Fantastic post-war thriller/existential exploration of the recesses of the human soul. Joseph Cotton was never better and Orson Welles sparring appearance in the film is compellingly watchable. One of the greatest efforts of the golden age of cinema, that shows its British character beautifully.

The Third Man has been called the best studio movie ever. I agree. Joseph Cotton is good. Orson Welles is great. Valli is the saddest beauty every – reminding me of, but outshining, Ingrid Bergman in Casablanca.

However, the real stars of this movie are post-war Vienna, the "wet" black and white photography, and Anton Karas' zither.

My favorite Orson Welles movie. Unusual and enjoyable soundtrack, great cinematography, very good story, top notch screenplay, well acted.

Most Graham Greene materials brought to the screen are good and this is no exception. One caveat is to try to get a British print rather than the American print. The American cuts some scenes that are important. Anton Karas' zither score is unusual but really adds to the film once you get used to it. The scene at the top of the ferris wheel is marvelous. It reminds me of the Devil tempting Christ but that is probably a stretch for most people. Greene wound many religious themes into his novels, however. The interplay of the light and shadows makes it for me. Avoid the colorized version.

An excellent, dark and intriguing film, with a bravura performance by Welles as Harry Lime. Brilliant cinematography.

Far superior than most movies ahead of it.

It will make you want to learn to play the zither. See it and understand. You cannot go wrong with this classic!

Excellent film noir, one of the best ever made. Great script and terrific performances by Joseph Cotten, Vali, Trevor Howard and especially Orson Welles. The cinematography gives the right mood, and no way could this movie have been made years later in color. The zither music is unique, unfortgettable but fitting.

Absolutely a masterpiece from frame one. The closing scene is timeless.

First-rate story and great characters; eminently quotable dialogue; a good, twisty plot; gorgeous and dark location shooting, some of which is the essence of noir; and a catchy zither score.

I can't say how enjoyable this movie was. Orson Welles appearance from the shadows is truly genius. The use of lighting in this B&W film was the best I have ever seen.

For its time a revolutionary film, starring Joseph Cotten as an American pulp western writer, visiting another country in hopes of reuniting with his old friend played by Orson Welles. I thought for its time it was pretty intriguing.