When a Stranger Calls (1979) Horror Thriller Drama Mystery Crime
When a Stranger Calls (1979) Movie Release Dates / Movie Details
Rated R | Threatrical Oct 26, 1979 (US) | Genres Horror, Thriller, Drama, Mystery, Crime | Runtime 1h 37m
- Overall Score: ☆ 5.33/10
IMDB: ☆ 6.4/10
Metascore: ☆ 5.8/10
Tomatometer: ☆ 3.8/10
When a Stranger Calls Plot Synopsis:
During an evening of babysitting, high-school student Jill Johnson is terrorized by a caller who keeps asking "Have you checked the children lately?" When she calls the police, they inform her that the calls are coming from inside the house.
Synopsis / Plot Summary: A psychopathic killer terrorizes a babysitter, then returns seven years later to menace her again.
Tagline: ...Fear is the Message!
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When a Stranger Calls Movie Information:
Type: MovieYear: 1979 (more 1979 movies)
MPAA Rating: R
Runtime: 97 minutes / Horror Genres: Thriller
Directors: Fred Walton
Stars: Carol Kane, Rutanya Alda, Carmen Argenziano, Kirsten Larkin, William Boyett … (cast list)
Release Date: Theatrical Release Date Oct 26, 1979Box Office: $21,411,158
What is When a Stranger Calls Streaming On?
When a Stranger Calls is Streaming on NetflixLanguage: English
Country: United States
Release Dates: Movie Release Dates / When a Stranger Calls Release Dates In Theaters: Oct 26, 1979, Netflix: Oct 01, 2025
Writers: Steve Feke, Fred Walton
Producers: Doug Chapin, Steve Feke, Larry Kostroff, Barry Krost, Melvin Simon
Editors: Sam Vitale
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When a Stranger Calls (1979) Cast (Click to Expand)
When a Stranger Calls Cast
| Cast overview, first billed only: | Character(s) | |
|---|---|---|
| Carol Kane | ... | Jill Johnson |
| Rutanya Alda | ... | Mrs. Mandrakis |
| Carmen Argenziano | ... | Dr. Mandrakis |
| Kirsten Larkin | ... | Nancy |
| William Boyett | ... | Sgt. Sacker (as Bill Boyett) |
| Charles Durning | ... | John Clifford |
| Ron O''Neal | ... | Lt. Charlie Garber |
| Heetu | ... | Houseboy |
| Rachel Roberts | ... | Dr. Monk |
| Tony Beckley | ... | Curt Duncan |
| Colleen Dewhurst | ... | Tracy |
| Michael Champion | ... | Bill |
| Joseph Reale | ... | Bartender (as Joe Reale) |
| Ed Wright | ... | Retired Man |
| Louise Wright | ... | Retired Woman |
| Carol Tillery Banks | ... | Mrs. Garber (as Carol O''Neal) |
| Dennis McMullen | ... | Maintenance Man |
| Wally Taylor | ... | Cheater |
| John Tobyansen | ... | Bar Customer |
| Sara Damman | ... | Bianca Lockart |
Fun Facts: 15 Real AGES of Cast
- Carol Kane (b. June 18, 1952) – Jill Johnson
Sign: Gemini, Height: 5' 2" (1.57 m)
Also known as: Lisa LeBlanc - Rutanya Alda (b. October 13, 1942) – Mrs. Mandrakis
Sign: Libra
Also known as: Ratanya Alda | Ruth Alda - Carmen Argenziano, as Dr. Mandrakis, passed away at age 75 in Los Angeles, California, USA.
Sign: Scorpio, Height: 5' 10" (1.78 m)
Also known as: Carmin Argenziano - Kirsten Larkin – Nancy
- William Boyett, as Sgt. Sacker (as Bill Boyett), passed away at age 77 in Mission Hills, California, USA.
Sign: Capricorn
Also known as: Bill Boyett | Bill Boyette - Charles Durning, as John Clifford, passed away at age 89 in Manhattan, New York City, New York, USA.
Sign: Pisces, Height: 5' 8" (1.73 m)
Also known as: Charles Durnham - Ron O''Neal, as Lt. Charlie Garber, passed away at age 66 in Los Angeles, California, USA.
Sign: Virgo
Also known as: Ron O'Neil - Heetu – Houseboy
- Rachel Roberts – Dr. Monk
- Tony Beckley, as Curt Duncan, passed away at age 52 in Los Angeles, California, USA.
Sign: Libra, Height: 5' 9" (1.75 m) - Colleen Dewhurst, as Tracy, passed away at age 67 in South Salem, New York, USA.
Sign: Gemini, Height: 5' 8" (1.73 m) - Michael Champion – Bill
- Joseph Reale – Bartender (as Joe Reale)
- Ed Wright, as Retired Man, passed away at age 89 in Los Angeles, California, USA.
Sign: Aquarius
Also known as: Edward A. Wright - Louise Wright – Retired Woman
Source: IMDB, Metacritic, Rotten Tomatoes, HellHorror.com fans like you!