Simply the greatest moment in cinema. The set-up, the direction, the lighting, Wells' smirk, the cat, Cotten's 'Harry!' the way you suddenly realise what's going to happen one second before it happens...nothing has ever beaten this.
I don't know about you, but I've never seen an actor perform a face as perfect as this. He goes from "Damn. Busted" to "it's been a long time old friend" in one clean swipe and tells you everything that's going on between these two. Anyone who wonders why Orson Welles is considered one of the greatest actors to ever live, will find the answer here.
It was such an engaging movie that at that point I had forgot Orson Welles was in it. It was definitely one of the finest entrances in movies that I've seen.
@@vincentsartain3061 No, Reed was a master filmmaker and had everything meticulously planned. Welles' only contribution to the film was the "cuckoo clock" speech.
Ursula Andress in DOCTOR NO Chaplin in the "unveiling statues" scene in CITY LIGHTS John Wayne's screen presence in his scene opener in STAGECOACH Omar Sharif, riding camelback from a mile away toward the camera in LAWRENCE OF ARABIA It's pretty subjective to declare which scene opener is "THE greatest of all time," but I'll grant that Orson Welles' opener is way up there with the best of 'em.
@@IMmephiles Haven't seen Dr. No in over 25 years so my memory is imperfect on the other screen intro, but I remember Ursula's Aphrodite-like intro and so does practically everybody who's seen this movie.
Probably one of the finest piece of editing in the history of cinema. And the acting of Orson Welles is sublime. His glance and smirk speaks volumes, without saying a single word.
Good gosh, I don't care what any hater has to say about Orson Welles, even if some stories that put him in a bad light may be true! Welles is one of the all time greats!
@iggy3339, techically, Orson Welles' introductory scene is in the very beginning of KANE, breathing his last on his deathbed; but as the narrative is told in a nonlinear manner, this still qualifies as a great screen opener, where we see the young adult Kane / Welles for the first time (at the 58 second mark) when his exasperated former guardian, Thatcher, confronts him and then moves away the newspaper that's blocking the camera and obscuring our view of young Kane. ua-cam.com/video/pKS_fSDP3-E/v-deo.html
0:57 ...THAT is why Orson was one of the BEST actors ever. NO words, just an expression. Amazing.More acting in that one expression than modern "actors" could ever hope to relay.
@@matman000000 Fortunately, THE THIRD MAN is not a Hollywood production, despite the presence of Welles and his old pal from radio, KANE, and THE MAGNIFICENT AMBERSONS: Joseph Cotten. :-)
@@mariag4696 Karas’s music is totally incredible and the zither is not an easy instrument to play, it’s mind boggling how he played all those pieces, 🙂
Can't imagine this not being in Black & White. If anyone tells you they won't watch a movie because it's in black and white, then tie them down to a chair and force them to watch this film.
Let’s give credit to the Director Carol Reed, very underrated. Apparently the preparation of this scene was extensive, from the wetting of the stones for sound,to the cat, to the lighting of Welles face, brilliant.
00:59. The smirk, the cocked eyebrow. Attention, film students, you don't need 1200 special effects guys or whatever is the latest and greatest editing program du jour. Just a charismatic actor and the greatest writer in cinema history. That's about it.
In an outstanding movie, loaded with memorable scenes, this is the best. It is hands-down the finest entrance in the history of cinema, made possible by Carol Reed's direction and Robert Krasker's cinematography, and also by the performance of Welles, whose understated grin hits exactly the right note. This is a very nearly perfect film, and this scene is one of the reasons why.
The Third Man is a film-noir with superb black-and-white expressionist cinema techniques that results in an absolutely brilliant production that has only gotten better with age. Joseph Cotten, the incomparable Orson Welles and a stellar supporting cast make it a sublime masterpiece. Oh, and the unforgettable minimal score featuring that zither! It ought to be required viewing for any aspiring director.
