Is Backlash Worth Watching?
Answer: Maybe not, Backlash is likely a skip if you enjoy Crime movies.
It features a runtime of 66 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to mature audiences.
Backlash Review
Last updated: January 18, 2026
Detailed Premise & Narrative Foundations
Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 1947, Backlash emerges as a significant entry in the Crime, Mystery domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of In a series of flashbacks, shows that attorney John Morland has given a lift to a hitchhiker who turns out to be a murderer. Unlike standard genre fare, Backlash 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 Backlash features a noteworthy lineup led by Jean Rogers . Supported by the likes of Richard Travis and Larry J. Blake , 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 Backlash (1947) is negative. With an audience rating of 4.7/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
Backlash Plot Summary & Detailed Storyline
Quick Plot Summary: Backlash is a Crime, Mystery 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.
Backlash Ending Explained & Final Analysis
Ending Breakdown: Backlash attempts to tie together its various plot elements. The finale presents 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 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 Backlash reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Backlash Real vs. Reel: Is it Based on a True Story?
Backlash incorporates elements from real criminal cases. As a crime, mystery 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: Backlash adapts its source material for dramatic purposes. The film prioritizes thematic resonance over documentary precision.
Who Should Watch Backlash?
Consider Watching If:
- You're a completist for Crime films
- You're curious despite mixed reviews
- You have low expectations and want casual entertainment
Advertisement
Full Cast & Crew of Backlash
- Jean Rogers – Catherine Morland
- Richard Travis – Richard Conroy
- Larry J. Blake – Detective Lieutenant Jerry McMullen
- John Eldredge – John Morland
- Leonard Strong – Willis, Caretaker
Top Highlights
Jean RogersCatherine Morland
Richard TravisRichard Conroy
Larry J. BlakeDetective Lieutenant Jerry McMullen
John EldredgeJohn Morland
Leonard StrongWillis, Caretaker
Robert ShayneJames O'Neil
Louise CurrieMarian Gordon
Douglas FowleyRed Bailey
Sara BernerDorothy, Maid
Richard BenedictDetective Sergeant Tom Carey
Parents Guide & Age Rating
Backlash is rated NR. Parents should be aware that it contains mature themes, violence.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 4.7/10, and global collection metrics, Backlash stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 1947 cinematic year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Backlash movie hit or flop?
Backlash is considered a flop based on audience ratings of 4.7/10 and lower collections.
Is Backlash worth watching?
Based on the low rating of 4.7/10, Backlash may not be worth watching unless you are a die-hard fan.
Where can I watch Backlash online?
Backlash 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.
Best Movies to Watch if you liked Backlash
How Backlash Compares & Where it Ranks
Critic Reviews for Backlash
Yikes, but there's a load of dialogue in this film-noir. It's almost exhausting to listen to after a period of relentless chatting and precious little actual action. "Moreland" (John Eldrdge) features much more prominently in this detective yarn about his own murderer than you might expect. That's because it's told via a series of flashbacks as the pursuing police detective "McMullen" (Larry J. Blake) interviews all the suspects and tries to piece together the evidence from his widow "Catherine" (Jean Rogers), the DA "Conroy" (Richard Travis) and just about everyone else from within a ten mile radius of the crime. Thing is - there is a twist, and one hell of twist at that, and that leaves "McMullen" and his theories all well and truly up in the air. We are given enough clues to anticipate the denouement, but Eugene Forde still manages to keep us guessing for some of this - it's just that there's way too much verbiage and the retrospective style of storytelling is a bit repetitive after a while. None of the acting, or the writing, really sets the heather on fire and at times it felt like quite a long hour-long watch. Watchable, but forgettable.
movieMx Verified
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
