final Confrontation

Lime escapes into the Vienna sewers, with Martins and the police in pursuit. The film’s climax unfolds in the labyrinthine underground tunnels, culminating in a tense and dramatic chase. Martins ultimately shoots Lime, who dies in the sewers.

The Conclusion

The Aftermath

The film concludes with Martins attending Lime’s second funeral. In the final scene, Martins waits for Anna, hoping to reconcile, but she walks past him without a word, leaving him standing alone.

Movie Ending

The Third Man ends on a somber note, with Holly Martins reflecting on his actions and the moral complexities of his friend’s betrayal. The final shot, featuring Anna walking away, underscores the film’s themes of disillusionment and moral ambiguity.

Post-Credits Scene

There are no post-credits scenes in The Third Man.

Type of Movie

The Third Man is a film noir thriller that combines elements of mystery, drama, and suspense, focusing on themes of betrayal, moral ambiguity, and the impact of war.

Cast

• Joseph Cotten as Holly Martins
• Alida Valli as Anna Schmidt
• Orson Welles as Harry Lime
• Trevor Howard as Major Calloway
• Bernard Lee as Sergeant Paine

Film Music and Composer

The film’s iconic score was composed by Anton Karas, whose zither music, particularly “The Harry Lime Theme,” became synonymous with the film and achieved international fame.

Filming Locations

The Third Man was filmed on location in Vienna, Austria, capturing the city’s bombed-out ruins and atmospheric streets. Key locations include:

• The Prater amusement park, featuring the iconic Ferris wheel.
• The Vienna sewers, used for the climactic chase scene.
• Various bombed-out and rubble-strewn sites around the city, adding to the film’s gritty realism.

Awards and Nominations

The Third Man received numerous prestigious awards and nominations, including:

• Academy Awards: Won Best Cinematography (Black-and-White). Nominated for Best Director (Carol Reed) and Best Film Editing.
• Cannes Film Festival: Won the Grand Prix (equivalent to the Palme d’Or).
• BAFTA Awards: Won Best British Film.

Behind the Scenes Insights

• Orson Welles’s role as Harry Lime was originally intended to be smaller, but his charismatic performance expanded the character’s importance.
• The film’s distinctive look was achieved through the use of chiaroscuro lighting and oblique camera angles, contributing to its noir atmosphere.
• Graham Greene wrote the screenplay based on his novella of the same name, specifically for the film.

Inspirations and References

The Third Man is based on Graham Greene’s novella, which he wrote in preparation for the screenplay. The story reflects post-war tensions and the moral complexities of survival and betrayal in a divided city.

Alternate Endings and Deleted Scenes

The final cut of The Third Man closely follows Carol Reed’s and Graham Greene’s vision. Some additional content and behind-the-scenes insights are available in special editions and DVD releases.

Memorable Scenes and Quotes

Key Scenes

• The opening scenes depicting post-war Vienna.
• The funeral of Harry Lime and Martins’s initial encounters with the city’s divided authorities.
• The iconic Ferris wheel scene where Lime delivers his famous “cuckoo clock” speech.
• The dramatic sewer chase culminating in Lime’s death.
• The final scene where Anna walks past Martins without acknowledging him.

Iconic Quotes

• “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, 500 years of democracy and peace, and what did that produce? The cuckoo clock.” – Harry Lime
• “I never knew the old Vienna before the war, with its Strauss music, its glamour and easy charm.” – Narrator (Opening lines)

Easter Eggs and Hidden Details

• The film’s use of real locations in Vienna adds to its authenticity and atmospheric tension.
• Orson Welles’s improvisation of the “cuckoo clock” speech, which was not in the original script, became one of the film’s most memorable moments.

Trivia

• The film’s budget was approximately $800,000, and it grossed over $2 million worldwide, making it a commercial success.
• The Third Man is often cited as one of the greatest films of all time, consistently ranking high in critics’ polls and film lists.
• The sewer chase scene took three weeks to film, with extensive use of Vienna’s underground tunnels and intricate set designs.

Why Watch?

The Third Man offers a masterful blend of suspense, drama, and moral complexity, featuring standout performances, particularly by Orson Welles and Joseph Cotten, and masterful direction by Carol Reed. Its blend of atmospheric storytelling, iconic music, and innovative cinematography makes it a must-watch for fans of classic cinema and film noir.

Director’s Other Movies

Carol Reed also directed:

• The Fallen Idol (1948)
• Odd Man Out (1947)
• Our Man in Havana (1959)
• Oliver! (1968)

Recommended Films for Fans

• Casablanca (1942)
• The Maltese Falcon (1941)
• Double Indemnity (1944)
• The Big Sleep (1946)
• Touch of Evil (1958)