The lighting was largely supplied by borrowed military searchlights a getting hold of theatrical lighting at the time was understandably difficult. If you get the double blue ray there is a superb documentary on the making of The Third Man, narrated by Sir John Hurt. Highly recommended 👌
I was watching this film at a lil classic-movie-night in the bar I work at the other night. I already knew what the big reveal here was going to be, because I'd already seen the film. But what made it so fun for me was seeing and hearing everyone in the audience whispering to each other about who they thought the third man was beforehand. No one I could hear got it right. As soon as they figured who it was in this scene, just about everyone loudly gasped in unison. It was such a beautiful moment for me, brought on by easily my favorite twist in cinema history. ❤
I presume we have to thank the woman who turned up the light, brightened the face of Orson and created the most memorable and iconic character introduction scene of all time.
Watching this after seeing the movie, I didn't realize the first time how the shot at 1:39 puts the sewer entrance Harry used to get away right in the middle of the frame. It could be some kind of symbolism, like he's at the center of the entire story but not physically there.
This scene is one of, if not THE greatest movie moment EVER, as a light hits Harry Lime's face (Orson Welles) and Holly sees him - ELECTRIFYING moment - and Harry runs off................combined with the dramatic climax, in the sewers under Vienna................(no spoilers in case you havent seen it). I first knew of this film as a child of the 60's and the music enthralled me, with Anton Karas on the zither. That combined with Orson Welles is spine tingling! He was such an incredible actor or his time so versatile. It amazes me with Holywood and 'remakes' that they never attempted this film - THANK HEAVENS, they would have destroyed it. I have ALWAYS LOVED this movie so much I have the blu ray collectors disc plus video tape etc. As soon as I hear that music it is bitter sweet with happy and sad memories nuch as Harry Limes story is as both my parents are now gone. They let me watch it the first time when I was about 10 FANTASTIC. I always tear up at the end, the music and the scenery of post war Berlin. This film is NUMBER ONE in my 'Hall of Fame' library in my home. I actually bought a 100 year old concert zither to try to learn but it is SO DIFFICULT and so many strings - who knows the instument I bought may once have been played by the great Hr Karas? Have to watch it at least once a month!🙂👏👏👏 10/10 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
No spoilers u say??? Don't worry about spoiling this movie for anyone because If they're watching this scene right now , then they already ruined the entire movie for themselves because this entire scene is the biggest spoiler of the entire film!!! Its the films main plot twist reveal for God sake!!!!! Lolz
First watched this film as a 10 year old in 1972. The BBC did a series of classic films called "All time greats". The film made a huge impression on me at the time. Orson Welles dominates the film but he's only on screen for about 12 minutes. Loved the zither music and old Vienna.
@@blofeld39 Old Vienna was still there, smoldering under the rubble. When I first visited Vienna, in 1989, there were still bombed buildings cordoned off by fences, right in the heart of town. Anyone who talks blithely about a civil war in the US should be forced to spend time shoveling out some of these old disaster sites.
This is the definition of *"roll out that m*thafuckin black carpet on em"* type of movie entrance right here my friends👍💯 👏 Im shocked that so many people even know about this movie in this day & age let alone how many comments are even on here & the highest praises & regards they're all giving it!!!!! My dad watched this movie all the time when i was a child but i don't know it was such a huge hit & so well respected like "Citizen Kane" is , i honestly never seen anyone on the planet even mention this film before today but im glad me & my dad ain't the only ones that are keeping its memory live on!!!!
Harry didn't want Holly to know that he was alive - he was tailing him. Harry was cornered in the doorway and wasn't visible until the woman on the second floor turned on her light.
@@barcelonaandbeyond Harry gets a "real" burial at the movie's end, but we all know he's still alive and very, very busy spinning lies and cons to trap the gullible.
Interesting piece of 1949 history with haunting images of post-war damage to Vienna. Very different from my recent visit there. Many Baby Boomers and Gen X-ers have no idea.
The way my Dad put it was that he was beginning to think Welles wasn't in the movie at all, just a dead man cameo. It was just introductions of one shady character after another. Until the ultimate shady character turned out to be him!! My Dad thought Welles was so fucking cool after that reveal.
