Joseph Cotten searches for “The Third Man” in Postwar Vienna

The Third Man (1949) is a British film noir directed by Carol Reed and starring Joseph Cotten, Alida Valli, Orson Welles, and Trevor Howard. The film’s screenplay was written by Graham Greene.

The film focuses on Holly Martins (Cotten) who travels to postwar Vienna to accept a job with his friend Harry Lime (Welles), learning that died just before his arrival. Thinking his death is suspicious, Holly stays in Vienna to investigate.

Did Harry really die in Vienna? And if he didn’t, who is buried in his grave?

 

Carol Reed (1906 – 1976) was an English film director. He directed several classic films including The Fallen Idol (1948), The Third Man (1949), and Oliver! (1968). Reed worked in a theatrical company in his teens. He eventually entered the film business in the UK where he worked his way up to the position of assistant director. He got his big break as a director with The Stars Look Down (1940) based on a novel by A. J. Cronin and starring Michael Redgrave. Other British films followed including Night Train to Munich (1940) starring Margaret Lockwood and Rex Harrison, Kipps (1941) with Redgrave again, and The Young Mr. Pitt (1942) starring Robert Donat.

Joseph Cotten (1905 - 1994) was an American film, stage, radio, and television actor. Cotten achieved fame on Broadway in the original stage productions of The Philadelphia Story and Sabrina Fair.  He became famous worldwide after appearing in Citizen Kane (1941) and The Magnificent Ambersons (1942). As one of the most popular leading men of the 1940s, Cotten starred in Shadow of a Doubt (1943), Gaslight (1943), Duel in the Sun (1946), and The Third Man (1949). Cotten alternated between work on stage and film into the late-1950s. Cotten also appeared on television guest-starring on The Name of the Game, Cimarron Strip, and Ironside. Cotten’s last film role was in 1981.

Alida Valli (1921 - 2006) was an Italian actress who made films in Europe and the United States. She came to America under contract to David O. Selznick who considered her another Ingrid Bergman. Introduced as “Valli” in Alfred Hitchcock’ The Paradine Case, she never lived up to the promise Selznick had for her. Her next two films The Miracle of the Bells (1948) co-starring Fred MacMurray and Frank Sinatra and Walk Softly Stranger (1950) co-starring Joseph Cotten were box office failures. The latter film was completed in 1948 but its release was held up for two years with the hope that it would capitalize on the popularity of The Third Man (1949). Valli had much greater success in Europe where she starred in films until 2002.

Trevor Howard (1913 – 1988) was an English stage, film, and television actor. He became a film star with his role in Brief Encounter (1945). This was followed by The Third Man (1949). The Clouded Yellow (1951), Mutiny on the Bounty (1962), Ryan’s Daughter (1970), Superman (1978), and Gandhi (1982). He was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Actor for his performance in Sons and Lovers (1960).

 

The Third Man trivia

• Orson Welles worked on the film for one week.
• Martin Scorsese wrote his major thesis while in film school and received a B+. His professor said it was just a “thriller.”
• The Vienna Police have a special force that patrols the intricate sewer system. It makes a great hiding place for criminals and drug runners.
• Carol Reed wanted James Stewart for the role of Holly Martins but David O. Selznick insisted on Joseph Cotten who was under contract to Selznick.
• Cary Grant was considered for the part of Harry Lime.

To join the discussion on July 17, 2023, at 6:30 p.m., click here. Once you RSVP, you will receive an invitation and a link to join the discussion on YouTube.

Discussion questions

1. This film is considered one of the top five in the mystery genre. Do you think this film earned that reputation in your eyes?
2. The camera work by Robert Krasker was considered somewhat revolutionary at the time. What is your perception of it and did it enhance the film in your estimation.
3. What did you think of the casting? Joseph Cotten, Alida Valli, Trevor Howard, and Orson Welles?
4. Was there anyone in the film that you related to? Did the film have a hero?
5. How did the music contribute to the film’s success?
6. The ending is one of the most famous in film. What did you make of it? Did it surprise you?