

The making of the Third Man: A film noir classic
Aug 28, 2025
Dive into the world of post-war Vienna as the creation of a film noir classic unfolds. Explore Orson Welles' enigmatic entrance and his powerful portrayal, which steals the spotlight despite limited screen time. Discover behind-the-scenes challenges, including Welles' unpredictable antics and the intriguing role of a cat that adds layers to the narrative. Reflect on the film's moral dilemmas, emphasizing themes of greed and human suffering, while celebrating its enduring legacy in cinematic history.
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Firsthand Memory Of Welles' Entrance
- Angela Allen recalls being a 19-year continuity assistant excited to work on location in Vienna.
- She describes Orson Welles' entrance as one of the greatest and most dramatic in film history.
Welles' Unpredictable On-Set Behavior
- Angela Allen recounts Orson Welles frequently going missing during production and flying between cities unpredictably.
- She says the crew sometimes had to call Paris or send someone to fetch him because he was 'mischievous.'
The Cat That Revealed Harry Lime
- Angela Allen describes working on the cat shots and the challenge of matching markings across different cats for continuity.
- She explains the cat's reaction was crucial to revealing Harry Lime was alive on screen.