Great scene. But seriously Harry teleports or something at 1:13. Its like he's batman or something lol. This is the one thing about this scene that bugs me
I've just looked at this segment a few times and I can agree with you to a certain extent. But then, what with 'poetic licence' and the fact that Holly had 'had a few' maybe he actually moved slower than we realise? ;-)
I think the trail of Harry's thoughts went something like this. Damn. He saw me. Should've picked a better hiding place. C'mon, just go old buddy. Don't screw this up now... Now what... oh no, the light. Damn. Well, there goes my secret... Hmmm, yup. There is nothing I can do about it. Well, anyway... It's been a long time old friend. Bye.
I love how they use his character in this film like hes literally the living embodiment & symbol of the shadowy black market thats plaguing the entire city & all of Europe!!!!! Its like hes just lurking in the shadows everywhere the entire time & just watching everything from that black void of a stoop!!!! Especially in this scene how it just shows him appear & then disappear in literally a split second without moving a inch from that stoop!!!! They didn't even edit or cut the shot at all & he still just disappeared around the corner as fast as that lady's light turned on & off like hes a supernatural being & can literally use the darkness & shadows to teleport around the whole entire city in a flash & then poof , suddenly hes gone & u start to question if u were really just hallucinating the whole time like Joseph Cottons character does in this film!!! No wonder everyone thought he was legit dead & was just seeing ghosts in this movie!!!! Harry Lime (Orson Wells) is a legit shadow ninja if i ever saw one 👏👏👏👏👏
I read that Welles regretted not taking a percentage of this movie as pay vs. a lump sum. He needed the money for financing a film he was working on. Regretted later not taking the percentage. Said he would have in a better financial situation.
Talk about charismatic. Orson Welles, like Gable, Bogart, Brando, Laughton, Clift and Dean, just had it, whatever “it” is. Very few actors are blessed with it and it’s not just good looks. Welles, Laughton and Bogart were never considered heartthrobs The last one I saw was Mickey Rourke in Angel Heart. You could not take your eyes off him, even when acting opposite De Niro.
Interesting fact: If you are going to have a violent demonstration do it in these ancient European cities. The cobblestone streets make for great readymade ammunition eg Paris ‘69
It's such a shame that Orson sought validation from Hollywood. They chewed him up and spat him out, and he was never appreciated in his own lifetime. Even when awarded by those Hollywood elites, he'd either not show up or come begging with hat in hand, saying "You love me, why won't you finance my damn movies?". He was loved for what he had already achieved, but nobody would take a chance one what he was trying to do.
Simply the greatest moment in cinema. The set-up, the direction, the lighting, Wells' smirk, the cat, Cotten's 'Harry!' the way you suddenly realise what's going to happen one second before it happens...nothing has ever beaten this.
That's a little over hyping it
Well, that's just like...your opinion, man.
@@peterowen9183 Haha Let me have another look.....I'm sure it's down there somewhere 😂
absolutely. Its so far beyond even iconic.
@@strangebrew1231very true
I don't know about you, but I've never seen an actor perform a face as perfect as this. He goes from "Damn. Busted" to "it's been a long time old friend" in one clean swipe and tells you everything that's going on between these two. Anyone who wonders why Orson Welles is considered one of the greatest actors to ever live, will find the answer here.
Mijn papa's lievelingslied & Acteur Orson Wellis R.I.P ❤🇳🇱 ONVERGETELIJK 🙏( JAAR 2O22)
well put
Cotton’s delivery of “Harry” help sells it, so taken aback he can just about muster his name
That smile.
God that single smile..
"You got me, Old Man"
@@Staszu13 lol yea
It was such an engaging movie that at that point I had forgot Orson Welles was in it. It was definitely one of the finest entrances in movies that I've seen.
@@Staszu13 "You got me, Old Man. And you're still under my spell, I see. Now how can I use you? Give me a minute and I'll think of something....."
I've been obsessed with this film as of late. This is one of the greatest moments in the history of cinema.
It was certainly ingenious and original in its execution. Willing to bet it was Welles' brainchild, and that director Reed okayed it.
This film has recently displaced Casablanca for #1 in my humble book. And yes, possibly be best movie moment ever
Yes yes yes
did you see the ellipse in the buildink ´´miröhred´´ in the böys phööl v?v
thäts immitschiökräffvieh xD
@@vincentsartain3061 No, Reed was a master filmmaker and had everything meticulously planned. Welles' only contribution to the film was the "cuckoo clock" speech.
