Phone Call from a Stranger (1952)

Phone Call from a Stranger is a 1952 American film noir drama film directed by Jean Negulesco from a screenplay by Nunnally Johnson, based on the 1950 novelette of the same name by I. A. R. Wylie.

The film centers on the survivor of an aircraft crash who contacts the relatives of three of the victims he came to know on board the flight. The story employs flashbacks to relive the three characters' pasts.

At the 13th Venice International Film Festival, the film earned Negulesco a nomination for the Golden Lion, while Johnson was nominated for the Golden Osella for Best Original Screenplay.

Director: Jean Negulesco
Screenplay: Nunnally Johnson, based on Phone Call from a Stranger by I. A. R. Wylie
Producer: Nunnally Johnson
Starring: Shelley Winters, Gary Merrill, Michael Rennie, Keenan Wynn, Evelyn Varden, Bette Davis
Cinematography: Milton R. Krasner
Edit: Hugh S. Fowler
Music: Franz Waxman
Production company: Twentieth Century-Fox
Distribution: Twentieth Century-Fox
Release date: 1952
Running time: 105 minutes
Country: United States
Language: English

Source: Wikipedia

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[KCStuffedAnimal]

Bette Davis deserved a Best Supporting Actress nomination for her role in this film. She was brilliant!

[hurryandleave]

It's nice to see movies that have a story to tell -- unlike most movies today.

[WildWestGal]

I'm 74 years old, how have I never seen this movie?! Absolutely fantastic script, perfect performances by all. THIS IS A MUST-SEE!!!

[pattymiller]

Who but Bette Davis could lead us to that heartwarming ending!! Nice movie!

[skcyclist]

Found another winner. I was born in Los Angeles in 1943, and I love seeing these movies that take me back to when I was a youngster. I am familiar with most of the actors I enjoy reliving the era, the furnishings, the clothing, the lingo and in this case the very witty writing and good acting. I could imagine heaven being like this, reliving the good times of my youth.

[HookBeak_]

It's not just the old school quality of actors, but I also enjoy the handmade models & trick photography as the special effects.

[subhasisghosh]

This is not a noir, but that does not matter at all. It is simply a brilliant movie. That is all that requires to be said

[thekookooman]

Keenan Wynn was such an appealing and versatile actor. I've always felt he was underrated and underused in Hollywood.

[edwardrodgers]

A finely written story, full of fine actors!🤺🇺🇸👌

[kathleenmckeithen]

I have seen this movie several times and always love rewatching it. I am nearly 75 years old and grew up with movies as wonderful as these - so thankful to be seeing them again. Thank you, Chris T.!!

[sharyndonner]

Having decided recently, age 79, that through history people haven’t changed that much. Watching these older movies that I love again confirms that. I have seen this movie in the past . Strange how life imitates art and with passage of time between my viewing of this particular movie, I can relate to some of the storylines.

[toniwetteroth]

Shelly Winters was so adorable! I just loved her demeanor and down to earth personality.. and it's funny. Sometimes she reminds me of Lucille Ball.... 😂

[thomasknight]

A great film with a great ending always a great film with Betty Davis

[voyaristika]

I really appreciate these old movies. They nearly always guarantee a good story worth the time. Good stories are rare in movies today. Thanks!

[marthawoodworth]

I've been loving these b/w old films, but have to say that this is one of my favorites, graced by so many great stars, and ending with Bette Davis in an unexpected role. Wow. What a story!

[bertharuiz]

A sentimental journey of four doubting souls. Soul searchers.

[ilikequiet]

What a wonderful uplifting movie. Thanks so much for posting it.

[theswordoftruth-dnyc]

What a truly meaningful movie! Though Better Davis's role was smaller in screen time, it was probably the biggest role. She played it just right, as she herself had the instinct for the weight of the role put at the very end of the movie, which gave it the greatest impact and meaning tied up like a bow around the whole movie. They just don't make movies like this anymore. Her lines about what love is are worth memorizing!

[colmortimer]

Really good movie this one. It was not what I was expecting for sure, when I think of noir films. But it hit noir just enough, to satisfy that itch and gave so much more.

[marilynbaylis]

Nice to see all the great actors of the past. Thanks for bring them back!! ❤