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 They say captivating moments can often make a film. Judi Dench seemed to accomplish this when she won an Oscar as Best Actress in a Supporting Role in the 1999 Shakespeare in Love. That seems to be the theory behind Phone Call From a Stranger (1952) as well, as Bette Davis, cast as the lead in the film, drew raves for her short performance. Gary Merrill and Shelley Winters really carry the melodrama centered on a plane crash and its victims and a survivor.
David Trask (Gary Merrill, The Great Impostor- 1961) has learned about his wife's infidelity and even though he still loves her and his two daughters dearly, feels he can't go on as is. He leaves a note for his wife (Helen Westcott) and gets a one-way plane ticket to Los Angeles.
Gary Merrill & Shelley Winters
His gloomy mood gets a reprieve when he meets the bubbly Bianca Carr (Shelley Winters, The Poseidon Adventure - 1972) in the flight area. She's an actress and singer who is afraid of flying and once on board shares a seat opposite David. In the trailer, Bianca is billed as the right kind of girl who gave too many guys the wrong idea kind of idea.
When the plane has to land before its destination, the passengers temporarily disembark. David and Bianca attract fellow passengers Dr.
Gary Merrill, Shelley Winters & Keenan Wynn
Robert Fortness (Michael Rennie, 12 O'Clock High, - 1966) and novelty salesman Eddie Hoke (Keenan Wynn, Kiss Me Kate - 1953). Over a gameof cards, the four decide to become the Four Muskateers and keep in touch after their flights.
After the plane crashes on its next leg of the flight, David is the only one of the foursome alive. Because each new friend has shared an intimate part of their personal life, all that included a particular
Michael Rennie & Gary Merrill
trauma going on in his life, David takes it up himself to visit each family and share their loved-one's last thoughts.
One of the oddest visits is to the night club owned by Bianca's mother-in-law, Sallie, played well by Evelyn Varden (Desirée - 1954).
During this sojourn David learns more details about each friend, but ultimately learns more about himself. Writer/producer Nunnally Johnson (The Grape of Wrath - 1940, Black Widow - 1954, Three Faces of Eve -1957), as with many of his screenplays, unfolds the story in an intriguing manner. The most suspenseful aspect is wondering when Bette Davis will show up, however, it's worth the wait.
Although Romanian born Jean Negulesco is relatively an unknown name today, she was a prolific director with 78 films to her credit. Many noted films during the 1940's and 50s were under her helm including Johnny Belinda (1948) which earned her an Oscar nomination (and awarded the Oscar to Jane Wyman for Best Actress in a Leading Role), Nobody Lives Forever (1946) with Geraldine Fitzgerald and Walter Brennan, Titanic (1953) with Clifton Webb and Robert Wagner, How To Marry A Millionaire (1953) with Marilynn Monroe, and Boy On A Dolphin (1957) with Sophia Loren and Alan Ladd.
Director: Jean Negulesco
Writers: Nunnally Johnson and I.A.R. Wylie
Cast: Shelley Winters, Gary Merrill, Michael Rennie, Keenan Wynn, Evelyn Varden
Rating: Not Rated (won't hold attention of children)
Classic Movie Guide Rating: 3 stars out of 5
Run Time: 96 minutes
Studio: 20th Century Fox
Format: Black-and-white, Fullscreen
Photo credits: 20th Century Fox
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