A psychopathic killer terrorizes a babysitter, then returns seven years later to menace her again.A psychopathic killer terrorizes a babysitter, then returns seven years later to menace her again.A psychopathic killer terrorizes a babysitter, then returns seven years later to menace her again.
- Awards
- 1 win & 1 nomination
William Boyett
- Sgt. Sacker
- (as Bill Boyett)
Joseph Reale
- Bartender
- (as Joe Reale)
Carol Tillery Banks
- Mrs. Garber
- (as Carol O'Neal)
- Director
- Writers
- All cast & crew
- Production, box office & more at IMDbPro
Storyline
Did you know
- TriviaThroughout the opening segment, director Fred Walton gradually increases the feeling of suspense by making each subsequent phone call ring a bit louder than the previous one. They escalate from eerie to jarring and finally infuriating.
- GoofsBased 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.
- Quotes
Jill Johnson: [thinking it's Curt again] Leave me alone!
Sgt. Sacker: Jill, this is Sergeant Sacker. Listen to me. We've traced the call... it's coming from inside the house. Now a squad car's coming over there right now, just get out of that house!
- Crazy creditsEven though Columbia Pictures distributed this film, the Columbia Pictures logo does not appear.
- SoundtracksSpace Race
Performed by Billy Preston
Written by Billy Preston (uncredited)
Engineer Thomas Vicari (uncredited)
Producer Billy Preston (uncredited)
Courtesy of A&M Records
Featured review
"When A Stranger Calls" is a thriller that, while not perfect, does overall deliver a lot of chills. The opening sequence is the most memorable part - while you will guess the surprise twist in this segment long before it happens, the sequence is masterfully directed so it comes across as creepy all the same. The climatic scene, while a little short, also delivers a jolt.
While the opening and closing are well done, the middle portion of the movie has a problem. It's not only very slow, not much happens to advance the plot. Still, this middle segment often has a moody feeling that fits well with the rest of the movie, and Tony Beckley's performance as the psycho is a good one.
By the way, while the movie was rated "R" when it was first released, most viewers in this day and age will find that rating a little harsh. By today's standards, the movie deserves a PG-13 rating. Maybe even a PG rating.
While the opening and closing are well done, the middle portion of the movie has a problem. It's not only very slow, not much happens to advance the plot. Still, this middle segment often has a moody feeling that fits well with the rest of the movie, and Tony Beckley's performance as the psycho is a good one.
By the way, while the movie was rated "R" when it was first released, most viewers in this day and age will find that rating a little harsh. By today's standards, the movie deserves a PG-13 rating. Maybe even a PG rating.
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Details
- Release date
- Country of origin
- Language
- Also known as
- Das grauen kommt um zehn
- Filming locations
- Third Street Tunnel, Bunker Hill, Downtown, Los Angeles, California, USA(Clifford hunts the villain)
- Production company
- See more company credits at IMDbPro
Box office
- Budget
- $1,500,000 (estimated)
- Gross US & Canada
- $21,411,158
- Gross worldwide
- $21,411,158
- Runtime1 hour 37 minutes
- Sound mix
- Aspect ratio
- 1.85 : 1
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