The Third Man

In post-World War II Vienna, an American writer investigates the mysterious death of his old friend, leading him into a web of intrigue and corruption.

In Carol Reed's "The Third Man", Holly Martins unravels the mystery of his friend's death in post-WWII Vienna, only to discover a web of deception and corruption. A thrilling noir masterpiece! #ClassicCinema #TheThirdMan ️‍♂️

American writer in post-WW2 Vienna uncovers his friend's corruption in black market penicillin trade, leading to a tragic end. #FilmNoir #TheThirdMan

Just watched Carol Reed's classic film noir, "The Third Man". Set in post-WWII Vienna, it's a gripping tale of an American writer investigating the mysterious death of his friend. The atmospheric cinematography, haunting zither music, and Orson Welles' unforgettable performance make it a must-see. #ClassicCinema #TheThirdMan ️‍♂️

The Third Man is a 1949 film noir directed by Carol Reed. The story follows Holly Martins, an American writer who arrives in post-World War II Vienna to visit his friend Harry Lime. However, he soon discovers that Lime has died in a mysterious accident. As Martins investigates the circumstances surrounding Lime's death, he uncovers a web of deceit and betrayal involving Lime's former lover, Anna, and a corrupt British official named Calloway. Martins also learns that Lime was involved in a black market racket, selling diluted penicillin on the black market, resulting in the deaths of innocent people. As Martins delves deeper into the case, he begins to suspect that Lime may still be alive and hiding in the city. The film culminates in a dramatic chase through the city's sewers, where Martins confronts Lime and ultimately brings him to justice. The Third Man is a gripping and suspenseful tale of love, betrayal, and moral ambiguity set against the backdrop of a war-torn city.

• Holly Martins arrives in post-World War II Vienna to visit his old friend, Harry Lime, who has offered him a job. However, upon his arrival, Holly learns that Harry has been killed in a car accident.
• At Harry’s funeral, Holly meets Major Calloway, a British military police officer, who informs him that Harry was involved in black market activities and was being investigated by the police.
• Holly is determined to clear Harry’s name and begins his own investigation. He meets Baron Kurtz, a friend of Harry’s, who tells him that Harry was involved in a scheme to dilute penicillin and sell it on the black market.
• Holly also meets Anna Schmidt, Harry’s former lover, who tells him that Harry was not killed in a car accident, but was murdered.
• Holly’s investigation leads him to a meeting with Popescu, a member of Harry’s black market ring. Popescu tells Holly that Harry is still alive and offers to take him to him.
• Holly is taken to a meeting with Harry, who reveals that he faked his death to avoid being arrested by the police. Harry tries to convince Holly to join him in his illegal activities, but Holly refuses.
• Meanwhile, Major Calloway and his team are also investigating Harry’s activities. They discover that Harry’s penicillin scheme resulted in the deaths of many innocent people.
• Harry’s associates, including Baron Kurtz and Popescu, are arrested by the police. Harry manages to escape, but is chased by Holly and Major Calloway.
• In a tense and iconic scene, Harry is cornered in the sewers of Vienna. Holly confronts him and tries to convince him to surrender, but Harry refuses and is shot by Major Calloway.
• After Harry’s death, Holly and Anna leave Vienna together, with Holly reflecting on the corruption and moral ambiguity he encountered during his time there.

The Third Man is a 1949 film directed by Carol Reed and written by Graham Greene. Set in post-World War II Vienna, the film follows the story of Holly Martins, an American writer who arrives in the city to visit his old friend, Harry Lime. However, upon his arrival, Holly learns that Harry has been killed in a car accident.

At Harry’s funeral, Holly meets Major Calloway, a British military police officer, who informs him that Harry was involved in black market activities and was being investigated by the police. Holly is determined to clear Harry’s name and begins his own investigation. He meets Baron Kurtz, a friend of Harry’s, who tells him that Harry was involved in a scheme to dilute penicillin and sell it on the black market.

Holly also meets Anna Schmidt, Harry’s former lover, who tells him that Harry was not killed in a car accident, but was murdered. As Holly delves deeper into the mystery surrounding Harry’s death, he discovers that Harry’s associates, including Baron Kurtz and Popescu, are involved in illegal activities.

