Year: 1949
Runtime: 104 min
Language: English
Director: Carol Reed
In postwar Vienna, pulp fiction writer Holly Martins travels to meet his childhood friend, only to discover he is dead. A mysterious "third man" was reportedly present at the scene, prompting Martins to investigate. His inquiries lead him into a dangerous conspiracy involving British officer Maj. Calloway and a complex web of deceit and tragic circumstances. The story unfolds against the atmospheric backdrop of Vienna, a city struggling to rebuild after the war.
Warning: spoilers below!
Haven’t seen The Third Man yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!
Explore the full timeline and setting of The Third Man (1949). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.
Last Updated: January 18, 2025 at 14:33
Meet the key characters of The Third Man (1949), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.
Last Updated: January 18, 2025 at 14:33
Explore the central themes of The Third Man (1949), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.
Last Updated: January 18, 2025 at 14:33
Don't stop at just watching — explore The Third Man 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 Third Man is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.
Read a complete plot summary of The Third Man, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.
Discover movies like The Third Man that share similar genres, themes, and storytelling elements. Whether you’re drawn to the atmosphere, character arcs, or plot structure, these curated recommendations will help you explore more films you’ll love.
The Third Man (1949) Plot Summary & Movie Recap
The Third Man (1949) Scene-by-Scene Movie Timeline
Movies Like The Third Man – Similar Titles You’ll Enjoy
The American Friend (1977) Movie Recap & Themes
Third Person (2014) Movie Recap & Themes
The Stranger (1946) Ending Explained & Film Insights
The Big Sleep (1946) Full Summary & Key Details
The Third Miracle (1999) Full Movie Breakdown
The Thin Man (1934) Full Movie Breakdown
The Long Goodbye (1973) Ending Explained & Film Insights
Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy (2011) Full Movie Breakdown
Three (2016) Story Summary & Characters
3 Holes and a Smoking Gun (2015) Detailed Story Recap
Dead Men Don't Wear Plaid (1982) Story Summary & Characters
Thr3e (2007) Ending Explained & Film Insights
The Man Who Wasn't There (2001) Full Movie Breakdown
Another Thin Man (1939) Full Movie Breakdown
The Man Who Knew Too Much (1956) Story Summary & Characters