The Third Man: The Official Story of the Film
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| Author | John Walsh |
|---|---|
| Language | English |
| Genre | Film history |
| Publisher | Titan Books |
Publication date | 1 October 2024 |
| Publication place | United Kingdom |
| Media type | Print (hardcover) |
| Pages | 192 |
| ISBN | 978-1-83541-001-1 |
The Third Man: The Official Story of the Film is a 2024 book by British author and filmmaker John Walsh, published to coincide with the 75th anniversary of the 1949 film The Third Man. The book provides a retrospective on the making of the classic film noir thriller directed by Carol Reed, written by Graham Greene, and starring Joseph Cotten and Orson Welles.[1][non-primary source needed] It includes unpublished photographs, new interviews, and details on the real-life inspirations behind the story, including connections to the James Bond franchise.[2]
Walsh's research discovered new material on the film's production, including the identity of the real-life "third man" and its links to espionage themes that influenced later works like James Bond.[3]
The book was announced in early 2024, with pre-orders available in May.
Content
The book covers the film's production history, from its development to post-production challenges. It discusses the battle for ownership between American producer David O. Selznick and British producer Alexander Korda, which led to legal disputes.[1]
Key elements are explored in detail, including the zither score by Anton Karas, locations in post-war Vienna, and set pieces like the sewer chase and Ferris wheel scene.[1] Walsh includes new information from interviews, such as Orson Welles' initial reluctance and drunken nights with Joseph Cotten.[3] The book also examines the film's lasting influence on filmmakers like Martin Scorsese.[1]
Illustrated with behind-the-scenes photography, it is designed as a large-format volume.[1]