The best character introduction in film history, EVER
Ursula Andress in DOCTOR NO
Chaplin in the "unveiling statues" scene in CITY LIGHTS
John Wayne's screen presence in his scene opener in STAGECOACH
Omar Sharif, riding camelback from a mile away toward the camera in LAWRENCE OF ARABIA
It's pretty subjective to declare which scene opener is "THE greatest of all time," but I'll grant that Orson Welles' opener is way up there with the best of 'em.
Orson did the same in _Citizen Kane_
📰☕ "I don't know how to run a newspaper, Mr. Thatcher. I just try everything I can think of." 😌
@@vincentsartain3061 Ursula isn't even the best character reveal in Dr No tbh
@@IMmephiles Haven't seen Dr. No in over 25 years so my memory is imperfect on the other screen intro, but I remember Ursula's Aphrodite-like intro and so does practically everybody who's seen this movie.
@@vincentsartain3061 yes it's a fantastic intro. But I think the introduction of James Bond himself is even better (albeit not as groundbreaking)
Probably one of the finest piece of editing in the history of cinema. And the acting of Orson Welles is sublime. His glance and smirk speaks volumes, without saying a single word.
Oliver Weber a great film probably best ever and on par with my other favourite 2001 space oddessy
Good gosh, I don't care what any hater has to say about Orson Welles, even if some stories that put him in a bad light may be true! Welles is one of the all time greats!
Agree, this movie was way ahead of all in that era..
Orson Welles achieved immortality of his persona with this scene.
Well, his turn at CITIZEN KANE from eight years prior wasn't exactly chopped liver, either. 😉
@iggy3339, techically, Orson Welles' introductory scene is in the very beginning of KANE, breathing his last on his deathbed; but as the narrative is told in a nonlinear manner, this still qualifies as a great screen opener, where we see the young adult Kane / Welles for the first time (at the 58 second mark) when his exasperated former guardian, Thatcher, confronts him and then moves away the newspaper that's blocking the camera and obscuring our view of young Kane.
ua-cam.com/video/pKS_fSDP3-E/v-deo.html
0:57 ...THAT is why Orson was one of the BEST actors ever. NO words, just an expression. Amazing.More acting in that one expression than modern "actors" could ever hope to relay.
I've waited patiently for decades, but sadly, I've concluded we'll never see the likes of Orson Welles again. My favorite film.
Welles is the most charming actor/filmmaker Hollywood has ever produced
Welles has produced himself. If anything, Hollywood stood in his way.
@@matman000000 Fortunately, THE THIRD MAN is not a Hollywood production, despite the presence of Welles and his old pal from radio, KANE, and THE MAGNIFICENT AMBERSONS: Joseph Cotten. :-)
who can deny Anton Karass's music is not absolutely bang on for giving atmosphere add that and the shadows ,just stunning.
Karas's music is a major character in and of itself, almost.
@@mariag4696 Karas’s music is totally incredible and the zither is not an easy instrument to play, it’s mind boggling how he played all those pieces, 🙂
Possibly Orson Welles most brilliant moment as an actor without saying a single word
One of the best moments ever in cinema.
Can't imagine this not being in Black & White. If anyone tells you they won't watch a movie because it's in black and white, then tie them down to a chair and force them to watch this film.
Would this be the best contender for someone's first black and white film experience?
I can guaran-frickin'-TEE you that I will NEVER watch any colorized version of this cinematic masterpiece!
@@lyricsfromsweden nah. Dr. Strangelove
@@seandafny True. I think Roman Holiday would be a better choice as well.
@@lyricsfromsweden Citizen Kane
I love how we know it's the "dead man" Harry Lime even before his name is called. How did Orson manage that? What a magnificent actor.
Well, an earlier scene we saw the cat curl up to the hidden person and let's not forget Holly's reaction
Well when they talk about a character and some random person shows up in the movie....
Let’s give credit to the Director Carol Reed, very underrated. Apparently the preparation of this scene was extensive, from the wetting of the stones for sound,to the cat, to the lighting of Welles face, brilliant.
00:59. The smirk, the cocked eyebrow.
