Shadowing the Third Man

This film is absolutely my all-time favorite movie!!!!! I can't think of anything more to top that comment..... the plot, the performances, the direction, the mood, the music, and (of course) the ending are on a level that exceeds excellent. I've viewed this film at least 25 times since I first saw it during its initial release and I find something new to enjoy and admire in it each time I see it. This movie never gets stale in repeated viewings -- that must be a sign of just how marvelous a movie it really is. The supporting cast is top-notch and it's interesting to see Trevor Howard, Wilfrid Hyde-White and Bernard Lee (later "M" in the first James Bond movies) early in their movie careers. Orson Welles is (as always) fascinating to watch and Joseph Cotton gives his best performance ever, but it is Valli who captures the spirit and the heart of the film. She's so lovely, vulnerable and believable in her role that she makes the ending even more heart- breaking. I've been in love with her for over 50 years!