Anton Karas - Third Man Theme (1950) The 'Third Man Theme,' played on the zither by Anton Karas, is a standout film score from the 1950s. Composed for the film noir 'The Third Man' directed by Carol Reed and starring Orson Welles, it features a haunting yet catchy melody that perfectly encapsulates the film's mysterious, post-war Vienna setting. Karas, a then-unknown Viennese zither player, was discovered by Reed in a local wine tavern. Reed was captivated by the zither's unique sound and chose