Attention, film students, you don't need 1200 special effects guys or whatever is the latest and greatest editing program du jour.
Just a charismatic actor and the greatest writer in cinema history.
That's about it.
Good luck finding an Orson Wells
You make the greatest writer of all time part seem very easy to find
Such an iconic moment. The moment when you see Orson Welles. Few actors would be iconic enough to create such a powerful scene.
Wellies had so much charisma and presence was a giant of cinema
In an outstanding movie, loaded with memorable scenes, this is the best. It is hands-down the finest entrance in the history of cinema, made possible by Carol Reed's direction and Robert Krasker's cinematography, and also by the performance of Welles, whose understated grin hits exactly the right note. This is a very nearly perfect film, and this scene is one of the reasons why.
Agreed, I think it is the perfect film though🙂
This is one of the best character introductions in film history
The Third Man is a film-noir with superb black-and-white expressionist cinema techniques that results in an absolutely brilliant production that has only gotten better with age. Joseph Cotten, the incomparable Orson Welles and a stellar supporting cast make it a sublime masterpiece. Oh, and the unforgettable minimal score featuring that zither! It ought to be required viewing for any aspiring director.
The lighting was largely supplied by borrowed military searchlights a getting hold of theatrical lighting at the time was understandably difficult. If you get the double blue ray there is a superb documentary on the making of The Third Man, narrated by Sir John Hurt. Highly recommended 👌
I was watching this film at a lil classic-movie-night in the bar I work at the other night. I already knew what the big reveal here was going to be, because I'd already seen the film. But what made it so fun for me was seeing and hearing everyone in the audience whispering to each other about who they thought the third man was beforehand. No one I could hear got it right. As soon as they figured who it was in this scene, just about everyone loudly gasped in unison. It was such a beautiful moment for me, brought on by easily my favorite twist in cinema history. ❤
The photography is really beautiful.
It IS, isn't it? :-D
Makes me wanna go Vienna
I understand Carol Reed waited hours to get this scene right including wetting the cobblestones to get the right sound effect.
Everyone in the comments is rightfully praising Welles, but Cotten’s delivery of “Harry?” is so damn good as well
This scene stayed in my mind long after I saw this film for the first time … absolute perfection in filmmaking …
Quite simply one of the greatest moments of modern cinema
I presume we have to thank the woman who turned up the light, brightened the face of Orson and created the most memorable and iconic character introduction scene of all time.
One of the most iconic scenes in cinema history
Undoubtedly the greatest character reveal in cinema history. The cat, the zither and Harry. And that enigmatic smile!
Favorite part of the film, the very last scene was good too, dont want to give it away
It’s masterful how with one shot and one hot shit grin the entire movie upends itself and changed everything we knew up until that shot. Incredible.
Watching this after seeing the movie, I didn't realize the first time how the shot at 1:39 puts the sewer entrance Harry used to get away right in the middle of the frame. It could be some kind of symbolism, like he's at the center of the entire story but not physically there.
And like the sewer, Harry is dirty but apparently necessary: society can't function without him.
How can only 159k people have watched this? It's the most celebrated scene in cinema history!!
It's not a smile. It's a smirk. Possibly the best film shot ever!
Yes indeed, it is a smirk and absolutely one of the best moments in cinema
This scene is one of, if not THE greatest movie moment EVER, as a light hits Harry Lime's face (Orson Welles) and Holly sees him - ELECTRIFYING moment - and Harry runs off................combined with the dramatic climax, in the sewers under Vienna................(no spoilers in case you havent seen it).
I first knew of this film as a child of the 60's and the music enthralled me, with Anton Karas on the zither. That combined with Orson Welles is spine tingling! He was such an incredible actor or his time so versatile. It amazes me with Holywood and 'remakes' that they never attempted this film - THANK HEAVENS, they would have destroyed it.
