When a Stranger Calls (1979) - Full Cast and Crew

Cast

Kirsten Larkin

as Nancy

Ron O'Neal

as Lt. Charlie Garber

Heetu

as Houseboy

as Sgt. Sacker (as Bill Boyett)

Joseph Reale

as Bartender

Ed Wright

as Retired Man

Louise Wright

as Retired Woman

Carol Tillery Banks

as Mrs. Garber

John Tobyansen

as Bar Customer

Sarah Dammann

as Bianca Lockart

Richard Bail

as Stevie Lockart

Randy Holland

as Maitre d'

as Bartender (uncredited)

Cheryl Wilson

as Mrs. Shifrin (uncredited)

When a Stranger Calls Movies

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.