The Third Man

Just from the passage of time alone qualifies this movie among the “under appreciated”. At the time of it’s release in 1949 the setting of this movie, the Austrian capital of Vienna, was still in the midst of a rebuild and recovery process from World War 2. Shot in the streets of Vienna at that time, this movie provides authenticity and the gravity of the post-war era emirates from every shot. Directed by Carol Reed, this movie is unique in that it has one of the worlds most renowned directors in a starring role, with Orson Welles playing the shadowy character of Harry Lime. Author Holly Martins (Joseph Cotton) arrives in Vienna in search of the mysterious Lime and learns of his untimely and unusual “death”.

What unfolds is a clever crime drama against the backdrop of a classic European city, torn apart by war and political struggle. It’s hard for black and white era movies to still stand the test of time, but the characterization (of the people, and the city itself), story, and the cinematography allow this movie to measure up against contemporary films, and in a lot of cases, surpass it. Graham Greene’s screenplay brings us through the underworld of Vienna, an underworld that the destroyed city struggles to keep from seeping to the surface. The final scenes shot in the physical sewers of the city are a perfect analogy to the whole post-war era, a disillusioned man taking advantage of a strained system for his own personal gain. Orson Welles has stated that there was never a better role than the role of Harry Lime, and with his impressive resume of films, it’s hard not to place this one atop any of them.

If you’re a fan of Noir, this movie will appeal to you, and it’s quality outlasts similar films of it’s time. Casablanca and the Maltese Falcon are often praised as the gold standard for Noir, but The Third Man’s man grittiness is what distinguishes itself from those two and provides a lasting impact to this day.

Directed By: Carol Reed

Starring: Joseph Cotton, Orson Welles, Alida Valli

Runtime: 93 minutes Year Released: 1949