The Slender Thread (1965): Cast, Plot & Where to Watch
The Slender Thread is a 1965 drama directed by Sydney Pollack, starring Sidney Poitier as Alan Newell, Regina Carrol and Telly Savalas. It runs 1 hour 38 minutes. Stream it on Hoopla, or rent or buy it on Amazon Video and Apple TV Store.
- Released
- Runtime
- 1h 38m (98 min)
- Director
- Sydney Pollack
- Genre
- Drama
- Original language
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English - Studio
- Paramount Pictures
- After the credits
- No No extra scene
What Is The Slender Thread About?
The premise of The Slender Thread without spoilers. The whole story is in the plot summary further down.
Alan, a Seattle college student volunteering at a crisis‑center, receives a midnight call from a distressed woman who has overdosed on pills. As he tries to summon help, he learns about her troubled family and the reasons behind her desire to die. Tension builds as Alan races against time to save her before it’s too late.
The Slender Thread Themes & Keywords
· 27 tags- overdose
- student
- police
- suicide
- drug overdose
- interracial relationship
- rescue
- race against time
- psychologist
- african american
- seattle washington
- based on article
+15 more Show fewer
- attempted suicide
- tracing a telephone call
- dysfunctional marriage
- directorial debut
- volunteer
- u.s. coast guard
- police detective
- crisis hotline
- search
- patient
- motel
- fishermen
- drugs
- deception
- cleavage
Where to Watch The Slender Thread
Stream it on Hoopla, or rent or buy it from Amazon Video and Apple TV Store. US availability and prices from JustWatch.
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The Slender Thread Cast & Characters
Sidney Poitier leads the cast as Alan Newell, with Regina Carrol as minor role (uncredited) and Telly Savalas as Dr. Joe Coburn. Directed by Sydney Pollack; 47 actors are credited in all.
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Director Sydney Pollack
-
Sidney Poitier as Alan Newell - Regina Carrol as minor role (uncredited)
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Telly Savalas as Dr. Joe Coburn - Steven Marlo as Arthur Foss
Also Starring in The Slender Thread
· 43 more- Indus Arthur Marian
- Anne Bancroft Inga Dyson
- Ed Asner Det. Judd Ridley
- Steven Hill Mark Dyson
- Greg Jarvis Chris Dyson
- Dabney Coleman Charlie
- Charlotte Stewart Telephone Operator
- Paul Newlan Sgt. Harry Ward
- Robert F. Hoy Patrolman Steve Peters
- Lane Bradford Al McCardle
- Jason Wingreen Medical Technician
- H.M. Wynant Doctor Morris
- David Harris Nightwatchman
- John Benson Patrolman Bert Enyard (uncredited)
- Thomas Hill Liquor Salesman
- Fay Baker Telephone Supervisor (uncredited)
Show all 47 cast members Show fewer cast members
- Walter Maslow 1st TV Newsman (as Walter Mazlow)
- Karen Norris Mrs. Hillman, Inga's Nurse (uncredited)
- George Savalas Pool Player
- John Napier Dr. Alden Van
- Viola Harris Telephone Supervisor
- Marjorie Nelson Mrs. Thomas
- Archie Smith Janitor
- Allen Emerson 2nd TV Newsman
- Phillip Browne Office Boy
- Kay Doubleday Jinny
- Janet Dudley Edna
- Stephen Pellegrini Police Cadet
- Jerome R. Brand Police Cadet
- Jo Helton Registration Nurse
- Richard Doorish Pete
- O.L. Haavik Pastor (as Dr. O.L. Haavik)
- Nicholas Prebezac Child at Beach
- Drew Eskenazi Child at Beach
- Erin Almond Child at Beach
- Pam Bagby Child at Beach
- Charles C. Andrews Motel Manager
- William R. Rhodes Police Station Dispatcher
- Melody Greer Zipper Girl
- Sons of Adam Discotheque Band
- Lou Clark Nightwatchman
- Joseph R. Denini Fire Station Dispatcher
- Susan Bartel Typist (uncredited)
The Slender Thread Plot Summary
What happens in The Slender Thread from start to finish, spoilers included, with a timeline of 12 key events. The opening is below; the full summary is a 3-minute read.
Spoilers ahead
On a quiet evening, Sidney Poitier plays the role of Alan Newell, a dedicated psychology student who volunteers at Seattle’s Crisis Clinic. As he prepares for a night shift filled with routine calls, he hurriedly leaves his university but doesn’t notice a woman driving recklessly across the Ballard Bridge in the opposite direction — a woman whose path he will cross later in a life-changing moment.
Full summary
The whole story of The Slender Thread, scene by scene
The Slender Thread Trailers & Videos
The trailer of The Slender Thread.
How Well Do You Know The Slender Thread?
10 questions about the story, each with a hint if you get stuck. Pick an answer to see whether you were right.
Question 1 of 10
- Question 1: not answered
- Question 2: not answered
- Question 3: not answered
- Question 4: not answered
- Question 5: not answered
- Question 6: not answered
- Question 7: not answered
- Question 8: not answered
- Question 9: not answered
- Question 10: not answered
Who is the main character working as a telephone attendant in the film?
Cars in The Slender Thread
24 cars on screen, including the 1965 Buick Special Deluxe and the 1959 Chevrolet Impala Convertible.
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1965 Buick Special Deluxe Main role -
1959 Chevrolet Impala Convertible Important role -
1965 Ford Custom Important role -
1965 Chevrolet Suburban Minor role
Seen The Slender Thread?
Movies Like The Slender Thread
Films with a similar story, tone or audience, including Fourteen Hours, The Reckless Moment and Phone Call from a Stranger.
The Slender Thread FAQ: Where to Watch, Cast & Runtime
Runtime, release date, director, cast, where to watch and post-credit scenes of The Slender Thread, each answered in a sentence.
How long is The Slender Thread?
The Slender Thread runs 1 hour 38 minutes (98 minutes).
When was The Slender Thread released?
The Slender Thread was released on December 8, 1965.
Who directed The Slender Thread?
The Slender Thread was directed by Sydney Pollack.
More films by Sydney Pollack Who is in the cast of The Slender Thread?
The Slender Thread stars Sidney Poitier as Alan Newell, Regina Carrol as minor role (uncredited) and Telly Savalas as Dr. Joe Coburn, among 47 credited actors.
Where can I watch The Slender Thread?
In the US, The Slender Thread is streaming on Hoopla and available to rent or buy on Amazon Video, Apple TV Store and Fandango At Home (availability from JustWatch).
Does The Slender Thread have a post-credit scene?
No. The Slender Thread has no extra scene during or after the credits.
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