The Stranger is a 1946 film-noir directed by Orson Welles, who also stars in the movie alongside Edward G. Robinson and Loretta Young. The film tells the story of a small town history teacher named Mary Longstreet (Loretta Young), who falls in love with a mysterious stranger named Charles Rankin (Orson Welles), who has just arrived in town. However, everything is not as it seems, and the film takes the audience on a thrilling ride as the truth about Rankin's past is revealed.
The movie begins with Mr. Wilson (Edward G. Robinson), a representative of the United Nations War Crimes Commission, hunting down Franz Kindler, a notorious Nazi war criminal who was responsible for the deaths of thousands of people during the war. Wilson has a photo of Kindler and knows several facts about his background, including that he is now living under an assumed name in a small town in Connecticut.
Wilson's search leads him to the town where Charles Rankin (Orson Welles) is the new history teacher at the local college. Rankin is set to marry the daughter of the townâs most prominent family, Mary Longstreet (Loretta Young). When Wilson arrives in town, he suspects Rankin might be Kindler, given his suspicious behavior and the fact that Rankin's identity can't be traced beyond a few years earlier, when Rankin appeared out of nowhere.
As the investigation continues, Wilson becomes convinced that Rankin is indeed Kindler, despite Rankin's protests of innocence. Meanwhile, Mary is torn between her love for Rankin and Wilson's mounting evidence against him. Eventually, Rankin's past catches up with him, and the shocking truth about his identity is revealed.
The Stranger is a classic film-noir that is often considered one of the best movies of the 1940s. Orson Welles delivers a standout performance as the charming and intelligent Charles Rankin, who is also revealed to be a cold-blooded Nazi war criminal. Although his accent is somewhat uneven, Welles does a great job of conveying both the character's charisma and his inner demons. Loretta Young is also excellent as Mary Longstreet, the naive and idealistic school teacher who falls in love with Rankin, and Edward G. Robinson is solid as usual as the determined war crimes investigator.
The filmâs taut direction and suspenseful storytelling make it a must-see for fans of the noir genre. Welles keeps the audience on the edge of their seats throughout the movie, building tension until the final revelation. The cinematography is remarkable, with the use of deep shadows and creative angles adding to the overall sinister atmosphere of the film.
The Stranger is not just a suspenseful thriller, but also a powerful commentary on the aftermath of World War II. The movieâs central theme is the guilt and responsibility of those who committed war crimes during the war. The film shows how even those who attempt to hide their past must eventually face the consequences of their actions.
Overall, The Stranger is a gripping and thought-provoking movie that delivers on all fronts. It boasts an excellent cast, stylish direction, and a compelling story that still resonates with audiences today. If you're a fan of film-noir or classic cinema in general, The Stranger is definitely a movie to watch.
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