Three Strangers

Watch Three Strangers

"BREATHTAKING SUSPENSE - THRILLS!"
  • NR
  • 1946
  • 1 hr 32 min
  • 7.0  (2,594)

In 1946, the film Three Strangers was released, starring Hollywood legends Peter Lorre, Sydney Greenstreet, and Geraldine Fitzgerald. This film was directed by Jean Negulesco and produced by Warner Bros. studios. The movie is a dramatic thriller set in wartime London, following the story of three strangers whose lives become intertwined when they purchase a winning lottery ticket together.

The film begins with a mysterious narrator (voiced by Miles Mander) describing the story of the three strangers - Crystal (Geraldine Fitzgerald), a beautiful and wealthy but unhappy woman; Johnny (Peter Lorre), a low-level criminal with a gambling addiction; and Jerome (Sydney Greenstreet), a greedy and manipulative lawyer. All three separately enter a bar on the same night, and through a series of events, they end up purchasing a lottery ticket together. They agree to split the winnings equally if they win.

As the story progresses, we learn more about the lives of the three strangers. Crystal is in love with another man but is stuck in a loveless marriage to a wealthy but abusive husband. Johnny is deeply in debt and is being pursued by a dangerous loan shark, while Jerome is using his legal expertise to embezzle money from his clients. Each of them is desperate for a change in their lives, and the lottery ticket represents the hope of a better future.

However, when they actually win the lottery, things quickly take a dark turn. The three strangers struggle to keep their agreement to split the money equally, and their greed and mistrust of each other lead to a series of violent and unpredictable events. Along the way, they become embroiled in a murder investigation and must confront their own moral shortcomings.

The performances of Lorre, Greenstreet, and Fitzgerald are all exceptional in this film. Lorre, as always, brings a sense of vulnerability and complexity to his portrayal of Johnny. Greenstreet, known for playing suave villains, delivers a chilling performance as Jerome, the orchestrator of much of the film's darker moments. Fitzgerald brings a sense of depth to the character of Crystal and infuses her with an aura of pathos.

The film's direction by Negulesco is also noteworthy. He employs a variety of techniques to create a sense of foreboding, including the use of chiaroscuro lighting and unconventional camera angles. The use of voiceover narration also adds an unusual element to the storytelling. The film's score, composed by Adolph Deutsch, effectively heightens the tension and adds to the film's overall mood.

Three Strangers is a gripping and suspenseful film that will keep viewers guessing until the very end. While the film has elements of film noir, its focus on the relationships between the three main characters is what sets it apart. The film explores themes of greed, morality, and desperation, all of which are still relevant today. It's an early example of the psychological thriller genre, and its influence can be seen in many later films.

Overall, Three Strangers is a must-watch for fans of classic Hollywood cinema. With exceptional performances from its three leads and stylish direction, it's a film that has stood the test of time. It's a tale of greed, desperation, and the unpredictable nature of fate - but also one of hope and redemption.

Three Strangers is a 1946 thriller with a runtime of 1 hour and 32 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.0.

Three Strangers
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Where to Watch Three Strangers
Three Strangers is available to watch, stream, download and buy on demand at Apple TV, Amazon, Google Play and YouTube VOD. Some platforms allow you to rent Three Strangers for a limited time or purchase the movie and download it to your device.
  • Release Date
    1946
  • MPAA Rating
    NR
  • Runtime
    1 hr 32 min
  • Language
    English
  • IMDB Rating
    7.0  (2,594)