The Slender Thread

The Slender Thread

Year: 1965

Runtime: 98 mins

Language: English

Director: Sydney Pollack

DramaMoving relationship storiesEnduring stories of family and marital dramaShow All…

Alan, a Seattle college student volunteering at a crisis‑center, receives a midnight call from a distressed woman who has overdosed on pills. As he tries to summon help, he learns about her troubled family and the reasons behind her desire to die. Tension builds as Alan races against time to save her before it’s too late.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline & Setting – The Slender Thread (1965)

Explore the full timeline and setting of The Slender Thread (1965). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

Early 1960s

The story unfolds during a period when crisis intervention relied heavily on telephone support and radio communication. This era predates modern digital tracing, emphasizing the importance of manual technology and community assistance in emergency situations.

Location

Seattle, Ballard Bridge, Crisis Clinic

The movie is set in Seattle, a city known for its vibrant culture and iconic landmarks. The Ballard Bridge plays a significant role, representing the crossing point that almost leads to Inga's tragedy. The Crisis Clinic is a vital mental health facility that accentuates the themes of crisis intervention and emotional support.

🌆 Urban 🏥 Medical 🌉 Bridge

Last Updated: August 19, 2025 at 04:53

Main Characters – The Slender Thread (1965)

Meet the key characters of The Slender Thread (1965), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Alan Newell (Sidney Poitier)

Alan is a composed psychology student and volunteer telephone attendant. His calm demeanor and compassion drive him to assist Inga in her moment of desperation. He exemplifies dedication to helping others, even amid personal reflection.

🌟 Compassionate 🎯 Focused 📚 Empathetic

Inga (Anne Bancroft)

Inga is a distressed woman grappling with personal trauma and secrets. Her reckless driving and suicide attempt reveal deep emotional pain, and her flashbacks shed light on the complex issues of trust and betrayal. She symbolizes vulnerability and resilience.

💔 Vulnerable 🎭 Complex 🧳 Secrets

Dr. Joe Coburn (Telly Savalas)

Dr. Coburn is a seasoned psychologist overseeing the crisis intervention. His expertise and calm leadership guide the team through the tense situation. He embodies professionalism and the importance of mental health expertise.

🧠 Wise 🏥 Professional 🚨 Calm

Mark (Steven Hill)

Mark is Inga's husband, deeply hurt upon discovering the truth about his paternity. His emotional turmoil and eventual support highlight themes of forgiveness and the human capacity for understanding.

❤️ Loving 🤷‍♂️ Conflicted 🤝 Supportive

Last Updated: August 19, 2025 at 04:53

Major Themes – The Slender Thread (1965)

Explore the central themes of The Slender Thread (1965), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🧠 Mental Health

The film highlights the importance of mental health awareness and crisis management. It explores themes of despair, emotional resilience, and the impact of personal trauma. The characters' struggles depict the necessity of support systems during times of emotional distress.

🤝 Human Connection

The movie emphasizes the power of human connection in moments of crisis. Alan’s empathetic interaction with Inga demonstrates how compassionate communication can be life-saving. It underscores the significance of active listening and emotional presence.

Last Updated: August 19, 2025 at 04:53

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Unlock the Full Story of The Slender Thread

Don't stop at just watching — explore The Slender Thread in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what The Slender Thread is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

The Slender Thread Summary

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The Slender Thread Summary

The Slender Thread Timeline

Track the full timeline of The Slender Thread with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

The Slender Thread Timeline

The Slender Thread Spoiler-Free Summary

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The Slender Thread Spoiler-Free Summary

More About The Slender Thread

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about The Slender Thread: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About The Slender Thread

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