
The Stranger
1946, Mystery and thriller, 1h 35m
29 Reviews 5,000+ RatingsWhat to know
critics consensus
The sins of World War II reemerge in an idyllic American setting in this diabolically effective noir, buoyed by Orson Welles' virtuosic direction and performance. Read critic reviews
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The Stranger Photos
Movie Info
Cast & Crew
Mr. Wilson
Professor Charles Rankin
Mary Longstreet
Noah Longstreet
Sara
Judge Adam Longstreet
Critic Reviews for The Stranger
All Critics (29) | Top Critics (7) | Fresh (28) | Rotten (1)
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Adroitly directed by Orson Welles, who also plays the star, it is a grade A gooseflesh-raiser.
March 12, 2013 | Full Review… -
As distinctively Wellesian as Citizen Kane.
July 22, 2007 | Rating: 3/4 | Full Review… -
Orson Welles's 1946 film reproduces his personal themes of self-scrutiny and self-destruction only in outline, though it is an inventive, highly enjoyable thriller.
April 6, 2007 | Full Review… -
The Stranger is socko melodrama, spinning an intriguing web of thrills and chills.
April 6, 2007 | Full Review… -
The whole film, produced by S. P. Eagle, comes off a bloodless, manufactured show.
March 25, 2006 | Rating: 2/5 | Full Review… -
Welles' third film, often described as his worst, but still a hugely enjoyable thriller.
February 9, 2006 | Full Review…
Audience Reviews for The Stranger
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Mar 17, 2019Regarded as "Lesser Welles" and mostly I'm inclined to agree since it was clearly edited within an inch of its life by the studio. However, its beautifully shot and while it isn't fully explored there are some interesting comparisons made between Rankin's fascism and his obsession with clocks.Alec B Super Reviewer
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Jun 08, 2018A small university town just after WW2 and one of the new professors (Orson Welles) is marrying one of the pretty local women (Loretta Young). However, a dark shadow falls over their nuptial bliss, a secret and a war crimes investigator (Eddie G. Robinson). This being a Wellsian directorial effort dark shadows and different camera angles add spice to a small story, but everything really hangs on the interesting performance of Young as a soul content with what she knows, surprised with shocking new information. See it for her.Kevin M. W Super Reviewer
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Apr 02, 2016Unlike like most of the color films today. The characters in this (1946) black and white thriller talk beautifully and not realistically. The story line is cool and the dialog is great. However I couldn't hear most of the dialog without subtitles. The film felt slow paced and long. It wasn't that suspenseful and some scenes didn't make any sense.Tarin P Super Reviewer
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Sep 25, 2012As much as I hate to admit it, Orson Welles' "The Stranger" is a pretty unremarkable film. It has so much going for it, such as an excellent premise, a colorful cast and a well-equipped director, but these aspects are all squandered. Sure, the cinematography is interesting and lends the film its cold exterior, but other than that, "The Stranger" is shallow and lifeless. It's predictable and boring with an ending so tiresome and put on that it's sure to infuriate (and/or unintentionally amuse) its viewers. On top of that, the characters are near impossible to connect with, and the fact that the actors are so average in their performances makes it even harder to care about them. If there's anything in "The Stranger" worth talking about, that would be its cinematography. That's pretty much it.Stephen E Super Reviewer
The Stranger Quotes
Mary Longstreet: | You killed him? |
Prof. Charles Rankin: | With these hands. The same hands that have held you close to me. |
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