The Slender Thread (1965)

A college volunteer at the crisis phone gets a call from a suicide caller.

Director:

Sydney Pollack

Writers:

Shana Alexander (article), Stirling Silliphant,

Stars:

Sidney Poitier, Anne Bancroft, Telly Savalas

Nominated for 2 Oscars. Another 1 nomination.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Sidney Poitier	...	Alan Newell
Anne Bancroft	...	Inga Dyson
Telly Savalas	...	Dr. Joe Coburn
Steven Hill	...	Mark Dyson
Edward Asner	...	Det. Judd Ridley
Indus Arthur	...	Marian
Paul Newlan	...	Sgt. Harry Ward
Dabney Coleman	...	Charlie
H.M. Wynant	...	Doctor Morris (as H.N. Wynant)
Robert F. Hoy	...	Patrolman Steve Peters (as Robert Hoy)
Greg Jarvis	...	Chris Dyson
Jason Wingreen	...	Medical Technician
Marjorie Nelson	...	Mrs. Thomas
Steven Marlo	...	Arthur Foss
Thomas Hill	...	Liquor Salesman

Storyline

Alan is a Seattle college student volunteering at a crisis center. One night when at the clinic alone, a woman calls up the number and tells Alan that she needs to talk to someone. She informs Alan she took a load of pills, and he secretly tries to get help. During this time, he learns more about the woman, her family life, and why she wants to die. Can Alan get the cavalry to save her in time before it's too late?

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Plot Keywords:

student | telephone | overdose | volunteer | suicide | 

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Genres:

Drama

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Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

28 March 1966 (Sweden)

Also Known As:

30 minuuttia kuolemaan

Filming Locations:

Paramount Studios - 5555 Melrose Avenue, Hollywood, Los Angeles, California, USA

Company Credits

Production Co:

Stephen Alexander Productions

Technical Specs

Runtime:

98 min

Sound Mix:

Mono

Color:

Black and White

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Although top-billed, Sidney Poitier and Anne Bancroft don't appear on screen together in a single scene. Bancroft later repeated this odd accomplishment when she and Anthony Hopkins co-starred, but played no scenes together, in 84 Charing Cross Road.

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Goofs

After Inga attempts suicide by drowning herself in the bay, she arrives at hospital with perfectly styled hair.

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Quotes

Mark Dyson: [to Inga] Do you think that getting caught in a lie is the same as telling the truth?

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Connections

Referenced in Coffee House Rendezvous (1969)

User Reviews

More of the 1960's unique film style from a lost era.

I enjoyed the film not only for its taught and gripping story line; but also for the director's imaginative filming technique. The Slender Thread is unique in it's actual "threading" of actors, particularly, who become much bigger in life as their careers flourish. I always enjoy the chance to see an actor/actress before they go on to fame. Stephen Hill is one of those.

Although not a true film noir; the black and white filming for me adds to the total involvement of the viewer and gives a heightened perspective to the whole cinema outing.

I suggest the film highly. The interactions between cast are worth the view.