The Window
The Window

The Window

1949Movie73 minEnglish

An imaginative boy who frequently makes things up witnesses a murder, but can't get his parents or the police to believe him. The only people taking him seriously are the killers - who live upstairs, know that he saw what they did, and are out to permanently silence him.

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Insights

IMDb7.1/10
Rotten Tomatoes94%
Director: Ted TetzlaffGenres: Film Noir, Thriller, Mystery

Plot Summary

A young boy, confined to his apartment with a broken leg, becomes convinced that he has witnessed a murder in the building across the street. His mother dismisses his claims as fantasy, leading to a suspenseful struggle as the boy tries to convince her and others of the truth before the killers can silence him. The film masterfully builds tension around the child's isolation and the disbelief he faces.

Critical Reception

The Window was critically acclaimed upon its release, praised for its suspenseful atmosphere, effective direction, and strong performances, particularly from Bobby Driscoll. It is considered a classic example of film noir and a masterclass in building tension within a confined setting.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its gripping suspense and claustrophobic atmosphere.
  • Bobby Driscoll's performance as the isolated boy is a standout.
  • A taut and effective thriller that uses its simple premise to great effect.

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Awards & Accolades

Won a special Academy Award (Oscarette) for Bobby Driscoll's performance.

Fun Fact

The film's innovative use of sound and subjective camerawork from the boy's perspective was groundbreaking for its time, contributing significantly to its suspenseful mood.

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TMDB Reviews

1 reviews
John Chard

John Chard

Like the boy who cried wolf. A belter of a B noir out of RKO. Story plays as a variant to the boy who cried wolf legend and finds young Bobby Driscoll as Tommy, a boy prone to telling tall tales. So when one night he spies upstairs neigh...