"The Third Man" by Carol Reed proves to be not only a timeless folkloric masterpiece but also a film with strong contemporary references regarding flight, migration, and identity. This first comprehensive and vivid exploration of the classic film is essential reading for cinema lovers and offers a surprisingly relevant essay on the 20th and 21st centuries. Created in 1948/49 amidst the ruins of liberated yet still occupied Austria, "The Third Man" is a thriller set between a Ferris wheel and a canal system, featuring Orson Welles in a standout role. It also includes a zither theme that lingers in your mind. Bert Rebhandl revisits this classic for its 70th anniversary and uncovers numerous, sometimes astonishing facets. "The Third Man" is not only a delight for tourists and nostalgics but also a surprisingly relevant film about today's Europe and the world.