It is easy to trot out the 'classic' tag, particularly when an old black and white film has outstanding actors and storyline but this truly is one.
Everything from the atmospheric setting in war-torn Vienna to the soundtrack (which became a hit the world over) and the dialogue (some of which has rightly gone down in movie history). The devastated Vienna acts as a backdrop for some dramatic lighting effects.
Joseph Cotton goes in search of his friend Harry Lime who, it emerges, is enmeshed in the destructive black market trade in a ravaged city. It can only end in tears.
It doesn't come any better than this.

But the music and its juxtposistion with the scenes is one of the elements that makes this film! The familar yet quiotic balance between the normal and the unseen that surrounds our lives. And as for the cinematography and composisition its simplistic yet rich tapestry is genius

I brought this film based on the two reviews i had read and the description of the film. The cover also states it's a british masterpeice. While the film was ok it never really got off the ground for me until the end. The music that accopanies the film for me is part of the reason i didnt feel the suspense i probaly should have. I am a real film buff and appreciate the film is 59 years old but if i had seen it before i would not have added it to my collection.