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When a Stranger Calls is a american film of genre Drama directed by Fred Walton released in USA on 28 september 1979 with Charles Durning
When a Stranger Calls (1979)
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Add to a movie listReleased in USA 28 september 1979
Length 1h37
Directed by Fred Walton
OriginUSA
Themes Serial killer films
Rating63%
When a Stranger Calls (released in the UK as When a Stranger Rings) is a 1979 psychological horror film. It was directed by Fred Walton and stars Carol Kane and Charles Durning. The film derives its story from the classic folk legend of "The Babysitter and the Man Upstairs" and the 1974 horror classic Black Christmas. The film was commercially successful, grossing $21,411,158 at the box office, though it received a mixed critical reception. It was followed by the 1993 made-for-television sequel When a Stranger Calls Back and a remake in 2006.
Synopsis
Jill Johnson (Carol Kane) is babysitting the children of Dr. Mandrakis (Carmen Argenziano) at their home. When the children are asleep, Jill receives a telephone call from a man who asks her if she has checked the children. At first, Jill dismisses the telephone calls as a practical joke; however, as the calls become more frequent and threatening, Jill becomes frightened and decides to call the police, who promise to trace the caller if Jill keeps him on the telephone line long enough. Jill, frightened to extreme measures, arms herself as she receives one final call from the nefarious stalker. Soon after the conversation, Jill receives a call from the police, only to find out that the stalker is calling from inside the house. A light comes on at the top of the staircase, and Jill sees the stalker's shadow. She immediately runs to the front door to scream for help.Actors
Charles Durning
(John Clifford)
Carol Kane
(Jill Johnson)
Colleen Dewhurst
(Tracy)
Tony Beckley
(Curt Duncan)
Rutanya Alda
(Mrs. Mandrakis)
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Suggestions of similar film to When a Stranger Calls
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