Watch Phone Call from a Stranger

"Phone Call from a Stranger" is a 1952 film directed by Jean Negulesco, starring Bette Davis, Shelley Winters, and Gary Merrill. It is a drama that centers around four strangers who form a strong bond after a tragic plane crash. Each of them has a story to tell, and they open up to each other during the flight, despite their initial reluctance.

The film begins with David Trask (Gary Merrill) boarding a plane in Los Angeles after receiving some shocking news about his wife. He is seated next to Binky Gay (Shelley Winters), an aspiring actress who is on her way to New York. Across from them are Eddie Hoke (Keenan Wynn), a salesman who is afraid of flying, and Dr. Robert Fortness (Michael Rennie), a physician who is returning from a medical conference.

The flight starts off smoothly, but things take a turn for the worse when the plane encounters severe turbulence. The passengers are thrown about, and suddenly the plane crashes. David is the only survivor, and he is left grappling with the aftermath of the tragedy.

As David tries to come to terms with what has happened, he begins to investigate the lives of the other passengers. He learns that Binky was a struggling actress who was trying to make it big in Hollywood. She had a complicated romantic history and was trying to escape her past. Eddie was a salesman who was struggling to make ends meet and support his family. Dr. Robert Fortness was a dedicated physician who had to deal with loss in his own life.

David's investigation into their lives reveals more about the complexities and struggles of these individuals. As he delves deeper, he discovers the unexpected connections between them and the terrible tragedy that brought them all together.

The performances in this film are excellent, particularly those of Bette Davis and Shelley Winters. Davis plays a sympathetic role as David's wife, who is dealing with her own personal struggles. Winters, on the other hand, provides a stark contrast as the ambitious and sometimes manipulative Binky.

The movie is also notable for its style, with striking cinematography by Ted D. McCord and a haunting score by Franz Waxman. The film uses flashbacks and dream sequences to great effect, creating a sense of dread and unease throughout.

Overall, "Phone Call from a Stranger" is an emotionally powerful film that explores the depths of human connection and tragedy. It portrays the struggles of everyday people and their ability to find strength in the face of adversity. The movie is a testament to the enduring legacy of classic Hollywood cinema and remains a must-see for fans of drama and suspense.

Phone Call from a Stranger is a 1952 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 36 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.0.