I have ALWAYS LOVED this movie so much I have the blu ray collectors disc plus video tape etc. As soon as I hear that music it is bitter sweet with happy and sad memories nuch as Harry Limes story is as both my parents are now gone. They let me watch it the first time when I was about 10 FANTASTIC. I always tear up at the end, the music and the scenery of post war Berlin. This film is NUMBER ONE in my 'Hall of Fame' library in my home. I actually bought a 100 year old concert zither to try to learn but it is SO DIFFICULT and so many strings - who knows the instument I bought may once have been played by the great Hr Karas? Have to watch it at least once a month!🙂👏👏👏 10/10 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
No spoilers u say??? Don't worry about spoiling this movie for anyone because If they're watching this scene right now , then they already ruined the entire movie for themselves because this entire scene is the biggest spoiler of the entire film!!! Its the films main plot twist reveal for God sake!!!!! Lolz
One of my favourite moments of this year was going to a screening of this at the Burg Kino in Vienna when I had the afternoon off on a work trip.
omg this scene really got me squealing with excitement! One of the best character initial appearances in films
@Liz Who please see my reply above, to Andrew Y's comment. :-)
That smoldering sensuality - Wells at his most brilliant. The cinematography of this movie still blows me away.
First watched this film as a 10 year old in 1972. The BBC did a series of classic films called "All time greats". The film made a huge impression on me at the time. Orson Welles dominates the film but he's only on screen for about 12 minutes. Loved the zither music and old Vienna.
But this WASN'T the old Vienna, from before the war, with its glamour, Strauss music, and easy charm... remember? ;-)
I probably saw the film at about the same time on the BBC. I was 11 at the time..been fascinated by it ever since.
Me too. I saw it at age 10 I think (1971) and I have seen it countless times. I can not say what it is about it that keeps fascinating me.
@@blofeld39 Old Vienna was still there, smoldering under the rubble. When I first visited Vienna, in 1989, there were still bombed buildings cordoned off by fences, right in the heart of town. Anyone who talks blithely about a civil war in the US should be forced to spend time shoveling out some of these old disaster sites.
his face is just brilliant
Maybe my favourite moment in all of cinema.
I can watch that forever
It wouldn't be the same in colour, the lighting is everything..
According to these comments, I now need to watch this movie.
The shot of Welles was done at Shepperton.
Orson Welles one of my favourite actor so natural his acting is.
I love this.. .could watch it over and over.
I see cinema in a different light after viewing this film...none like this ..none .
One of my favourite scenes of any movie
You can really see how this film was a strong influence in the creation of the Bond films. Classic.
Right down to Bernard Lee (the 1st “M”) as “Sgt. Paine”.
0:47
ME: Oh shit, it's Orson Welles.
MARTINS: Harry?
ME: OH SHIT THAT'S HARRY! HARRY'S ALIVE!!
That's exactly what I thought the first time I saw it
Orson Welles was born to perform that smirk.
Welles' brief presence in this clip permeates the whole 2:22.
That smile... that god damn smile...
Was in Vienna today at that Location Schreyvogelgasse 8. Amazing!
Great Thanks. We got the favorite film!
I like the smirk , on Harry face
One of the best character introductions imo
This is the definition of *"roll out that m*thafuckin black carpet on em"* type of movie entrance right here my friends👍💯 👏
Im shocked that so many people even know about this movie in this day & age let alone how many comments are even on here & the highest praises & regards they're all giving it!!!!! My dad watched this movie all the time when i was a child but i don't know it was such a huge hit & so well respected like "Citizen Kane" is , i honestly never seen anyone on the planet even mention this film before today but im glad me & my dad ain't the only ones that are keeping its memory live on!!!!
0:58, the best smile in cinema history
Hey Joseph, birds peed in there and you put it in your … face? I’d run from ya too. 🏃♀️
Thank you Cinefix ❤
Just watched Citizen Kane again and this scene takes on an extra resonance almost as if Charlie and Jed are meeting again in another time and place.
I liked this film and Touch of Evil best of Welles’s films.
Welles made this movie. He was magnificent.
00:35 - Cape Fear, Marty?
great looking print of this classic film...
so handsome...
Harry didn't want Holly to know that he was alive - he was tailing him. Harry was cornered in the doorway and wasn't visible until the woman on the second floor turned on her light.
Jeffrey Hall No, Holly just thinks someone is tailing him. Harry was coming to see Alida Valli but saw lights and stepped into the doorway to wait.
