Crime Cult Classic

A woman scorned orchestrates a chilling scheme of murder and impersonation on the Mexican coast.

THE 3RD VOICE

It'd diaboliKILL!

1960 · 1h 19m · NR · Crime / Drama / Thriller · IMDB TMDB

The bitter secretary of a businessman plans to murder him and replace him with a hired look-alike accomplice in order to drain the company's bank accounts.

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Quick Answer

What is The 3rd Voice about?

The 3rd Voice is a 1960 American crime thriller directed by Hubert Cornfield about a secretary who plots to murder her former lover and have an accomplice impersonate him to steal his identity and fortune.

Programmer's Pick

Hubert Cornfield’s The 3rd Voice serves up cold revenge in the hot sun, with Julie London plotting a murder so methodical it puts most noir schemers to shame. If you like your crime with a side of identity theft and a dash of Mexico, this one’s for you.

— SassyFlix Programmer

Overview

In The 3rd Voice, the dangerous fallout from a soured workplace affair leads to a meticulous plot of revenge and deception. Marian Forbes, having spent years as secretary, advisor, and mistress to wealthy businessman Harris Chapman, is cast aside and seeks payback. Rather than a simple confrontation, Marian enlists a male accomplice to learn Harris' every mannerism and personal detail, plotting to replace him entirely while he’s on a fishing trip in Mexico. As she tutors her partner-in-crime on the art of impersonation, the stage is set for identity theft, betrayal, and a battle of wits. The film operates in a shadowy world of blackmail, meticulous planning, and psychological tension.

Details & Specs

Director: Hubert Cornfield
Writers: Hubert Cornfield, Charles Williams
Release: 1960
Runtime: 1h 19m
Country: United States of America
Language: Spanish, English
Genres: Crime, Drama, Thriller
Also Known As: The Third Voice

Why This Matters

This neo-noir thriller marks the final film appearance of Laraine Day and adapts Charles Williams' novel 'All the Way,' with Hubert Cornfield serving as director, writer, and producer.

— SassyFlix Curator

Cast & Crew

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Director: Hubert Cornfield Writers: Hubert Cornfield +1 more

Edmond O'Brien The Voice

Julie London Corey Scott

Laraine Day Marian Forbes

Olga San Juan Blonde Prostitute

George Eldredge Judge Kendall TH Tom Hernández Desk Clerk AF Abel Franco Police Inspector

Edward Colmans Carreras TD Tom Daly Tourist at Bar RB Ralph Brooks Harris Chapman LC Lucille Curtis Mrs. Kendall

Shirley O'Hara Carreras' Secretary RD Raoul De Leon Bank Official SR Sylvia Ray Hotel Miramar Cashier RY Roque Ybarra Fisherman JT Jorge Treviño Capt. Campos (as George Trevino) MJ Maria Jose Argenta Orchestra Leader (uncredited)

Henry Darrow Hotel Papacio Clerk (uncredited) JG John Garrett Bank Clerk (uncredited) RH Roberto Hernández Bellhop (uncredited) EL Eddie Le Baron Carlos (uncredited) AM Alberto Monte Photographer (uncredited)

Ruben Moreno Fisherman (uncredited) AO Andrew Orapeza Hotel Miramar Clerk (uncredited) FO Francisco Ortega Bank Cashier (uncredited) FR Francis Ravel Waiter (uncredited) MS Manuel Serrano Headwaiter (uncredited)

Explore More

Murder Based On Novel Surprise Ending Beach Dancing Bar Strangulation Voice Over Narration Prostitution Scene During Opening Credits Nightclub Hotel Arrest Bathtub Double Cross Restaurant

Why Cult

Methodical Impersonation Plot

The film revolves around a detailed scheme to replace a man with a look-alike, diving deep into the mechanics of vocal and behavioral mimicry.

Sun-Soaked Noir Setting

Set against the backdrop of Mexico's beaches and hotels, the film blends classic noir themes with an atmospheric coastal locale.

Revenge-Driven Femme Fatale

Julie London's Marian Forbes is a calculating secretary-turned-mastermind, embodying the genre's coldest femme fatale ambitions.

Twists of Double Cross

With embezzlement, murder, and shifting allegiances, the story is packed with betrayals that keep its criminal core unpredictable.

Scene Gallery

Threat File

Trigger

Marian is spurned by Harris Chapman

Threat

Murder and identity theft plot

Effect

Victim is killed and replaced by an impersonator

Setting

Mexico and coastal hotels

Questions from the Vault

Who directed The 3rd Voice? +

The 3rd Voice was directed by Hubert Cornfield.

How long is The 3rd Voice? +

The 3rd Voice has a runtime of 79 minutes.

What genre is The 3rd Voice? +

The 3rd Voice is a crime, drama, and thriller film.

Where can I watch The 3rd Voice? +

You can watch The 3rd Voice on SassyFlix.

How is Harris Chapman impersonated in The 3rd Voice? +

Marian Forbes tutors her male accomplice on Harris Chapman's vocal mannerisms and personal biography so he can convincingly assume Harris' identity during the plot.