The Third Man

Year of release: 1949

Screenwriter: Graham Greene

Key awards: BAFTA for Best British Film, Oscar for Best Cinematography

The Third Man was one of acclaimed novelist Greene’s many successful film scripts. He later published a novella of the same name.

The story deals with an American pulp writer, Holly Martins, visiting a devastated post-war Vienna upon the invitation of his friend, Harry Lime. Once there he learns that his friend, Lime, has been killed in a violent road accident. As Martins investigates his friend’s death he realises not is all as it seems and becomes embroiled in a mystery involving the black market, international police and Lime’s girlfriend.

The film received largely positive reviews on release but is now firmly recognised as a masterpiece.

Graham Greene (REX) Other notable screenplays by Graham Greene:

Brighton Rock (1947)
The Fallen Idol (1948)