Phone Call From a Stranger

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Phone Call From a Stranger

1952

1h 36m

Drama

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3 Reviews

51%

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100+ Ratings

After discovering that his wife has been unfaithful, attorney David Trask (Gary Merrill) decides to fly to Los Angeles. He becomes friendly with three other passengers, each with his own story: salesman Eddie Hoke (Keenan Wynn), actress Binky Gay (Shelley Winters) and Dr. Bob Fortness (Michael Rennie). When the plane crashes and the other three are among the dead, Trask decides to visit the families of each. He helps them cope and also finds out some surprises about his new friends.

Bob Thomas

Associated Press

Despite its complexity, the story line seldom gets confused and is always suspenseful and entertaining.

Jul 24, 2019

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Moira Walsh

America Magazine

With an assist from Jean Negulesco's lucid and well-placed direction it makes an absorbing show.

Jul 15, 2021

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Dennis Schwartz

Dennis Schwartz Movie Reviews

Strained melodrama.

Rated: C

Feb 9, 2011

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nick s

Great story structure, acting and dialogue. Yes, a touch melodramatic and idealistic but forgivable when the delivery is this good.

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

07/22/24

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j F

It really dragged towards the ending, in spite of great performances by great actors and actresses.

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

07/15/24

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Steve D

Not sure why Davis took such a nothing role in a nothing film.

Rated 2 out of 5 stars

04/06/24

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Ana B

Well put together, great story line, executed perfectly by professionals. Interesting to see the last scene, where Gary is with his real life wife, Bette. An enjoyable popcorn movie you can watch with the kids. How refreshing is that?

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

10/16/23

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Nadya R

Evelyn Varden stole this movie, right out from under the GREAT Bette Davis, Gary Merrill and Beatrice Straight! What an actress! She plays a vicious villain and a hilarious comic role in the same movie! Bravo, Ms. Varden! Every role she played was a jewel.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

04/16/23

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deke p

PHONE CALL FROM A STRANGER (1952 ) 1952! BETTY DAVIS & husb GARY MERRILL. Most amazed at photo of HOT BUXOMY BETTE DAVIS in a swimsuit - and this was 20 years after her 1932 premier (?). Never seen her like that before. Plot: Airplane crash survivor Gary contacts 3 other deceased's relatives, so kind of a 3 parter. Sappy in parts. Especially the 'son'. Had a 'moral'. Meh, it barely passed the time. Don't bother again. Also in cast: KEENAN WYNN, HUGH BEAUMONT, SHELLEY WINTERS. Never heard of til saw on TV 3.13.2022. Posting this on RT with maybe 2 stars.

Rated 2 out of 5 stars

03/30/23

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Jean Negulesco

Director

Gary Merrill

David L. Trask

Bette Davis

Marie Hoke

Shelley Winters

Binky Gay

Michael Rennie

Dr. Robert Fortness

Keenan Wynn

Edmund Vincent "Eddie" Hoke

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Synopsis

After discovering that his wife has been unfaithful, attorney David Trask (Gary Merrill) decides to fly to Los Angeles. He becomes friendly with three other passengers, each with his own story: salesman Eddie Hoke (Keenan Wynn), actress Binky Gay (Shelley Winters) and Dr. Bob Fortness (Michael Rennie). When the plane crashes and the other three are among the dead, Trask decides to visit the families of each. He helps them cope and also finds out some surprises about his new friends.

Director: Jean Negulesco
Producer: Nunnally Johnson
Screenwriter: Nunnally Johnson
Production Co: Twentieth Century Fox
Genre: Drama
Original Language: English
Release Date (DVD): Apr 8, 2008
Runtime: 1h 36m