An Inspector Calls
Performance & Direction: An Inspector Calls Review
Last updated: January 26, 2026
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is An Inspector Calls (1954) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a HIT with a verified audience rating of 7.2/10. 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 Inspector Calls features a noteworthy lineup led by Alastair Sim . Supported by the likes of Olga Lindo and Arthur Young , 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 Inspector Calls (1954) is generally positive. With an audience rating of 7.2/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
Story & Plot Summary: An Inspector Calls
Quick Plot Summary: An Inspector Calls is a Crime, Drama, Mystery 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 Inspector Calls
Ending Breakdown: An Inspector Calls resolves its central conflict while maintaining thematic consistency. The finale has been praised for its approach to crime resolution.
The final reveal recontextualizes earlier scenes, offering viewers material for post-viewing discussion.
Ending Analysis:
- Narrative Resolution: The story concludes with clear resolution of its central conflicts, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
- Character Arcs: Main characters complete meaningful transformations, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
- Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the crime themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of An Inspector Calls reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
An Inspector Calls Real vs. Reel: Is it Based on a True Story?
An Inspector Calls incorporates elements from real criminal cases. As a crime, drama, mystery film, it navigates the space between factual accuracy and narrative engagement.
Historical Context
The film balances historical fidelity with cinematic storytelling. Core events maintain connection to source material while adapting for theatrical presentation.
The production demonstrates respect for its source material, focusing on emotional truth over strict chronology.
Accuracy Assessment: An Inspector Calls adapts its source material for dramatic purposes. The film prioritizes thematic resonance over documentary precision.
Who Should Watch An Inspector Calls?
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
Top Cast: An Inspector Calls
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Where to Watch An Inspector Calls Online?
Streaming HubAn Inspector Calls Parents Guide & Age Rating
1954 AdvisoryWondering about An Inspector Calls age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of An Inspector Calls is 80 minutes (1h 20m). Ensuring you have enough time for the full cinematic experience.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 7.2/10, and global performance metrics, An Inspector Calls is classified as a HIT. It remains an essential part of the 1954 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is An Inspector Calls worth watching?
An Inspector Calls is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Crime movies. It has a verified rating of 7.2/10 and stands as a HIT in our box office analysis.
Where can I find An Inspector Calls parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for An Inspector Calls identifies it as Not Rated. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the total runtime of An Inspector Calls?
The total duration of An Inspector Calls is 80 minutes, which is approximately 1h 20m long.
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Critic Reviews for An Inspector Calls
Alastair Sim is super as the man who calls upon the well-to-do "Birling" family with the very sad news that a young girl has been found dead. What's that to do with them, asks "Mr. Birling" (Arthur Young)? Well over the next eighty minutes this man lays before them a cleverly constructed series of theories that could easily suggest that any or all of them might be responsible for the sad and lonely predicament the young woman found herself in at the end of her life. Spurned affections and accusations of neglect, cruelty - psychologically rather than physical, and thoughtlessness could readily be laid at their door as "Poole" exposes a family riven with double standards and hypocrisy. His simple and polite inquisition gradually reveals secrets that the family would far sooner have remained so - but, are they the only people with secrets? Is "Poole" really who he claims to be? Guy Hamilton cleverly allows the darkly mischievous writing of JB Priestley and the considerable talents of his leading man to take centre screen here, and to draw us into this spider's web of a story. The format sticks pretty closely to that of the original stage performance - almost all set in just the one room of their home, and each of the small cast get their moment to squirm under his spotlight of interrogation. It's well paced and shows off Sim at his best.
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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.