Holly’s investigation leads him to a meeting with Popescu, a member of Harry’s black market ring. Popescu tells Holly that Harry is still alive and offers to take him to him. Holly is taken to a meeting with Harry, who reveals that he faked his death to avoid being arrested by the police. Harry tries to convince Holly to join him in his illegal activities, but Holly refuses.

Meanwhile, Major Calloway and his team are also investigating Harry’s activities. They discover that Harry’s penicillin scheme resulted in the deaths of many innocent people. As they close in on Harry’s associates, including Baron Kurtz and Popescu, Harry manages to escape and is chased by Holly and Major Calloway.

In a tense and iconic scene, Harry is cornered in the sewers of Vienna. Holly confronts him and tries to convince him to surrender, but Harry refuses and is shot by Major Calloway. After Harry’s death, Holly and Anna leave Vienna together, with Holly reflecting on the corruption and moral ambiguity he encountered during his time there.

The Third Man is a classic film noir that explores themes of corruption, betrayal, and moral ambiguity. With its iconic cinematography and memorable performances by Orson Welles as Harry Lime and Joseph Cotten as Holly Martins, the film has become a beloved classic in the history of cinema.

1. What is the plot of The Third Man?
   The plot follows an American writer who investigates the mysterious death of his friend in post-World War II Vienna.
2. Who directed The Third Man?
   The Third Man was directed by Carol Reed.
3. When was The Third Man released?
   The film was released in 1949.
4. Who wrote the screenplay for The Third Man?
   Graham Greene wrote the screenplay for The Third Man.
5. Who stars in The Third Man?
   The film stars Joseph Cotten, Alida Valli, and Orson Welles.
6. Is The Third Man based on a book?
   Yes, the film is based on a book written by Graham Greene.
7. What is the famous quote from The Third Man?
   The famous quote from the film is “In Italy, for thirty years under the Borgias, they had warfare, terror, murder, bloodshed – they produced Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci, and the Renaissance. In Switzerland, they had brotherly love, five hundred years of democracy and peace, and what did that produce? The cuckoo clock.”
8. What is the significance of the zither music in The Third Man?
   The zither music was used to create a sense of unease and tension throughout the film.
9. Where was The Third Man filmed?
   The film was primarily filmed on location in Vienna, Austria.
10. What is the famous scene in The Third Man?
    The famous scene in the film is the chase through the sewers of Vienna.
11. Is The Third Man in black and white?
    Yes, the film is in black and white.
12. What is the theme of The Third Man?
    The theme of the film is betrayal and moral ambiguity.
13. What awards did The Third Man win?
    The film won the Grand Prix at the Cannes Film Festival and an Academy Award for Best Cinematography.
14. Is The Third Man a film noir?
    Yes, the film is considered a classic example of film noir.
15. What is the significance of the title The Third Man?
    The title refers to the mysterious third man who is involved in the death of Harry Lime.
16. What is the famous ending of The Third Man?
    The famous ending of the film shows Holly Martins walking away from Anna Schmidt, symbolizing his moral ambiguity and the loss of their relationship.
17. What is the Rotten Tomatoes score for The Third Man?
    The film has a 99% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
18. Is The Third Man a classic?
    Yes, the film is considered a classic in the film noir genre.
19. What is the running time of The Third Man?
    The film has a running time of 104 minutes.
20. What is the significance of the Ferris wheel in The Third Man?
    The Ferris wheel is used as a symbol of the moral ambiguity and danger in post-war Vienna.
21. Is The Third Man a spy movie?
    While the film does involve elements of espionage, it is not considered a traditional spy movie.
22. What is the rating for The Third Man?
    The film has a rating of 8.2/10 on IMDb.
23. What is the budget for The Third Man?
    The film had a budget of $1 million.
24. What is the significance of the cuckoo clock in The Third Man?
    The cuckoo clock is used as a symbol of the false sense of security and normalcy in post-war Vienna.
25. Is The Third Man a true story?
    No, the film is a work of fiction.
26. What is the genre of The Third Man?
    The film is a thriller/mystery.
27. What is the meaning of the final shot in The Third Man?
    The final shot of the film, with the light shining on Holly Martins, symbolizes his moral awakening and redemption.