A Failure at Fifty

  • 1940
  • Not Rated
  • 10m
movieMx RATING
4.5/102
VERDICT
AVERAGE
Advertisement

Performance & Direction: A Failure at Fifty Review

Last updated: January 30, 2026

movieMx Editorial Team
REVIEWED BY

movieMx Editorial Team

🔍 Cinematic Analysis Expert

Leading cinematic analysis expert with over 10 years of experience in Bollywood and Hollywood box office tracking. Reviewed 500+ films with a focus on narrative structure and commercial profitability.

📅 Updated: January 30, 2026 🎟️ Verified Viewing

🎬 Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?

Is A Failure at Fifty (1940) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a AVERAGE with a verified audience rating of 4.5/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Drama.

🎭 Cast Performances: A Masterclass

The success of any Drama is often anchored by its ensemble, and A Failure at Fifty features a noteworthy lineup led by Edmund Glover . Supported by the likes of Mary Anderson and Truman Bradley , the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.

Performance Analysis: While the cast delivers competent and professional performances, they are occasionally hampered by a script that leans into familiar archetypes.

💡 Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?

In summary, our editorial assessment of A Failure at Fifty (1940) is negative. With an audience rating of 4.5/10, it stands as a decent one-time watch.
Result: AVERAGE
Based on verified audience sentiment and box office trajectory, A Failure at Fifty stands as a AVERAGE.

Story & Plot Summary: A Failure at Fifty

Quick Plot Summary: A Failure at Fifty is a Drama, History film that explores complex human emotions and relationships through detailed character development. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.

Ending Explained: A Failure at Fifty

Ending Breakdown: A Failure at Fifty attempts to tie together its various plot elements. The finale presents its approach to drama resolution.

The emotional climax centers on character transformation, offering viewers material for post-viewing discussion.

Ending Analysis:

  • Narrative Resolution: The story concludes by addressing its primary narrative threads, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
  • Character Arcs: Character journeys reach their narrative endpoints, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
  • Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the drama themes established throughout the runtime.

The final moments of A Failure at Fifty reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.

A Failure at Fifty Real vs. Reel: Is it Based on a True Story?

A Failure at Fifty draws heavily from documented historical records. As a drama, history film, it navigates the space between factual accuracy and narrative engagement.

Historical Context

The film takes creative liberties to enhance dramatic impact. Core events maintain connection to source material while adapting for theatrical presentation.

Creative interpretation shapes the final narrative, with attention to period detail and historical context.

Accuracy Assessment: A Failure at Fifty adapts its source material for dramatic purposes. The film prioritizes thematic resonance over documentary precision.

Who Should Watch A Failure at Fifty?

Consider Watching If:

  • You're a completist for Drama films
  • You're curious despite mixed reviews
  • You have low expectations and want casual entertainment
Advertisement

Top Cast: A Failure at Fifty

All Cast & Crew →
Edmund Glover
Edmund GloverAbe Lincoln
Mary Anderson
Mary AndersonAnn Rutledge
Truman Bradley
Truman BradleyLincoln's Friend
Carey Wilson
Carey WilsonNarrator (voice)
Margaret Bert
Margaret BertAnn's Rutledge's Mother (uncredited)
George Chesebro
George ChesebroCreditor (uncredited)
Naomi Childers
Naomi ChildersPartner (uncredited)
Jules Cowles
Jules CowlesMember of the Senate (uncredited)
Edward Coxen
Edward CoxenFarmer (uncredited)
Olin Francis
Olin FrancisTrader (uncredited)
Edward Hearn
Edward HearnPartner (uncredited)
Claire McDowell
Claire McDowellMinor Role (uncredited)
Advertisement

A Failure at Fifty Parents Guide & Age Rating

1940 Advisory
Not Rated

Official Age Rating

Wondering about A Failure at Fifty age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:

A Failure at Fifty has not been officially rated yet.

⏱️ Runtime & Duration

The total runtime of A Failure at Fifty is 10 minutes (10m). Ensuring you have enough time for the full cinematic experience.

Verdict Summary

Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 4.5/10, and global performance metrics, A Failure at Fifty is classified as a AVERAGE. It remains an essential part of the 1940 cinematic calendar.

AVERAGE
Official movieMx status for A Failure at Fifty. Rating: 4.5/10

Frequently Asked Questions

Is A Failure at Fifty worth watching?

A Failure at Fifty is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Drama movies. It has a verified rating of 4.5/10 and stands as a AVERAGE in our box office analysis.

Where can I find A Failure at Fifty parents guide and age rating?

The official parents guide for A Failure at Fifty identifies it as Not Rated. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.

What is the total runtime of A Failure at Fifty?

The total duration of A Failure at Fifty is 10 minutes, which is approximately 0h 10m long.

Best Movies to Watch if you liked A Failure at Fifty

How A Failure at Fifty Compares & Where it Ranks

Critic Reviews for A Failure at Fifty

No reviews found for this filter.

🛡️

movieMx Verified

This review has been verified for accuracy and editorial quality by our senior cinematic analysts.

This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.

Advertisement
Expert Consensus
Live Rating
MOVIEMX
★ 4.5
A Failure at Fifty
<a href="https://moviemx.in/review/a-failure-at-fifty-352314" target="_blank" style="text-decoration:none;"><div style="background:#121212;border:1px solid #f5c518;border-radius:12px;padding:15px;width:180px;text-align:center;font-family:sans-serif;box-shadow:0 10px 20px rgba(0,0,0,0.3);"><div style="color:#f5c518;font-size:10px;font-weight:900;letter-spacing:2px;">MOVIEMX</div><div style="color:white;font-size:28px;font-weight:900;margin:8px 0;">★ 4.5</div><div style="color:#888;font-size:12px;font-weight:500;">A Failure at Fifty</div></div></a>

Share this rating on your blog or website. Includes a 100% organic backlink.

More with Edmund Glover

View full filmography