Today’s quick review: The Stranger. Following World War II, Mr. Wilson (Edward G. Robinson) of the Allied War Crimes Commission tracks Franz Kindler, an escaped Nazi war criminal, to Harper, Connecticut, where Kindler has made a new life for himself as Charles Rankin (Orson Welles), a respected professor at a local college. To prove Rankin’s true identity, Wilson will need the help of Mary Longstreet (Loretta Young), Rankin’s devoted but ignorant fiance.
The Stranger is a classic crime drama from director Orson Welles. The Stranger involves one man’s attempts to hunt down a Nazi fugitive who has gone to ground in the United States. Wilson needs proof that Rankin is Kindler before he can arrest him, while Rankin only needs to cover up the last traces of his identity, a task that proves harder than he thinks. Caught in the middle of this quiet struggle is Mary, a kind woman who doesn’t suspect the truth.
What follows is a tense cat-and-mouse game between two sharp opponents. The conflict remains covert throughout most of the movie, a series of subtle maneuvers that move Rankin in and out of danger. Bad luck, close calls, and the occasional murder keep the tension up in spite of the film’s calm tone and lack of action. As an added treat, The Stranger pays close attention to the psychology of its characters, especially that of Charles and Mary.
The end result is a solid pick for anyone who enjoys classic crime movies. The Stranger has everything it needs to be a robust, satisfying drama, including an unpredictable plot and nuanced characters that are worth investing in. Steer clear if you’re looking for more overt thrills. For a darker tale of political infiltration, try The Manchurian Candidate. For a crime comedy with a similar small town setting, try The Thin Man Goes Home.
7.4 out of 10 on IMDB. I give it a 7.0 to 7.5 for a well-crafted and engaging story.