When a Stranger Calls

1979

1h 37m

IMDb RATING

6.2/10

294

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3 Videos

42 Images

Horror

Thriller

A student babysitter has her evening disturbed when the phone rings. So begins a series of increasingly terrifying and threatening calls that lead to a shocking revelation.

Directors

Fred Walton

Writers

Steve Feke(writer by)

Fred Walton(writer by)

Stars

Carol Kane

Charles Durning

Colleen Dewhurst

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Trailer
Watch When a Stranger Calls (1979) Trailer
Featurette
Watch TCM Slumberground Presents: When a Stranger Calls (1979)
Clip
Watch When A Stranger Calls 1979

Top cast

Jill Johnson

John Clifford

Tracy

Curt Duncan

Mrs. Mandrakis

Dr. Mandrakis

Nancy

Lt. Charlie Garber

Houseboy

Dr. Monk

Bill

Sgt. Sacker (as Bill Boyett)

Bartender

Retired Man

Retired Woman

Mrs. Garber

Maintenance Man

Cheater

Directors

Fred Walton

Writers

Steve Feke(writer by)

Fred Walton(writer by)

All cast & crew

Production, box office & more at IMDbPro

**_A killer psycho escapes from the asylum and…_** “When a Stranger Calls” (1979) is low-key horror mixed with detective drama/thriller. I say “low-key” because there’s little-to-no gore, although there’s suspense, chases and flashes of violence. It’s very polished and was obviously influenced by the artistic “Halloween” (1978) except with a very human antagonist as opposed to the indestructible Michael Myers. Then there’s the big city detective element à la “Dirty Harry” (1971) and “Tightrope” (1984), but with a pot-bellied, average-guy investigator (Charles Durning). The film’s best known for its harrowing opening sequence, which was borrowed for Wes Craven’s “Scream” (1996) with Drew Barrymore taking over Carol Kane’s role. It’s a work of art with a rich, atmospheric score by Dana Kaproff. Unfortunately there’s a little too much drag time in the long mid-section, which wouldn’t work for modern viewers with ADHD. Then there’s the individual unconscious in the closet with no wounds (rolling my eyes). The movie runs 1 hour, 37 minutes, and was shot in the Los Angeles. GRADE: B-/B

Wuchak26 Jun, 2022