Happy timezones, Friends! It’s movie time again! I love classic films, especially if they have Barbara Stanwyck and Burt Lancaster in them! Even if you aren’t fond of classic movies, you may find this one appealing.
I give this one a resounding 5/5!
Sorry, Wrong Number
Plot: While on the telephone, an invalid woman overhears what she thinks is a murder plot and attempts to prevent it.1
Director: Anatole Litvak
Writer: Lucille Fletcher
Cast: Barbara Stanwyck, Burt Lancaster, Ann Richards
Genres: Drama, Thriller, Mystery, Film-Noir
This movie is the one that grabbed me hard and made me a Barbara Stanwyck fan when I was a young teen! She is in bed most of the time, but she is jeweled out to the hilt as she listens to a very disturbing phone call.
Before this became a film, it was on the radio, which had Agnes Moorehead in the starring role. Later, Agnes portrayed Samantha’s mother, Endora, on Bewitched. But perhaps we’ll study her more in a future post. I just wanted to give her a shoutout since she was the original Leona Stevenson.
Barbara Stanwyck’s performance garnered a nomination for Best Actress at the Academy Awards, and she was highly praised.
It isn’t a perfect film, but my opinion is that it’s really close. From the moment my young eyes began watching, nothing could have pulled me away.
At that age, the ending felt shocking, as if the wind had been knocked out of me. Today’s sophisticated audiences probably won’t be as surprised as I was. But it is still worth a watch. From beginning to end, we’re taken on a journey to try to figure this phone call out, and what it means.
There are flashback scenes that provide some backstory. And it’s nice to see Barbara Stanwyck prior to becoming an invalid, interacting with more characters who are introduced at this time.
Final Thoughts: It starts out a little on the slow side, but it has a huge payoff that is incredibly satisfying. Hopefully, you won’t bite your nails down to the nubs as you watch.
So, have you seen Sorry, Wrong Number? If not, will you? I would love to know what you thought of it.
Here is the trailer2:
I’m so glad you stopped by today!
Thank you, kind readers, for liking, lurking, reading, and commenting. You are important!
Citations:
1. Fletcher L. Sorry, Wrong Number. IMDb. Published September 24, 1948. Accessed March 12, 2024. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0040823/?ref_=tt_sims_tt_i_10
2. Film Forum. SORRY, WRONG NUMBER Trailer. YouTube. Published online July 15, 2019. Accessed March 11, 2024. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RraR0D6U8DU
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I’ve heard of this one, but I’ve never seen it. I actually recognized Agnes Moorehead’s name before you mentioned she was Endora, lol!
Welp I know what I’m watching tonight!!! Great review Kymber
I hope you’ll like it! It’s so good. 😀
great review!! for fans of the wonderful Ms S, i recommend the somewhat catty but insightful bio ”The Miracle Woman” by Dan Callahan
Thank you so much! 🙂 I looked up your suggestion and it looks very intriguing and informative! I will be picking up a copy. 🙂
I haven’t seen this one, Kymber, but my husband and I love classic movies and this sounds good! Both actors are great, and I remember watching Barbra Stanwyck in The Big Valley! 🙂 Thanks for the great review! 💖
You are so welcome! 🙂 I hope you enjoy this film as much as I did. I would love to know what you thought of it. 🙂 I remember her in The Big Valley, too, and I loved that show. 🧡🌷
I’m such a fan of classic movies too. They don’t make ‘em like they used to. The plot sounds interesting! I’m intrigued.
I know that’s right! 😀 I would love to know what you think of it if you watch it. 😀
I love these old movies! I subscribe to the Criterion Collection because of it.
That’s wonderful! I’m glad to hear it. 😀 xo
These classic films still have a lot to offer. That is when movies were movies, rather than CGI and over emoting. Happy Wednesday Kymber. Allan
I totally agree with you, Allan. Happy Wednesday to you, too! 🙂
This looks suspenseful! And I like the use of shadows in the trailer. This reminds me that I haven’t seen a classic movie in a while. Is this movie streaming on Amazon Prime?
It is on Amazon Prime, however, it’s not free. You can rent it for $3.99. 🙂 If you watch it, I’d love to know what you think of it. 🙂
Great film.
Thank you. I so agree. 🙂
A good film…even though I really don’t care much for Barbara Stanwyck. On my list of Hollywood faves she is way down. But this was a good one. You’re right. It starts off slow, but the suspense does build. Now I will move onto my all time favorite…Olivia DeHaviland.
LOL It’s okay, not everyone has to love Barbara Stanwyck. 😀 Oh, yes! Olivia DeHaviland was gorgeous! Another beauty classic with Hollywood glam! 😀
Ooh, Burt Lancaster was a handsome devil, lol. This looks really good. Thanks for the recommendation, Kymber.
He sure was so handsome. Let’s just say in this film, he does not disappoint. LOL I hope you like it if you watch.
Terrific review, Kymber. I love these classic movies.
Thank you, John. I love them, too. 🙂
😊
I have not seen this one. The trailer is pretty intense. Don’t pick up the phone. You have three more minutes to live. Thank you for a very interesting suggestion and review.
You are so welcome, Thomas. I can safely say this is one of my favorite classic films. 🙂 If you watch, I hope you like it.
Oh my gosh, I haven’t seen this since God only knows when. Love me some Barbara Stanwyck (especially from The Big Valley days) and OMG that handsome Burt Lancaster! Oooh-la-la!!! There is nothing like the old B/W films…haunting but thrilling! Great review Kymber sweetie pie!!! 📞😲☎😱📺 DON’T ANSWER THAT PHONE! 🤣
It’s been way too long since I’ve seen it, too. I was just thinking about it and so decided to do a review. But now I want to see it again. Like tonight! lol Oh, yeah, I remember my parents watching The Big Valley every evening. They watched Star Trek every evening, too. LOL But back to “Sorry, Wrong Number.” I loves me some Burt Lancaster. He was so handsome! Yes! Please, DON’T ANSWER THAT PHONE! 😀
😂😝🤣 Girlfriend, you simply crack me up!
🤣😂
I don’t think I’ve seen this one, Kymber, though it seems vaguely familiar. I always liked Barbara Stanwyck. What a cool film to study for character, plot, and suspense. Thanks for sharing your review.
You are so welcome, Diana. I really think you will like this one. 🧡🌷
Classic movie buff, here. 🙂 Sorry, Wrong Number is one of the greats from the “Film Noir” era and Barbara Stanwyck was outstanding in it. One of my all-time favourite actresses! Thanks for the reminder. Now I want to watch it again.
I’m so glad you love this movie, Debbie. 🌷🧡You are so right about Barbara Stanwyck. There is just something so fabulously glamorous about her in this film. I need to watch it again, too.
You made it sound so good, I went on a hunt for it. I think I can watch it for free with my Amazon Prime account. If so, I will! Thanks for the recommendation.
You’re so welcome, Jacqui! It’s one of my favorite movies. 🙂 I hope you enjoy it.