***** Yes, you're right - at this point Holly thought Harry was dead.
@@barcelonaandbeyond Harry gets a "real" burial at the movie's end, but we all know he's still alive and very, very busy spinning lies and cons to trap the gullible.
For whatever reason the music reminds me of Zorba the Greek.
Best reveal of all time.
A ghost in life, a legend in death.
This is the most "noir" thing that has ever happened
There was no need for welles to immortalize himself in film history for a second time after citizen kane, yet he did it again 😂❤
Orson Welles was simply the best!
Interesting piece of 1949 history with haunting images of post-war damage to Vienna. Very different from my recent visit there. Many Baby Boomers and Gen X-ers have no idea.
When a big star shows up in a character actor's movie.
Awesome scene!
The way my Dad put it was that he was beginning to think Welles wasn't in the movie at all, just a dead man cameo. It was just introductions of one shady character after another. Until the ultimate shady character turned out to be him!! My Dad thought Welles was so fucking cool after that reveal.
Pure magic ...
This scene influenced Fellinis film's 8 1/2 and La Dolce Vita.
what a scene!
Would someone shut that lady up!
Great scene.
Great scene. But seriously Harry teleports or something at 1:13. Its like he's batman or something lol. This is the one thing about this scene that bugs me
I've just looked at this segment a few times and I can agree with you to a certain extent. But then, what with 'poetic licence' and the fact that Holly had 'had a few' maybe he actually moved slower than we realise? ;-)
0:58 that cocky and confident smile can make any guy look charming. I swear, I'll practice that smile when I'm flirting with a chick.
I think the trail of Harry's thoughts went something like this.
Damn. He saw me.
Should've picked a better hiding place.
C'mon, just go old buddy.
Don't screw this up now...
Now what... oh no, the light.
Damn. Well, there goes my secret...
Hmmm, yup. There is nothing I can do about it.
Well, anyway... It's been a long time old friend. Bye.
You forgot some final lines:
You still like me, don't you?
Now how can I use you....hmmmmm: just let me think a moment.
I love how they use his character in this film like hes literally the living embodiment & symbol of the shadowy black market thats plaguing the entire city & all of Europe!!!!! Its like hes just lurking in the shadows everywhere the entire time & just watching everything from that black void of a stoop!!!! Especially in this scene how it just shows him appear & then disappear in literally a split second without moving a inch from that stoop!!!! They didn't even edit or cut the shot at all & he still just disappeared around the corner as fast as that lady's light turned on & off like hes a supernatural being & can literally use the darkness & shadows to teleport around the whole entire city in a flash & then poof , suddenly hes gone & u start to question if u were really just hallucinating the whole time like Joseph Cottons character does in this film!!! No wonder everyone thought he was legit dead & was just seeing ghosts in this movie!!!! Harry Lime (Orson Wells) is a legit shadow ninja if i ever saw one 👏👏👏👏👏
Best Black and White Cinematic Lighting by Robert Krasker, plus sprayed street at night shooting, perfection par excellent
I read that Welles regretted not taking a percentage of this movie as pay vs. a lump sum. He needed the money for financing a film he was working on. Regretted later not taking the percentage. Said he would have in a better financial situation.
Orson the greatest one
Talk about charismatic. Orson Welles, like Gable, Bogart, Brando, Laughton, Clift and Dean, just had it, whatever “it” is. Very few actors are blessed with it and it’s not just good looks. Welles, Laughton and Bogart were never considered heartthrobs The last one I saw was Mickey Rourke in Angel Heart. You could not take your eyes off him, even when acting opposite De Niro.
Interesting fact:
If you are going to have a violent demonstration do it in these ancient European cities. The cobblestone streets make for great readymade ammunition eg Paris ‘69
Great film, really great film, but I never thought the music was appropriate for it.
iconic scene
It's such a shame that Orson sought validation from Hollywood. They chewed him up and spat him out, and he was never appreciated in his own lifetime. Even when awarded by those Hollywood elites, he'd either not show up or come begging with hat in hand, saying "You love me, why won't you finance my damn movies?". He was loved for what he had already achieved, but nobody would take a chance one what he was trying to do.
Sheer perfection.
Classic scene
GREAT SCENE
Genial. Una de les millors escenesde la història del cinema.
great film