
Movie spotlight
The Stranger
The love of two adolescents for the same girl, in 1944, which is disrupted by the demands of war. From the novel by Titus Popovici.
Insights
Plot Summary
A Nazi war criminal, Dr. Franz Kindler, living under an assumed identity as Professor Charles Rankin in a small Connecticut town, attempts to evade justice. However, his past begins to catch up with him in the form of Wilson, a relentless Allied agent who is determined to bring him to trial. As Wilson closes in, Rankin's paranoia escalates, leading him to desperate and violent measures to maintain his freedom.
Critical Reception
Orson Welles's final completed film, 'The Stranger,' is a chilling and suspenseful noir thriller that effectively portrays the insidious nature of evil hiding in plain sight. While perhaps not as overtly stylish as some of his other works, it is a taut and well-crafted examination of guilt, identity, and the long reach of justice.
What Reviewers Say
Praised for its suspenseful atmosphere and Welles's commanding performance.
Noted for its exploration of the banality of evil and the difficulty of escaping one's past.
Some critics found the pacing slightly uneven in parts.
Google audience: Audience reception is generally positive, with viewers appreciating the film's noir elements and the thematic depth, though specific detailed feedback on Google is limited.
Fun Fact
This was Orson Welles's last completed film released during his lifetime. He also directed and starred in it, portraying the elusive Nazi war criminal.
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