The Passing Stranger

Watch The Passing Stranger

  • 1970
  • 1 hr 5 min
  • 5.5  (133)

The Passing Stranger is a black and white drama film that was released in 1954 starring Lee Patterson, Diane Cilento, and Duncan Lamont. The movie was directed by John Arnold, and it is based on a play by Hugh Kemp. The story of The Passing Stranger is set in a small English town in the mid-1950s. Patterson plays a street musician named Paul Gregory who comes to the town and stays at a boarding house run by an elderly woman named Mrs. Huggins (played by Beatrice Varley). Gregory is a loner who keeps to himself, but he quickly becomes enamored with Carole (played by Diane Cilento), a beautiful and free-spirited young woman who lives in the same boarding house.

Carole is an artist who dreams of one day traveling to Paris to study painting, but she is stuck in the tiny town and feels suffocated by the mundane life she leads. She is attracted to Gregory's rebellious spirit and his music, and the two quickly become friends. However, Carole's stern and controlling father (played by Duncan Lamont) disapproves of their relationship and does everything in his power to keep them apart.

As the movie progresses, we see Gregory and Carole trying to navigate their feelings for each other while dealing with the opposition from her father. Gregory tries to convince Carole to come with him on his travels, but she is torn between her love for him and her loyalty to her family. Meanwhile, Lamont's character becomes increasingly aggressive and manipulative, and the tension between the three of them builds to a shocking climax.

One of the most memorable things about The Passing Stranger is its use of music. Lee Patterson's character is a musician, and he performs several songs throughout the movie, including "By the Light of the Silvery Moon" and "The Streets of Laredo". Additionally, the film features a score by composer John Veale that helps to heighten the emotional impact of the story.

The movie also explores themes of conformity, rebellion, and the conflict between generations. Carole represents the younger generation, with her dreams of artistic freedom and nonconformity. Gregory, with his music and his outsider status, represents the rebellious spirit of youth. Lamont's character, on the other hand, represents the older generation's fear of change and their desire to maintain the status quo. The clash between these three characters is what gives the movie its tension and emotional resonance.

Overall, The Passing Stranger is a compelling and emotional drama that is well worth watching for fans of classic movies. The performances by Lee Patterson, Diane Cilento, and Duncan Lamont are all excellent, and the movie's exploration of themes such as youth, conformity, and rebellion is timeless. If you're looking for a thought-provoking and poignant drama, The Passing Stranger is definitely a movie to check out.

The Passing Stranger is a 1970 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 5 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.5.

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Where to Watch The Passing Stranger
The Passing Stranger is available to watch, stream, download and buy on demand at Amazon. Some platforms allow you to rent The Passing Stranger for a limited time or purchase the movie and download it to your device.
  • Release Date
    1970
  • Runtime
    1 hr 5 min
  • IMDB Rating
    5.5  (133)