 The tune was originally released in the UK in 1949, where it was known as "The Harry Lime Theme".Following its release in the US in 1950 (see 1950 in music), "The Third Man Theme" spent 11 weeks at number one on "Billboard"'s US Best Sellers in Stores chart, from April 29 to July 8.Its success led to a trend in releasing film theme music as singles.