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When a Stranger Calls

When a Stranger Calls (1979)Cast and Crew

Movie"Every babysitter's nightmare becomes real..."

Cast

C
Carol Kane
as Jill Johnson
C
Charles Durning
as John Clifford
C
Colleen Dewhurst
as Tracy
T
Tony Beckley
as Curt Duncan
R
Rutanya Alda
as Mrs. Mandrakis
C
Carmen Argenziano
as Dr. Mandrakis
K
Kirsten Larkin
as Nancy
R
Ron O'Neal
as Lt. Charlie Garber
H
Heetu
as Houseboy
R
Rachel Roberts
as Dr. Monk
M
Michael Champion
as Bill
W
William Boyett
as Sgt. Sacker (as Bill Boyett)
J
Joseph Reale
as Bartender
E
Ed Wright
as Retired Man
L
Louise Wright
as Retired Woman
C
Carol Tillery Banks
as Mrs. Garber
D
Dennis McMullen
as Maintenance Man
W
Wally Taylor
as Cheater
J
John Tobyansen
as Bar Customer
S
Sarah Dammann
as Bianca Lockart
R
Richard Bail
as Stevie Lockart
S
Steven Anderson
as Stephen Lockart
L
Lenora May
as Sharon
R
Randy Holland
as Maitre d'
T
Trent Dolan
as Policeman #1
F
Frank DiElsi
as Policeman #2
A
Arell Blanton
as Policeman #3
D
DeForest Covan
as Officer #1
C
Charles Boswell
as Officer #2
D
Dick Warlock
as Bartender (uncredited)
C
Cheryl Wilson
as Mrs. Shifrin (uncredited)

Crew

S
Sam Vitale
Editor
D
Dana Kaproff
Original Music Composer
D
Donald Peterman
Director of Photography
F
Fred Walton
Director
F
Fred Walton
Writer
S
Steve Feke
Writer
S
Steve Feke
Producer
D
Doug Chapin
Producer
L
Lynn M. Morgan
Second Assistant Director
P
Penny Perry
Casting
M
Melvin Simon
Executive Producer
L
Lee Poll
Set Decoration
E
Edie Panda
Hairstylist
L
Larry Kostroff
Associate Producer
B
Billy Laughridge
Hairstylist
R
Ruby Ford
Hairstylist
B
Barry Krost
Executive Producer
B
Barbara Michaels
Unit Production Manager
E
Elayne Barbara Ceder
Production Design
B
Bob Mills
Makeup Artist
E
Edward Ledding
First Assistant Director

When a Stranger Calls Collection

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.