The Third Man (1949)

 

The Third Man (1949)

The Third Man (1949) is one of the greatest classic film noirs ever made. Directed by Carol Reed and written by the famous novelist Graham Greene, the movie is celebrated for its haunting atmosphere, unforgettable music and masterful storytelling. It stars Joseph Cotten, Alida Valli, Orson Welles and Trevor Howard.

Set in post-war Vienna, the film explores mystery, corruption, friendship and betrayal. Its famous zither soundtrack, shadow-filled cinematography and thrilling plot have made it a timeless classic.

Plot Summary

Arrival in Vienna

The story follows "Holly Martins", an American writer of Western novels, who arrives in Vienna after World War II. He comes to meet his friend "Harry Lime", who has offered him a job. But when Holly arrives, he learns shocking news — Harry Lime has died in a mysterious traffic accident.

The Mystery Begins

At Harry Lime’s funeral, Holly meets "Major Calloway", a British officer. Calloway tells Holly that Harry was a criminal involved in selling diluted penicillin on the black market, causing many deaths. Holly refuses to believe it and decides to investigate the truth on his own.

Who Was the Third Man

During his investigation, Holly discovers that two men carried Harry’s body after the accident. But a witness claims there was a third man who helped. This creates doubt about Harry’s death and suggests a hidden secret.

Shocking Discovery

Later, Holly learns that Harry Lime is actually alive. In one of the most famous scenes in cinema history, Harry appears suddenly in a dark doorway, smiling under a street light. Holly realizes his friend is a dangerous criminal who faked his death.

Conflict Between Friendship and Justice

Holly meets Harry again on a Ferris wheel. Harry explains that he does not care about the people harmed by his crimes. Holly feels torn between loyalty to his old friend and doing the right thing.

Final Chase and Ending

Police begin chasing Harry through the sewers of Vienna. In the sad and dramatic final scene, Holly is forced to make a painful decision that ends the chase. The movie closes with a famous long shot where "Anna Schmidt", Harry’s lover, walks past Holly without saying a word.

Main Cast

Joseph Cotten – Holly Martins

Alida Valli – Anna Schmidt

Orson Welles – Harry Lime

Trevor Howard – Major Calloway

Bernard Lee – Sergeant Paine

Orson Welles’ performance as Harry Lime is widely regarded as one of the greatest in film history.

Production Background

Directed by Carol Reed

Written by Graham Greene (based on his novella)

Produced by Alexander Korda and David O. Selznick

Cinematography by Robert Krasker

Music by Anton Karas, who played the zither

Released in 1949 by London Films

The movie was filmed in Vienna’s real ruins after the war, giving the film a powerful sense of realism.

The iconic zither theme, “The Third Man Theme,” became an international hit.

Themes of the Film

1. Corruption and Morality

The film shows how war changes society and how people may become corrupt to survive.

2. Friendship vs. Duty

Holly struggles between protecting his friend and doing the morally right thing.

3. Post-War Europe

Vienna is divided into four zones (British, American, French, Soviet). This makes the city confusing, dangerous and full of secrets.

4. Identity and Deception

Harry fakes his death, lies to his friends and hides his crimes. Nothing is what it seems.

5. Loneliness

Many characters feel alone, especially Anna, who suffers the most after Harry’s betrayal.

Movie Review

'The Third Man' is a brilliant film with a strong atmosphere and unforgettable style. The shadows, tilted camera angles and ruined buildings make the movie visually stunning. The story is full of suspense and mystery.

Orson Welles steals the show even though he appears for only a short time. Joseph Cotten gives a sincere and emotional performance as Holly Martins. Anna Schmidt’s character adds depth and sadness to the story.

The movie’s ending is famous for being bold and emotionally powerful. There is no easy happiness — only the truth, which hurts.

'The Third Man' is often ranked as one of the best films ever made, and it remains enjoyable, thrilling and meaningful even today.

Interesting Facts

- Orson Welles wrote his own dialogue for the Ferris wheel scene, including the famous “cuckoo clock” speech.

- The film won the "Academy Award for Best Cinematography".

- Many scenes were shot in real Vienna sewers.

- Graham Greene wrote the novella 'only' to help develop the screenplay.

- The final scene was shot many times until the director achieved the perfect emotional moment.

'The Third Man' (1949) is a masterpiece of film noir, known for its mystery-filled story, haunting music and unforgettable characters. Its themes of morality, betrayal and the darkness of post-war Europe still feel powerful today. For anyone who loves classic cinema, it is an essential film to watch.