The Third Man: The Official Story of the Film
Format:Hardback
Publisher:Titan Books Ltd
Published:24th Sep '24
Should be back in stock very soon
This illustrated retrospective celebrates the 75th anniversary of the iconic film directed by Carol Reed. It delves into its creation, key contributors, and lasting impact on cinema, making it essential for film enthusiasts.
"The Third Man: The Official Story of the Film" serves as a comprehensive retrospective on the iconic British film directed by Carol Reed and written by Graham Greene, celebrating its 75th anniversary. Released in 1949, this atmospheric film noir quickly established itself as a classic, earning accolades such as the Palme d'Or at Cannes, a BAFTA for Best British Film, and an Oscar for Best Cinematography. The film's haunting Viennese backdrop, featuring memorable locations like the vast sewers and the Ferris wheel, has left an indelible mark on cinematic history.
This beautifully illustrated book delves into the intricate process behind the making of "The Third Man," highlighting the contributions of key figures such as director Carol Reed, stars Joseph Cotton and Orson Welles, and the renowned composer Anton Karas, whose zither score became instantly recognizable. The narrative also examines the complex ownership battle between US producer David O. Selznick and British producer Alexander Korda, which led to significant legal disputes that shaped the film's production.
In addition to offering insights into the film's creation, author and filmmaker John Walsh presents unpublished photographs and conducts new interviews that shed light on the identity of the real-life "Third Man." This exploration of the film's legacy and its influence on contemporary filmmakers like Martin Scorsese makes this book an essential read for film enthusiasts and scholars alike.
"John Walsh’s The Third Man: The Official Story Of The Film is that rare thing, a coffee table book that’s as informative as any musty old tome of the production history. The author’s account of the production is well-informed, in-depth and incisive, beautifully packaged and a must-have for any fan."
★★★★★- Nick Bartlett, CRITICAL POPCORN
“John Walsh’s new history is an absorbing and insightful take on Carol Reed’s defining post-war thriller. There is some lovely behind-the-scenes colour. One section is subtitled ‘Orson Goes Down The Drain’ – and a fascinating account of when the world briefly went zither-crazy for Anton Karas’s famous score.”
★★★★ - EMPIRE
“Once more unto the breach, as award-winning filmmaker John Walsh delivers another hit with his latest movie retrospective book, The Third Man: The Official Story of the Film. It’s a must-have for any fan of the movie and a perfect addition to your Christmas list for family members who love noir films.”
★★★★★ - SciFi Pulse
“I have found Walsh’s book so hard to put down; it’s fascinating to learn much more about The Third Man; the book's quality is superb.”
★★★★★ - Blazing Minds
“Anatomy of a British screen classic. The influential gold standard for perfect script and directing.”
The Critic
“Walsh’s book seeks to shine a light on all these facets of the film and more, providing an in-depth and authoritative account of how such a powerful film, revolutionary for its time in its use of location filming and one that seemed to evolve throughout its production, came to be.”
The Consulting Detective Blog
“John Walsh’s new book The Third Man: The Official Story of the Film looks to give the definitive account of the making of the film.”
IndieWire
“John Walsh has previously written fascinating books on films including The Wicker Man, Escape from New York, and even Conan the Barbarian – his passion and knowledge always shines through, and that is certainly the case here.”
Film Juice
“The beautifully illustrated book dives deep into the making of the film.”
The Film Stage
“John’s books are collectable objects of beauty.”
Art and Hue
“The Third Man: The Official Story of the Film is a thorough and engaging examination of various stages of the production. The book will be cherished by fans of the movie and of movie-making. In addition to being a well-written resource, it makes a fantastic coffee table book to pore over.”
Cinema Sentries
ISBN: 9781835410011
Dimensions: unknown
Weight: unknown
192 pages