IMDb > When a Stranger Calls (1979)
When a Stranger Calls
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When a Stranger Calls (1979) More at IMDbPro »


Overview

User Rating:
6.4/10   2,452 votes
MOVIEmeter: ?
Down 37% in popularity this week. See why on IMDbPro.
Director:
Fred Walton
Writers:
Steve Feke (writer)
Fred Walton (writer)
Contact:
View company contact information for When a Stranger Calls on IMDbPro.
Release Date:
26 October 1979 (USA) more
Genre:
Horror | Thriller more
Tagline:
...Fear is the Message! more
Plot:
A psychopathic killer terrorizes a babysitter, then returns seven years later to menace her again. full summary | add synopsis
Awards:
1 win more
User Comments:
Don't go upstairs! more (95 total)

Cast

  (Cast overview, first billed only)
Charles Durning ... John Clifford

Carol Kane ... Jill Johnson
Colleen Dewhurst ... Tracy
Tony Beckley ... Curt Duncan
Ron O'Neal ... Lt. Charlie Garber

Steven Anderson ... Stephen Lockart
Rachel Roberts ... Dr. Monk

Rutanya Alda ... Mrs. Mandrakis

Carmen Argenziano ... Dr. Mandrakis
Sara Damman ... Bianca Lockart
Richard Bail ... Stevie Lockart
William Boyett ... Sgt. Sacker
Kirsten Larkin ... Nancy
Carol O'Neal ... Mrs. Garber
Ed Wright ... Retired man
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Additional Details

Runtime:
97 min
Country:
USA
Language:
English
Color:
Color (Eastmancolor)
Aspect Ratio:
1.85 : 1 more
Sound Mix:
Mono

Fun Stuff

Trivia:
Number 28 on Bravo Channel's 100 Scariest Movie Moments. more
Goofs:
Continuity: In the final scene, Jill goes to her bedroom closet to see if Curt Duncan is in there. She is about to open the door with her left hand. In the next shot, she opens it with her right hand. more
Quotes:
Jill Johnson: [after Curt calls her at the restaurant] Curt Duncan! He's back! He has my BABIES! more
Movie Connections:
Referenced in "Mystery Science Theater 3000: Monster A-Go-Go (#5.21)" (1993) more
Soundtrack:
SPACE RACE more

FAQ

This FAQ is empty. Add the first question.
22 out of 23 people found the following comment useful.
Don't go upstairs!, 24 May 2003
7/10
Author: Scott LeBrun from Winnipeg, Canada

Written by Steve Feke and director Fred Walton; this movie is supposed to be based on an actual urban legend, isn't it?

Carol Kane plays Jill, a babysitter who receives ominous phone calls all night long from psycho (Tony Beckley) who repeatedly asks her if she has 'checked the children'. This goes on until the cops are finally called to the scene - just 21 straight minutes of well-crafted suspense. However, the film takes an unfortunate detour for the next hour, focusing on the pursuit of the killer (who's managed to escape from a mental hospital, naturally) by John Clifford (Charles Durning), the original detective to arrive at the crime scene, who's now a private detective (this all takes place seven years later). The film follows Beckley around as he wanders aimlessly around the city and starts harassing dour, middle-aged Tracy (Colleen Dewhurst); then he picks up a paper with Jill's picture on the front and decides to pay her a visit for old time's sake.

The only real reason that this film doesn't altogether succeed is because of the difference between its opening, ending, and the portion of the film in between. The ending is almost as suspenseful as the opening, so the film concludes well, but that middle portion kind of sticks out too much. It's like a creepy, somber drama / thriller that happens to be book-ended by scenes of pure suspense. I wouldn't go so far as to call the middle portion worthless - I thought that it was watchable enough; however, other viewers may not be so forgiving.

Nice to see actress Kane, known more for her quirky roles (including Latka's bride on TV's 'Taxi'), playing it straight in this movie. As usual, Durning is solid as a rock as the private detective. And Beckley, as the psycho, is utterly convincing.

7/10

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