Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #18511 in DVD
• Released on: 2002-01-14
• Rating: Parental Guidance
• Aspect ratio: 1.33:1
• Number of discs: 1
• Formats: Black & White, Full Screen, PAL
• Original language: English, German, Russian
• Number of discs: 1
• Running time: 99 minutes

Amazon.co.uk Review
The fractured Europe post-World War II is perfectly captured in Carol Reed's masterpiece thriller, set in a Vienna still shell-shocked from battle. Holly Martins (Joseph Cotten) is an alcoholic pulp writer come to visit his old friend Harry Lime (Orson Welles). But when Cotton first arrives in Vienna, Lime's funeral is under way. From Lime's girlfriend and an occupying British officer, Martins learns of allegations of Lime's involvement in racketeering, which Martins vows to clear from his friend's reputation. As he is drawn deeper into post-war intrigue, Martins finds layer upon layer of deception, which he desperately tries to sort out. Welles' long-delayed entrance in the film has become one of the hallmarks of modern cinematography and it is just one of dozens of cockeyed camera angles that seem to mirror the off-kilter post-war society. Cotten and Welles give career-making performances and the Anton Karas zither theme will haunt you. --Anne Hurley

Special Features
1.33 Full Screen
English
Region 2
Dolby Digital 2.0 Mono English
Dolby Digital 2.0 Mono
Joseph Cottens US Voiceover
Pathe Newsreel Of Anton Karas On Zither
Archive Footage
1951 Radio Play
Photo Gallery
Theatrical Trailers

Synopsis
This classic noir mystery, from the team of Carol Reed and Graham Greene, is generally considered to be the best filmwork of both of these estimable talents. THE THIRD MAN features Joseph Cotten as Holly Martins, a pulp novelist who has come to post-WWII Vienna with the promise of work from his friend, Harry Lime (Orson Welles). When he finds that Lime has just been killed in a questionable car accident, he decides to remain in the city to investigate his friend's demise.

Customer Reviews

and wat did they produce?the cuckoo clock....
This is by far one of the best flms i have ever seen. i can't recall the amount of times i have seen it, and each time i have noticed an0ther detail that explains the film a little bit more to me. beautifully shot with the famous orson welles speech at the fairground (watch out for it if you haven't heard or seen it)this is a masterpiece to be frank. the plot is brilliant and i grab such sympathy for both main characters though i know i should'nt because the expressions and language draw me in. this is a fantastic film, nothing like a crap modern bloodbath thriller, this shows they new how to direct and act then. watch it and don't miss out on this wonder.;)

archetype of film-noir
Film-noir definition was born with 'The Third Man'. It's brilliant in every aspect: cinematograpghy beautiness, timeless script, the best actors,... .
I couldn't find a flaw in this one, and believe me, I am some sort of annoying regarding my views to films.
I am proud to own it.

Great cast, great direction, classic film noire!
Set against the back drop of post war Vienna where the black market thrives. Orsen Welles plays the likeable but thoroughly evil Harry Lime. Joseph Cotten is well cast as his friend who comes to Vienna in response to Harry's offer of a job. When Holly arrives he finds that Harry has been killed in a car accident. Holly, suspecting foul play, stays to try to find out the truth behind the accident. The film gets it's name from the unidentified "third" man at the scene of the accident, whom Holly tries to track down. Although Harry appears infrequently it is his presence and performance coupled with a brilliant story, superb Direction, lighting and supporting cast that makes this a classic to watch again and again. I deliberately exclude any details of the film other than the sketchy overview above in an attempt to convince anyone who has not seen this film to do so. Everything from the infectious Harry Lime theme that plays at the beginning to the brilliantly atypical end makes for a rivetting 104 minutes of top class entertainment.