When a Stranger Calls
A student babysitter's evening is interrupted by the ringing phone. What follows is a chilling sequence of escalating, terrifying and threatening calls that culminates in a shocking revelation.
Director(s)
Fred Walton
Edward Ledding
Lynn M. Morgan
Cast & Crew
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Reviews
Wuchak
**_A killer psycho escapes from the asylum and…_** “When a Stranger Calls” (1979) is low-key horror mixed with detective drama/thriller. I say “low-key” because there’s little-to-no gore, although there’s suspense, chases and flashes of violence. It’s very polished and was obviously influenced by the artistic “Halloween” (1978) except with a very human antagonist as opposed to the indestructible Michael Myers. Then there’s the big city detective element à la “Dirty Harry” (1971) and “Tightrope” (1984), but with a pot-bellied, average-guy investigator (Charles Durning). The film’s best known for its harrowing opening sequence, which was borrowed for Wes Craven’s “Scream” (1996) with Drew Barrymore taking over Carol Kane’s role. It’s a work of art with a rich, atmospheric score by Dana Kaproff. Unfortunately there’s a little too much drag time in the long mid-section, which wouldn’t work for modern viewers with ADHD. Then there’s the individual unconscious in the closet with no wounds (rolling my eyes). The movie runs 1 hour, 37 minutes, and was shot in the Los Angeles. GRADE: B-/B
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When a Stranger Calls FAQs
The directors of When a Stranger Calls are Fred Walton, Edward Ledding, and Lynn M. Morgan.
The cast of When a Stranger Calls includes Ed Wright as Retired Man, Charles Durning as John Clifford, Tony Beckley as Curt Duncan, Carol Kane as Jill Johnson, Ron O'Neal as Lt. Charlie Garber, Rutanya Alda as Mrs. Mandrakis, Carmen Argenziano as Dr. Mandrakis, Dick Warlock as Bartender (uncredited), Michael Champion as Bill, Dennis McMullen as Maintenance Man, William Boyett as Sgt. Sacker (as Bill Boyett), Colleen Dewhurst as Tracy, and more.
The duration of When a Stranger Calls is 1h 37 mins.
Yes. You can watch the When a Stranger Calls trailer on this Fanbiz page on Fanziz.
When a Stranger Calls was released on 24 Aug 1979.
When a Stranger Calls is listed under Horror and Thriller on Fanbiz.
When a Stranger Calls has 1 review on Fanziz, with an average rating of 6.0/10. One reviewer wrote: "**_A killer psycho escapes from the asylum and…_** “When a Stranger Calls” (1979) is low-key horror mixed with detective drama/thriller. I say “low-key” because there’s littl..."
