The Third Man (DVD)

The Third Man is one of those films that I have heard the name of countless number of times, without ever having understood what it is about or having watched it. However, having watched it recently, I found myself mesmerised by how well written a film it is. It's a classic noir thriller, and considered the best British film ever by the British Fim Institute. Shot mainly on location in Vienna, the film is set post-Second World War as author Holly Martins travels to Vienna to find his friend, Harry Lime, only to hear of his death and be just in time for his funeral. Diggin around to find out more about his friend's death, Holly soon finds himself caught up in a ...  Read the complete review

The Third Man is in my opinion the greatest film of all time and I am always right so trust me on this one. Everything about this film is perfect, there isnt an unneeded scene anywhere! The film begins with Holly Martin arriving in Vienna to work for his good friend Harry Limes. However on arriving he learnsthat his friend has recently been killed in a car accident. After doing some investigating of his own he discovers his friends death was no accident and that there was more to it than the police wished to accept. The film goes on with Holly falling in love with Limes girlfriend and continueing his own investigations into a suspicious third man who ...  Read the complete review

As a Graham Greene fan, I think this is probably the best of the films based on his work. Partly because it is just so close to the original novel: filmed in the dark years after the Second World War, in the streets of Vienna. But direction, performances, and surroundings all contribute to a stunning film. The central character is a writer, in fact more of a hack. He is visiting the city of Vienna, divided between the Allied powers after the war, and discovers his old friend Harry Lime has died suspiciously. As the plot unveils, he learns of the black market that operates, then finds that Lime (the legendary Orson Welles) is alive. Attracted to his friend's ...  Read the complete review

The Third Man is a film that reguarly appears on those 'best films of all time' and all such lists despite being released over 50 years ago and in black and white. As an amateur film admirer (we all are aren't we?) I decided to give it a look in after having it recommended to me by a friend. The Third Man tells the story of Holly Martins who having received a letter from his friend Harry Lime about wishing to work with him travels to Vienna. On his arrival he discovers that Harry has been killed by a lorry whilst crossing the road. He rushes to Lime's funeral and discovers finds out about Lime's wish for his girlfriend to be looked after. Finding Lime's ...  Read the complete review

What is there left be said about Carol Reed's sublime thriller? I watched it again just recently, as I had picked up a little book called "The Lives of Harry Lime" - a series of prequel stories based on a BBC radio show from the 'fifties (Harry Lime is the 'main' character - if you can call him that - of the film). The Third Man is about the death of Lime - his old friend, Holly Martins, is investigating this death, and uncovering unpleasant truths about the city and his old friend's activities there - but who is the mysterious person of the title who attends Lime's funeral? The answer will surprise and shock you. The setting ...  Read the complete review