The Third Man stars Joseph Cotten as Holly Martins, Orson Welles as Harry Lime, and Alida Valli as Anna Schmidt in Carol Reed’s 1949 classic set in post-war Vienna.
Main cast
- Holly MartinsJoseph CottenMain
- Harry LimeOrson WellesMain
- Anna SchmidtAlida ValliMain
Supporting cast
- Major CallowayTrevor HowardSupp
- Sergeant PaineBernard LeeSupp
- Crabbin (British Cultural Re-education Officer)Wilfrid Hyde-WhiteSupp
- Porter at the Hotel SacherHedwig BleibtreuSupp
- Porter’s WifeJenny WernerSupp
- Baron KurtzErnst DeutschSupp
- Dr WinkelErich PontoSupp
- PopescuSiegfried BreuerSupp
Guest & voice
- Anna’s landladyAnnie RosarGuest
- Hansl (the boy)Helli ServiGuest
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About this cast
Carol Reed’s 1949 film The Third Man is a seminal British film noir set in post-war Vienna. The lead roles are played by Joseph Cotten (Holly Martins), Orson Welles (Harry Lime), and Alida Valli (Anna Schmidt), with strong supporting performances from Trevor Howard, Bernard Lee, and Wilfrid Hyde-White.
FAQs
Who plays Harry Lime in The Third Man?
Orson Welles plays Harry Lime, the charismatic and morally corrupt black-marketeer, in what is arguably his most iconic screen role.
Is The Third Man based on a novel?
Yes, Graham Greene wrote the novella The Third Man as a preparation for the screenplay, though the film was released first and the book was published later in 1950.
Where was The Third Man filmed?
The film was shot on location in post-war Vienna, Austria, and at Shepperton Studios in England. The famous sewer sequences were built on a soundstage.
Who played the zither music in The Third Man?
The iconic score was performed by the Austrian zither player Anton Karas, who was discovered by director Carol Reed in a Viennese wine tavern.
Who plays Major Calloway in The Third Man?
Trevor Howard plays Major Calloway, the British military policeman investigating Harry Lime’s activities.
Sources & where to watch: IMDb · Wikipedia · Where to watch (JustWatch UK) · Updated June 2026