The Stranger
RKO Radio Pictures | Release Date: August 1, 1946 CRITIC SCORE DISTRIBUTION
76
METASCORE
Generally favorable reviews based on 9 Critic Reviews
Positive:
8
Mixed:
1
Negative:
0
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Critic Reviews

Critic scorePublicationBy date
100
TV Guide MagazineStaff (Not Credited)
The Stranger is not as wildly creative as his other films, but all the Welles trademarks are present, including superior lighting, inventive camera angles, strong transitions, and characters silhouetted in darkness. Read full review
90
VarietyStaff (Not Credited)
The Stranger is socko melodrama, spinning an intriguing web of thrills and chills. Director Orson Welles gives the production a fast, suspenseful development, drawing every advantage from the hard-hitting script from the Victor Trivas story. Read full review
90
TimeStaff (Not Credited)
Adroitly directed by Orson Welles, who also plays the star, it is a grade A gooseflesh-raiser. Read full review
80
Chicago ReaderDave Kehr
Orson Welles's 1946 film reproduces his personal themes of self-scrutiny and self-destruction only in outline, though it is an inventive, highly enjoyable thriller. Read full review
80
Film ThreatPhil Hall
The Stranger may not be at the same level as Citizen Kane, but what is? On its own terms, it is a fine and invigorating experience that deserves to be sought out and enjoyed. Read full review
80
Time OutStaff (Not Credited)
Welles' third film, often described as his worst, but still a hugely enjoyable thriller. Read full review
75
Slant MagazineFernando F. Croce
As distinctively Wellesian as Citizen Kane, and packing nearly as many technical wonders. Read full review
70
The New YorkerPauline Kael
It's a smooth, proficient, somewhat languorous thriller, handsomely shot with some showy long takes. It's quite watchable, but the script is clever in a shallow way; the people need more dimensions.
50
The New York TimesBosley Crowther
The whole thing becomes a routine and mechanical cat-and-rat chase, with the outcome completely apparent, despite a few bright and clever twists. Read full review
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