The Stranger

Released May 25, 1946

1 hr. 35 min.

Mystery & Thriller

List

97%

32 Reviews

Tomatometer

81%

5,000+ Ratings

Audience Score

Immediately following World War II, ex-Nazi Franz Kindler (Orson Welles) is living under a false identity as a teacher in a small Connecticut town, and has even married the headmaster's daughter (Loretta Young) as part of his cover. But when one of Kindler's old German associates (Konstantin Shayne) arrives unexpectedly in town, bringing in his wake a sly federal investigator (Edward G. Robinson), Kindler resorts to desperate measures to preserve his secret.

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Critics Consensus

The sins of World War II reemerge in an idyllic American setting in this diabolically effective noir, buoyed by Orson Welles' virtuosic direction and performance.

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Steve D

Nothing new here but it works.

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

03/29/24

Full Review

Alec B

Regarded as lesser Welles and mostly I'm inclined to agree since it was clearly edited within an inch of its life by the studio. However, its beautifully shot and while it isn't fully explored there are some interesting comparisons made between Rankin's fascism and his obsession with clocks.

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

01/08/24

Full Review

nick s

Rich cinematography, great cast and compelling storyline. Another Welles movie that's a few levels up from the pack.

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

11/23/23

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Andrew W

A mystery where you know the villain from the start. Great suspense with a plot that took unexpected turns. The climax had me on the edge of my seat, and me cheering for Loretta Young.

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

11/02/23

Full Review

georgan g

This is the kind of quality that only some older movies can offer. Great actors doing intense dramatic work during WWII to explain some of what the Nazis did.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

03/31/23

Full Review

Audience Member

Atmospheric thriller with several scary moments, as a high-ranking Nazi attempts to hide in a small New England town. Although Director Welles' acting is a bit unspectacular, he brings out the best in all the other players. Loretta Young's performance should have won an Oscar.

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

01/21/23

Full Review

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Orson Welles

Director

Edward G. Robinson

Mr. Wilson

Orson Welles

Professor Charles Rankin

Loretta Young

Mary Longstreet

Richard Long

Noah Longstreet

Martha Wentworth

Sara

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Chris Bennion

Times (UK)

Traditional as it may be, this postwar thriller is unmistakably Wellesian (not least because of the obsession with clocks).

Apr 3, 2023

Full Review

Jack D. Grant

Hollywood Reporter

The creators of this one deserve their acclaim.

Jul 4, 2022

Full Review

TIME Magazine

Adroitly directed by Orson Welles, who also plays the star, it is a grade A gooseflesh-raiser.

Mar 12, 2013

Full Review

Brian Eggert

Deep Focus Review

Welles sears his film's place in our minds because he refuses to reduce Nazis to cartoonish movie villains; he reminds us that his story has a potent reality, and he forces us to see it.

Rated: 4/4

Feb 26, 2022

Full Review

Matt Brunson

Film Frenzy

Propelled by its intriguing, Oscar-nominated story.

Rated: 3/4

Feb 19, 2021

Full Review

Mike Massie

Gone With The Twins

Again demonstrates Welles' infatuation with flawed men and impossible redemption.

Rated: 7/10

Aug 15, 2020

Full Review

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Synopsis

Immediately following World War II, ex-Nazi Franz Kindler (Orson Welles) is living under a false identity as a teacher in a small Connecticut town, and has even married the headmaster's daughter (Loretta Young) as part of his cover. But when one of Kindler's old German associates (Konstantin Shayne) arrives unexpectedly in town, bringing in his wake a sly federal investigator (Edward G. Robinson), Kindler resorts to desperate measures to preserve his secret.

Director: Orson Welles
Distributor: RKO Radio Pictures
Production Co: RKO Pictures
Genre: Mystery & Thriller
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): May 25, 1946, Original
Release Date (Streaming): Sep 16, 2008

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