Is Alibi Worth Watching?
Answer: Yes, Alibi is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Crime movies.
It features a runtime of 91 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to mature audiences.
Alibi Review
Last updated: January 18, 2026
Detailed Premise & Narrative Foundations
Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 1929, Alibi emerges as a significant entry in the Crime, Drama domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of Chick Williams, a prohibition gangster, rejoins his mob soon after being released from prison. Unlike standard genre fare, Alibi attempts to deconstruct traditional tropes, offering a conventional take on its central themes.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Crime is often anchored by its ensemble, and Alibi features a noteworthy lineup led by Chester Morris . Supported by the likes of Eleanor Griffith and Purnell Pratt , 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 Alibi (1929) is mixed. With an audience rating of 6.0/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
Alibi Plot Summary & Detailed Storyline
Quick Plot Summary: Alibi is a Crime, Drama film that delves into the criminal underworld with gritty realism and moral complexity. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.
Alibi Ending Explained & Final Analysis
Ending Breakdown: Alibi concludes its story with a mix of closure and open interpretation. The finale presents its approach to crime 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 crime themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of Alibi reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Alibi Real vs. Reel: Is it Based on a True Story?
Alibi incorporates elements from real criminal cases. As a crime, drama 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, focusing on emotional truth over strict chronology.
Accuracy Assessment: Alibi adapts its source material for dramatic purposes. The film prioritizes thematic resonance over documentary precision.
Who Should Watch Alibi?
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Crime films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of the cast or director
- Want solid genre entertainment
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Full Cast & Crew of Alibi
- Chester Morris – Chick Williams
- Eleanor Griffith – Joan Manning Williams
- Purnell Pratt – Sgt. Pete Manning
- Pat O'Malley – Detective Sgt. Tommy Glennon
- Regis Toomey – Danny McGann
Top Highlights
Chester MorrisChick Williams
Eleanor GriffithJoan Manning Williams
Purnell PrattSgt. Pete Manning
Pat O'MalleyDetective Sgt. Tommy Glennon
Regis ToomeyDanny McGann
Harry StubbsBuck Bachman
Mae BuschDaisy Thomas
Irma HarrisonToots
Elmer BallardSoft Malone - Cab Driver
Al HillBrown - a Crook
Where to Watch Alibi Online?
Streaming HubParents Guide & Age Rating
Alibi is rated NR. Parents should be aware that it contains mature themes, violence.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 6/10, and global collection metrics, Alibi stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 1929 cinematic year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Alibi movie hit or flop?
Alibi has received mixed reviews with a 6/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.
Is Alibi worth watching?
Alibi is a mixed bag. It might be worth watching if you're a fan of Crime, Drama movies, but read reviews first.
Where can I watch Alibi online?
Alibi may be available for rent or purchase on digital platforms like Apple TV, Google Play, or Amazon Prime Video. Specific streaming availability can vary by country.
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Critic Reviews for Alibi
Regis Toomey ("McGann") steals this otherwise rather humdrum gangster flick - and that's largely because he is drunk for most of it. Otherwise, "Chick Williams" - the not very menacing moniker attributed to Chester Morris is released from jail and picks up where he left off - with his prohibitionist mob. When a cop is shot dead during a robbery, he falls under suspicion - but he has an alibi in the form of "Joan" (Eleanor Griffith) and some theatre tickets! What let's this down rather, is that we know who did what to whom, we know the identity of the fifth columnist the police install in his gang, and thus almost all of the jeopardy is compromised right from the start. The presentation and most of the acting is very static and stage-bound, somewhat woodenly theatrical in it's style. It might have been better had it been made a few years earlier as a silent film as the dialogue adds very little to this average crime caper.
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This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
