An American Tragedy

  • 1931
  • NR
  • 96m
movieMx RATING
6.1/1017
VERDICT
ABOVE AVERAGE
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Performance & Direction: An American Tragedy Review

Last updated: January 29, 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 29, 2026 🎟️ Verified Viewing

🎬 Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?

Is An American Tragedy (1931) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE with a verified audience rating of 6.1/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Crime.

🎭 Cast Performances: A Masterclass

The success of any Crime is often anchored by its ensemble, and An American Tragedy features a noteworthy lineup led by Phillips Holmes . Supported by the likes of Sylvia Sidney and Frances Dee , 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 An American Tragedy (1931) is mixed. With an audience rating of 6.1/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
Result: ABOVE AVERAGE
Based on verified audience sentiment and box office trajectory, An American Tragedy stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE.

Story & Plot Summary: An American Tragedy

Quick Plot Summary: An American Tragedy is a Crime, Drama, Romance film that dives into the criminal underworld with a grounded sense of realism and complex morality. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.

Ending Explained: An American Tragedy

Ending Breakdown: An American Tragedy 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 An American Tragedy reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.

An American Tragedy Real vs. Reel: Is it Based on a True Story?

An American Tragedy incorporates elements from real criminal cases. As a crime, drama, romance 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: An American Tragedy adapts its source material for dramatic purposes. The film prioritizes thematic resonance over documentary precision.

Who Should Watch An American Tragedy?

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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Top Cast: An American Tragedy

All Cast & Crew →
Phillips Holmes
Phillips HolmesClyde Griffiths
Sylvia Sidney
Sylvia SidneyRoberta 'Bert' Alden
Frances Dee
Frances DeeSondra Finchley
Irving Pichel
Irving PichelDistrict Attorney Orville Mason
Frederick Burton
Frederick BurtonSamuel Griffiths
Claire McDowell
Claire McDowellMrs. Samuel Griffiths
Wallace Middleton
Wallace MiddletonGilbert Griffiths
Charles Middleton
Charles MiddletonAttorney Reuben Jephson
Lucille La Verne
Lucille La VerneMrs. Asa Griffiths
Al Hart
Al HartTitus Alden
Fanny Midgley
Fanny MidgleyMrs. Titus Alden
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Where to Watch An American Tragedy Online?

Streaming Hub

🎟️ Rent on

Amazon VideoAmazon Video

🏷️ Buy on

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An American Tragedy Parents Guide & Age Rating

1931 Advisory
NR

Official Age Rating

Wondering about An American Tragedy age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:

An American Tragedy is rated NR. Parents should be aware that it contains mature themes, violence, romantic content.

⏱️ Runtime & Duration

The total runtime of An American Tragedy is 96 minutes (1h 36m). Ensuring you have enough time for the full cinematic experience.

Verdict Summary

Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 6.1/10, and global performance metrics, An American Tragedy is classified as a ABOVE AVERAGE. It remains an essential part of the 1931 cinematic calendar.

ABOVE AVERAGE
Official movieMx status for An American Tragedy. Rating: 6.1/10

Frequently Asked Questions

Is An American Tragedy worth watching?

An American Tragedy is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Crime movies. It has a verified rating of 6.1/10 and stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE in our box office analysis.

Where can I find An American Tragedy parents guide and age rating?

The official parents guide for An American Tragedy identifies it as NR. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.

What is the total runtime of An American Tragedy?

The total duration of An American Tragedy is 96 minutes, which is approximately 1h 36m long.

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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.

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Expert Consensus
Live Rating
MOVIEMX
★ 6.1
An American Tragedy
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