The Stranger

1946 Nazi-hunting movie

Rating: 16/20

Plot: Edward G. Robinson looks for a Nazi.

Wait, was Orson Welles' character supposed to be German in this? He certainly didn't sound like a Nazi, but maybe that was part of the disguise. Maybe it's his vocabulary and flowery language that is supposed to make him vaguely Nazi-esque. And maybe he's the "stranger" in this movie because how he communicates is so different from the inhabitants of this podunk town, especially the town clerk Checker fiend at the general store played by Billy House. That character, by the way, should probably be in every single movie.

This is the first feature film to contain actual footage from the Holocaust, and it seems way early for something like that, especially since this really has no purpose other than to be a thriller. I'm not sure the footage was appropriate. It was needed for a character and a decision other characters want that character to make, but I don't know why it was needed for the film audience. Maybe that was a little tacky, Orson Welles.

The way Welles directs movement, especially in the early parts of this, is mesmerizing. A sort-of chase sequence in the opening moments of this is gripping, not because we know the characters or care why one is being chased, but just because of how it all looks and how it's all edited together. In the early going, there are more shadows of people in this than actual people. This really has some zip as a thriller, only slowing down to develop characters and plot. It's not all thrill, however, as Welles sneaks in a little dark humor now and then. Consider the sign about using an apparatus at your own risk in one scene with Edward G. Robinson.

Welles' character is quite the villain. He can strangle somebody--after a prayer even--quicker than I think I've ever seen a movie character strangle another movie character. People must have died more quickly in the mid-40s. And the character has no problem hurting a dog. I mean, I guess if you're a Nazi, one of the main architects of the Holocaust, that kind of behavior shouldn't surprise anybody.

Dig that clicking of the clock or the bell tolling. Welles had so many tricks at his disposal, and they're all on display here.

This might have my favorite death scene that I've seen all year, and it definitely has my favorite scenes involving Checkers.