When a Stranger Calls (1979)
When a Stranger Calls (1979)
Plot.
Where to Watch.
Currently When a Stranger Calls is available for streaming online, rent, buy or watch for free on: Hoopla, Apple TV, Plex, Amazon Video, fuboTV, Paramount Plus, Paramount+ Amazon Channel, Paramount+ Roku Premium Channel, Paramount Plus Apple TV Channel , Vudu, Tubi TV, VUDU Free, Peacock, Peacock Premium, Freevee, Kanopy, Plex Player
Streaming in:πΊπΈ United States
This Movie Is About.
Cast & Crew.
Carol Kane
Jill Johnson
Charles Durning
John Clifford
Colleen Dewhurst
Tracy
Rutanya Alda
Mrs. Mandrakis
Carmen Argenziano
Dr. Mandrakis
Kirsten Larkin
Nancy
William Boyett
Sgt. Sacker
Ron O'Neal
Lt. Charlie Garber
Heetu
Houseboy
Rachel Roberts
Dr. Monk
Tony Beckley
Curt Duncan
Michael Champion
Bill
Fred Walton
Director
Joseph Reale
Bartender
Steve Feke
Writer
Ed Wright
Retired Man
Doug Chapin
Producer
Louise Wright
Retired Woman
Carol Tillery Banks
Mrs. Garber
Dana Kaproff
Composer
Dennis McMullen
Maintenance Man
Wally Taylor
Cheater
Donald Peterman
Cinematographer
John Tobyansen
Bar Customer
Sam Vitale
Editor
Penny Perry
CastingDirector
Sarah Dammann
Bianca Lockart
Elayne Barbara Ceder
ProductionDesigner
Richard Bail
Stevie Lockart
Steven Anderson
Stephen Lockart
Lenora May
Sharon
Randy Holland
Maitre d'
Trent Dolan
Policeman #1
Frank DiElsi
Policeman #2
Arell Blanton
Policeman #3
DeForest Covan
Officer #1
Charles Boswell
Officer #2
Dick Warlock
Bartender (uncredited)
Cheryl Wilson
Mrs. Shifrin (uncredited)
Melvin Simon
Executive Producer
Bob Mills
Makeup Artist
Lynn M. Morgan
Second Assistant Director
Barry Krost
Executive Producer
Edie Panda
Hairstylist
Ruby Ford
Hairstylist
Barbara Michaels
Unit Production Manager
Larry Kostroff
Associate Producer
Lee Poll
Set Decoration
Edward Ledding
First Assistant Director
Billy Laughridge
Hairstylist
Media.
Details.
Release DateSeptember 28, 1979
StatusReleased
Running Time1h 37m
Content RatingR
Budget$1,500,000
Box Office$25,000,000
Genres
Wiki.
When a Stranger Calls is a 1979 American psychological horror film written and directed by Fred Walton, co-written by Steve Feke, and starring Charles Durning, Carol Kane, Colleen Dewhurst and Tony Beckley. Its plot follows Jill Johnson, a young woman being terrorized by a psychopathic killer while babysitting, the killer's stalking of another woman, his returning to torment Jill years later, and a detective's trying to find him. Rachel Roberts, Ron O'Neal, Carmen Argenziano, and Rutanya Alda appear in supporting roles. The film derives its story from the folk legend of "the babysitter and the man upstairs".The film was released in the United States on September 28, 1979 by Columbia Pictures. It was commercially successful, grossing $21.4 to $25 million at the box office against a $1.5 million budget, but it received a mixed-to-negative critical reception, with many praising the opening scene and performances, and others criticizing its writing and lack of scares. It was followed by the 1993 made-for-cable sequel When a Stranger Calls Back and a remake in 2006.
The film has developed a large cult following over time because of the first 23 minutes, consistently regarded as one of the scariest openings in film history. The first 13 minutes of Wes Craven's Scream (1996) pay homage to the opening of When a Stranger Calls.