When a Stranger Calls (1979)
Genre: Thriller / Horror
Duration: 97 minuten
Alternative titles: 'n Maniak Belt Op... / Terreur over de Lijn
Country:
United States
Directed by: Fred Walton
Stars: Carol Kane, Charles Durning and Colleen Dewhurst
IMDb score:
6,4 (15.804)
Releasedate: 26 October 1979
When a Stranger Calls plot
"...Fear is the Message!"
The parents of two young children are going out for an evening. A babysitter will look after the children that evening. Everything is going well, the children are in bed and then the phone rings: a macabre male voice asks: 'Have you checked the children?' That's the beginning of a scary drama...
Actors and actresses
Jill Johnson
John Clifford
Tracy
Curt Duncan
Mrs. Mandrakis
Dr. Mandrakis
Nancy
Lt. Charlie Garber
Houseboy
Dr. Monk
Reviews & comments
Shadowed
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- 11421 messages
- 6719 votes
Ancient legend.
I think by now we've all followed the source material on which this film is based. With the remake in mind, I thought this film would follow a similar line, but where the remake took an entire film, this film basically finishes after about 20 minutes.
The film does have a pretty ominous spectacle, especially for that time. Especially since lighting and other techniques are played quite cleverly, giving the house a rather unpleasant atmosphere. The acting is old-fashioned exaggeration but rarely annoying. What this film mainly has problems with are the characters and making these figures more attractive.
But that's not even the main point of criticism, that's the middle part. A rather long drawn out and dramatically uninteresting detective story acted by soulless characters. They never really pull you into the story, so it didn't bother me at all when a new clue was found or when they were on someone else's trail. As far as I'm concerned, it was a lot more interesting to visualize in advance which groceries I wanted to put in the shopping cart on Saturday.
Finale knows how to raise the level again with quite effective horror. A bit of a shame about the rather loud music, which is too bombastic to further direct the subtle tension properly, but the build-up is good, as is the outcome. Although it gets exciting within this film, unfortunately some cops also had to walk by who almost literally sucked the life out of the story.
Translated from Dutch · View original
Bobbejaantje
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- 2301 messages
- 2092 votes
Nice mix of drama, horror, detective and also a big stripe of noir. Visually, it looks great with the city mostly brought into focus at night. The play of (neon) light and shadow is important for the somewhat gloomy atmosphere that hangs over the film, but without it being forced down your throat. So beautiful photography and also very effective direction using close-ups at the right (exciting) moments. Dana Kaproff's music is also worthwhile, not to say majestic and still contemporary. So the framing is very good. The script is certainly also intriguing and is supported by solid performances. The most difficult role is undoubtedly for Tony Beckly as a psychopath. Remarkably, the middle part of the film gives a human face to the psychopathic killer. From his point of view, it is also just a contact-disordered mental illness for which there is no adequate treatment.. I also like to see Charles Durning as a detective. With his physique now also not ideal to have a chance in chases.
The combination of visual elements, the music and the attention to the psychology of the characters kept me on the edge of my seat. More exciting than a lot of slashers where people like to squirt blood around. Very good movie, but not a real winner. Ultimately, I find the script and development of the storyline too fragmentary for that. It's a bit lacking in a real lead that pulls it from start to finish. But the positives definitely up the score for me.
Translated from Dutch · View original
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