When a Stranger Calls.

[Genetic_mishap]

My friend recommended this movie, but my video store doesn't carry it (it only has the sequel). I just want to know if it's any good, so I can order it. Is it?

[JenDan05]

SEE BLACK CHRISTMAS FIRST!!!! That's where the originality lies, and then see WHEN A STRANGER CALLS if you want the more popular rip-off.

[BettyLouisePlotnick]

I saw this flick a long time ago. I remember it had a killer opening, a VERY lazy middle, and a 'why the hell didn't they go this route for the middle of the movie' ending. It's worth the price just for the opening scene.

[Antonio Del Lago]

WHEN A STRANGER CALLS (1979) Directed by Fred Walton. Based on Walton's short film titled "The Sitter", which itself was based on a real-life urban legend, STRANGER is one of the best post-HALLOWEEN slasher films. The plot centers around a babysitter (Carol Kane), who is menaced by a psychotic madman (Tony Beckley) via several ominous, creepy telephone calls in the bravura opening 20 minutes of this very scary film (which was predated by BLACK CHRISTMAS). After the said killer escapes from an insane asylum years later, Kane (now married with children of her own), fears for her family's safety. Charles Durning co-stars as the cop on the case, and Colleen Dewhurst is good (as always) in a boring second act as a barfly pursued romantically by Beckley! The phrase "have you checked the children?" became one of the most frightening punchlines in slasher history. The final jolt is terrifying as well. Classy film all the way around. Walton is one of the most underrated horror filmmakers out there, proving his talent in other underrated fare such as this film's sequel (titled WHEN A STRANGER CALLS BACK), as well as a 1988 TV remake of I SAW WHAT YOU DID, and fan fave APRIL FOOL'S DAY.

My grade for this first STRANGER: B+ (would have received an "A" if not for the slow mid-section).

[This message has been edited by Antonio Del Lago (edited 08-05-2001).]

[PrinceOfDarkness]

I really didn't like it that well.I rented it and expected way to much from it from what i've heard.Granted,the opening scene in the beginning was cool but the middle was way to slow and the guy just seemed to wimpy.I know they were going for the "he might be a psycho,but he has feelings",but I just didn't think it worked very well.Worth a rental I suppose,but not worth buying.

[AlienClown]

I saw this a couple nights ago and like POD, I also didn't like it. I feel it is undeserving of all the praise it gets by many people. You have to look at it as a whole movie, because that's what it is, and its not very good. Even the so called spectacular opening which is the highlight of the film for some people didn't do much for me.
Pretty much unavoidably, I had already been aware of the "killer is in the house" deal via others reviews, but more memorable was when I saw parts of the scene itself in the 70s/80s horror compilation movie Terror In The Aisles. So that has a lot less impact, and I watched this scene and the whole movie in the dark, with no lights on, totally alone. I wasn't scared. I thought the movie would be based around this whole initial stalking but within a few minutes the scenario ends and the killer is caught, then he escapes.
The middle is pretty dull and nothing great, and when it finally comes to the climax there's really not much to it. I thought it was just OK, and if I had to rate it would give it no better than a 5, I hear the sequel is better but also suffers from being unable to sustain quality.

[Kim_EZ]

I think the opening scene is one of the most disturbing ones in any horror movie I've seen. It's based on the old urban legend, but watching it reenacted on film is creepy.

But agreed: the middle kinda sucks and the ending is satisfying.

When a Stranger Calls Back has a nice intro scene as well, but pretty same old same old.

[Jason13thh]

" Have you checked the children " brrrrr.
The first 40 minutes are good and creepy but the whole movie is not that good in fact.
The end is way too abrupt I think.

[psychochihuahua]

It's been so long since I've seen that one, I think Pink Lady & Jeff were still on TV. Tony Beckley is a wonderful psycho, both here and for a second example, see Dr. Who-Seeds of Doom.

The second one had a very definite creepy feel to it.

[Topher]

The first 20 minutes are worth the money for the DVD alone.

The sequel isn't that good. The first 15 or 20 minutes of both movies are the highlights of each.

[Romero&Juliet]

When A Stranger Calls is the only horror movie that I've seen since Blair Witch that has scared the fu*k outta me!!!!!
I have actually started locking my doors at night, and screening calls, and I WILL NEVER BABYSIT EVER!!!!! EVERRRR~~!!!!!