Is Black Magic Worth Watching?
Answer: Yes, Black Magic is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Mystery movies.
It features a runtime of 67 minutes and offers a solid storyline that appeals to mature audiences.
Black Magic Review
Last updated: January 18, 2026
Detailed Premise & Narrative Foundations
Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 1944, Black Magic emerges as a significant entry in the Mystery, Comedy, Horror domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of Chinese detective Charlie Chan solves a murder linked to the occult. Unlike standard genre fare, Black Magic attempts to deconstruct traditional tropes, offering a conventional take on its central themes.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Mystery is often anchored by its ensemble, and Black Magic features a noteworthy lineup led by Sidney Toler . Supported by the likes of Frances Chan and Mantan Moreland , 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 Black Magic (1944) is overwhelmingly positive. With an audience rating of 7.0/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
Black Magic Plot Summary & Detailed Storyline
Quick Plot Summary: Black Magic is a Mystery, Comedy, Horror film that presents a compelling narrative that engages viewers from start to finish. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.
Black Magic Ending Explained & Final Analysis
Ending Breakdown: Black Magic resolves its central conflict while maintaining thematic consistency. The finale has been praised for its approach to mystery 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 mystery themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of Black Magic reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch Black Magic?
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Mystery films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of the cast or director
- Want solid genre entertainment
Black Magic Box Office Collection
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $75.0K |
| Trade Verdict | CLEAN HIT |
Black Magic Budget
The estimated production budget for Black Magic is $75.0K. This figure covers principal photography, talent acquisitions, and visual effects. When accounting for global marketing and distribution, the break-even point is typically 2x the base production cost.
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Full Cast & Crew of Black Magic
- Sidney Toler – Charlie Chan
- Frances Chan – Frances Chan
- Mantan Moreland – Birmingham Brown
- Joseph Crehan – Police Sgt. Matthews
- Ralph Peters – Officer Rafferty
Top Highlights
Sidney TolerCharlie Chan
Frances ChanFrances Chan
Mantan MorelandBirmingham Brown
Joseph CrehanPolice Sgt. Matthews
Ralph PetersOfficer Rafferty
Jacqueline deWitJustine Bonner
Helen BeverlyNorma Duncan aka Nancy Wood
Harry DeppCharles Edwards
Frank JaquetPaul Hamlin
Geraldine WallHarriet Green
Where to Watch Black Magic Online?
Streaming HubParents Guide & Age Rating
Black Magic is rated NR. Parents should be aware that it contains frightening scenes, intense suspense.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 7/10, and global collection metrics, Black Magic stands as a successful venture for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 1944 cinematic year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Black Magic movie hit or flop?
Black Magic is considered a hit based on audience response and box office performance. With a rating of 7/10, it's highly recommended for fans of Mystery, Comedy, Horror movies.
Is Black Magic worth watching?
Yes, Black Magic is definitely worth watching! It's a must-watch hit for fans of Mystery, Comedy, Horror cinema.
Where can I watch Black Magic online?
Black Magic 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 Black Magic
Now then, this one really struggles to get going. This time it's daughter "Frances" (Frances Chan) who helps "Pop" investigate some odd activity at the home of the new employers of "Birmingham Brown" (Mantan Moreland), who has been released by "Charlie" - who just wants to get back to Honolulu. When hypnotism causes one woman to take a step too far; the race is on to thwart the mysterious, evil, perpetrator before anyone else comes a cropper. Moreland tries too hard, his daftness is too contrived and strained, and though he could be annoying from time to time, it misses "Jimmy" too. The psychic/occult theme has provided well for these films, but maybe this one tries to squeeze just a little too much from an already well exhausted fruit (might that be a "Charlie-ism"?) and i found it quite a long watch. It has it's moments of suspense, though, it's not terrible - it's just lacking certain important ingredients.
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This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
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