When a Stranger Calls is a 1979 American psychological thriller film written and directed by Fred Walton, co-written by Steve Feke, and starring Charles Durning, Carol Kane, Colleen Dewhurst and Tony Beckley (in his final film role).

Rachel Roberts, Ron O'Neal, Carmen Argenziano, and Rutanya Alda appear in supporting roles.

Immediately after the conversation, the police phone to inform her that the calls are coming from a line located somewhere inside the house.

Dr. Mandrakis hires John Clifford, who investigated the earlier murders but who is now a private detective, to find Duncan.

Not knowing Clifford is after him, the homeless Duncan is beaten after harassing a woman named Tracy in a downtown bar.

Meanwhile, an increasingly obsessed Clifford confides to his friend Lieutenant Garber his intention to kill Duncan rather than have him recommitted.

Tracy screams for help, and Clifford returns, chasing Duncan from the scene but losing his trail in the streets of downtown Los Angeles.

[2] Walton and Feke alleged that they based The Sitter on a newspaper article detailing the harassment of a young woman who, while babysitting in Santa Monica, California, received phone calls from her attacker inside the residence.

[1] Executive producers Barry Krost and Douglas Chapin were so impressed by The Sitter that they acquired the rights and commissioned Walton and Feke to develop the short into a full-length feature.

[9] Principal photography began October 9, 1978, and took place over 27 1/2 days at locations in and around Los Angeles, largely including the Brentwood neighborhood.

[citation needed] Tony Beckley, who played Curt Duncan, died in April 1980, six months after the film's premiere.

However, CARA chair Richard Heffner then viewed the film and called the board for discussion to consider voting for an R rating.

[22] In her review for The New York Times, Janet Maslin wrote "When a Stranger Calls is an energetic first film", adding that "the frightened-babysitter opening of the movie is marvelously modern, as Mr. Walton demonstrates that a haunted house with an ice-making refrigerator is intrinsically scarier than a house without one.

"[23] Author Travis Holt elaborates on the importance of the telephone to the film's portrayal of horror, noting that in the beginning "The phone is presented as a means of safety and comfort; it is a savior rather than a burden.

[27] A DVD release was distributed by Sony Pictures Home Entertainment on October 9, 2001, with the only supplements being bonus trailers.

[28] A Blu-ray version of the film was released by Mill Creek Entertainment in a double feature with Happy Birthday to Me (1981) on March 26, 2013.

[29] The film was eventually released as a stand-alone on Blu-ray on February 11, 2020 by Mill Creek Entertainment with packaging designed to look like a VHS.

The Blu-ray includes a brand new scan and restoration, plus the sequel When a Stranger Calls Back, a new scan and restoration of the original short film The Sitter, a reversible sleeve with new artwork by Obviously Creative and original poster artwork, as well as interviews with director Fred Walton, Carol Kane, Rutanya Alda, composer Dana Kaproff, the "limited edition" original soundtrack CD, along with a 40-page perfect-bound booklet with a new essay by Kevin Lyons.