Stranger on the Third Floor

Our annual Noirvember screenings kick off with a classic film responsible for igniting the film noir genre. TCM writer Hannah Jack handpicked this title and will join us in person to introduce the film. Join us after the show for “The Big Meet,” a special noir themed cocktail party at Hops/Scotch. Learn more »

STRANGER ON THE THIRD FLOOR is arguably the first film noir, appearing a year before The Maltese Falcon. But no one noticed. It’s an extraordinary film that packs more dread, paranoia, and hallucination into its short running time than had any previous American movie. Its expressionist look and stylized sets are the extraordinary contributions of cinematographer Nicholas Musuraca and art director Van Nest Polglase. Of course, Peter Lorre is reliably unnerving as the stranger in question. This little “B” blurs reality and dreams in a truly remarkable way. With John McGuire, Margaret Tallichet, and Elisha Cook Jr.

Hannah Jack is a writer for Turner Classic Movies, scripting the introductions to movies that air on the network, delivered by TCM hosts Ben Mankiewicz, Dave Karger, and Jacqueline Stewart. Hannah has also written hosted introductions for films on HBO Max, FilmStruck, and classic movies screened in theaters around the country as part of the TCM Fathom Events Big Screen Classics Series. In 2014, Hannah appeared on the network to introduce a film of her choice with TCM's original host, Robert Osborne. Hannah is also an author of young adult fiction and a tenured NYC public school teacher. In 2013, she served as the founding English teacher of a new vocational high school in Manhattan and chaired the English department in the school's first four years. In 2018, Hannah returned to her native Bucks County, and she's thrilled to be able to bring her film and teaching expertise to the Renew Theaters community, including the County Theater, where she cultivated her love of movies as a kid.

Director Boris Ingster

Cast Peter Lorre, John McGuire, Margaret Tallichet

Country USA

Language English

Aspect 1.37

More info on IMDB ››