Is Cannon Worth Watching?
Answer: Maybe not, Cannon is likely a skip if you enjoy Crime movies.
It features a runtime of 98 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to mature audiences.
Cannon Review
Last updated: January 18, 2026
Detailed Premise & Narrative Foundations
Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 1971, Cannon emerges as a significant entry in the Crime, Drama, Mystery, TV Movie domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of In this pilot film to the TV series, Cannon investigates the murder of a war buddy to clear the man's wife of suspicion in his death. Unlike standard genre fare, Cannon 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 Cannon features a noteworthy lineup led by William Conrad . Supported by the likes of J.D. Cannon and Lynda Day George , 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 Cannon (1971) is negative. With an audience rating of 4.5/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
Cannon Plot Summary & Detailed Storyline
Quick Plot Summary: Cannon is a Crime, Drama, Mystery, TV Movie 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.
Cannon Ending Explained & Final Analysis
Ending Breakdown: Cannon 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 Cannon reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Cannon Real vs. Reel: Is it Based on a True Story?
Cannon incorporates elements from real criminal cases. As a crime, drama, mystery, tv movie 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: Cannon adapts its source material for dramatic purposes. The film prioritizes thematic resonance over documentary precision.
Who Should Watch Cannon?
Consider Watching If:
- You're a completist for Crime films
- You're curious despite mixed reviews
- You have low expectations and want casual entertainment
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Full Cast & Crew of Cannon
- William Conrad – Frank Cannon
- J.D. Cannon – Lt. Kelly Redfield
- Lynda Day George – Christie Redfield
- Murray Hamilton – Virgil Holley
- Earl Holliman – Magruder
Top Highlights
William ConradFrank Cannon
J.D. CannonLt. Kelly Redfield
Lynda Day GeorgeChristie Redfield
Murray HamiltonVirgil Holley
Earl HollimanMagruder
Vera MilesDiana Langston
Barry SullivanCalhoun
Keenan WynnEddie
Lynne MartaTrudy Hewett
Norman AldenMitchell
Parents Guide & Age Rating
Cannon has not been officially rated yet. Based on its genres (Crime, Drama, Mystery, TV Movie), it contains mature themes, violence.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 4.5/10, and global collection metrics, Cannon stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 1971 cinematic year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Cannon movie hit or flop?
Cannon is considered a flop based on audience ratings of 4.5/10 and lower collections.
Is Cannon worth watching?
Based on the low rating of 4.5/10, Cannon may not be worth watching unless you are a die-hard fan.
Where can I watch Cannon online?
Cannon 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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movieMx Verified
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
