• User
    Score

Overview

When a Stranger Calls is a 1979 American psychological horror film written and directed by Fred Walton and co-written by Steve Feke. It stars Carol Kane, Colleen Dewhurst, Tony Beckley and Charles Durning. The film derives its story from the classic folk legend of "the babysitter and the man upstairs." The film has developed a large cult following over time because of the first 20 minutes, now consistently regarded as one of the scariest openings in movie history. The first 12 minutes of Wes Craven's Scream is an homage to the opening of When a Stranger Calls. The film was released in the United States on October 26, 1979, by Columbia Pictures. It was commercially successful, grossing $21,411,158 at the box office. It received a mixed critical reception, with many praising the opening scene and performances, but criticism for its writing and lack of scares. It was followed by the 1993 made-for-cable sequel When a Stranger Calls Back and a remake in 2006.

  • Number of Movies: 2
  • Revenue: $25,000,000

Featured Cast

  1. Carol Kane

    Carol Kane

    Jill Johnson

  2. Charles Durning

    Charles Durning

    John Clifford

  3. Colleen Dewhurst
  4. Jill Schoelen

    Jill Schoelen

    Julia Jenz

  5. Tony Beckley

    Tony Beckley

    Curt Duncan

  6. Gene Lythgow

    William Landis

  7. Rutanya Alda

    Rutanya Alda

    Mrs. Mandrakis

  8. Karen Elizabeth Austin

    Karen Elizabeth Austin

    Skid Row Woman

  9. Carmen Argenziano

    Carmen Argenziano

    Dr. Mandrakis

  10. Babs Chula

    Babs Chula

    Agent

  11. John Destry

    John Destry

    Detective 1

  12. Duncan Fraser

    Duncan Fraser

    Club Owner

  13. Ron O'Neal

    Ron O'Neal

    Lt. Charlie Garber

Featured Crew

  1. Fred Walton

    Fred Walton

    Writing, Directing

  2. Steve Feke

    Writing

September 28, 1979

A student babysitter has her evening disturbed when the phone rings. So begins a series of increasingly terrifying and threatening calls that lead to a shocking revelation.

Julia Jenz is babysitting two sleeping children when a stranger arrives at the house, claiming his car has broken down and asking to use the phone. When she discovers the phone is dead, she convinces him to leave, but the situation turns increasingly sinister as she realizes all is not well within the house.

Can't find a movie or TV show? Login to create it.

Want to rate or add this item to a list?

Login