When a Stranger Calls (1979)

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97 min - Horror | Thriller - 26 October 1979 (USA)

6.4

Ratings: 6.4/10 from 3,718 users
Reviews: 99 user | 36 critic

A psychopathic killer terrorizes a babysitter, then returns seven years later to menace her again.

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Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
	Carol Kane	...	Jill Johnson
	Rutanya Alda	...	Mrs. Mandrakis
	Carmen Argenziano	...	Dr. Mandrakis
	Kirsten Larkin	...	Nancy
	William Boyett	...	Sgt. Sacker (as Bill Boyett)
	Charles Durning	...	John Clifford
	Ron O'Neal	...	Lt. Charlie Garber
	Heetu	...	Houseboy
	Rachel Roberts	...	Dr. Monk
	Tony Beckley	...	Curt Duncan
	Colleen Dewhurst	...	Tracy
	Michael Champion	...	Bill
	Joseph Reale	...	Bartender (as Joe Reale)
	Ed Wright	...	Retired Man
	Louise Wright	...	Retired Woman

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Storyline

High school student Jill Johnson is traumatized over an evening of babysitting by a caller who repeatedly asks, "Have you checked the children lately?" After notifying the police, Jill is told that the calls are coming from inside the house... Written by Betsy Bloomley <betsybloom@juno.com>

Plot Summary | Add Synopsis

Plot Keywords:

Taglines:

...Fear is the Message! See more »

Genres:

Horror | Thriller

Parents Guide:

View content advisory »

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Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

26 October 1979 (USA) See more »

Also Known As:

'n maniak belt op... See more »

Filming Locations:

Brentwood, Los Angeles, California, USA See more »

Box Office

Budget:

$740,000 (estimated)

Gross:

$21,411,158 (USA)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Columbia Pictures Corporation, Melvin Simon Productions See more »

Show detailed company contact information on IMDbPro »

Technical Specs

Runtime:

97 min

Sound Mix:

Mono

Color:

Color (Eastmancolor)

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

See full technical specs »

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Did You Know?

Trivia

Based on the year the film took place, 1 minute would not be nearly long enough to trace Curt's call. Back when the movie was set, it would've taken 10-20 minutes for several switchboards and circuits to locate the origin of the call. See 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. See more »

Quotes

[repeated line]
Curt Duncan: Have you checked the children?
See more »

Connections

Referenced in Strong Bad's Cool Game for Attractive People Episode 5: 8-Bit Is Enough (2008) See more »

Soundtracks

"Space Race"
Performed by Billy Preston
Courtesy of A&M Records See more »

When a Stranger Calls (1979)

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Did You Know?

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