Is Condemned! Worth Watching?
Answer: Yes, Condemned! is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Action movies.
It features a runtime of 86 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to general audiences.
Condemned! Review
Last updated: January 18, 2026
Detailed Premise & Narrative Foundations
Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 1929, Condemned! emerges as a significant entry in the Action, Drama, Thriller domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of Suave thief Colman is sent to Devil's Island, where he becomes romantically involved with the wife of sadistic warden Digges. Unlike standard genre fare, Condemned! attempts to deconstruct traditional tropes, offering a conventional take on its central themes.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Action is often anchored by its ensemble, and Condemned! features a noteworthy lineup led by Ronald Colman . Supported by the likes of Ann Harding and Louis Wolheim , 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 Condemned! (1929) is mixed. With an audience rating of 6.4/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
Condemned! Plot Summary & Detailed Storyline
Quick Plot Summary: Condemned! is a Action, Drama, Thriller film that delivers high-octane sequences and adrenaline-pumping confrontations that keep viewers on the edge of their seats. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.
Condemned! Ending Explained & Final Analysis
Ending Breakdown: Condemned! concludes its story with a mix of closure and open interpretation. The finale presents its approach to action 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 action themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of Condemned! reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch Condemned!?
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Action films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of the cast or director
- Want an adrenaline rush without demanding perfection
Condemned! Box Office Collection
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $600.0K |
| Trade Verdict | FINANCIAL DISAPPOINTMENT |
Condemned! Budget
The estimated production budget for Condemned! is $600.0K. 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 Condemned!
- Ronald Colman – Michel
- Ann Harding – Madame Vidal
- Louis Wolheim – Jacques Duval
- Dudley Digges – Jean Vidal
- William Elmer – Pierre
Top Highlights
Ronald ColmanMichel
Ann HardingMadame Vidal
Louis WolheimJacques Duval
Dudley DiggesJean Vidal
William ElmerPierre
Wilhelm von BrinckenVidal's Orderly
Albert KingsleyFelix
Constantine RomanoffBrute Convict
Harry GinsbergInmate
Bud SommersInmate
Where to Watch Condemned! Online?
Streaming HubParents Guide & Age Rating
Condemned! has not been officially rated yet. Based on its genres (Action, Drama, Thriller), it contains violence, action sequences, mature themes.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 6.4/10, and global collection metrics, Condemned! stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 1929 cinematic year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Condemned! movie hit or flop?
Condemned! has received mixed reviews with a 6.4/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.
Is Condemned! worth watching?
Condemned! is a mixed bag. It might be worth watching if you're a fan of Action, Drama, Thriller movies, but read reviews first.
Where can I watch Condemned! online?
Condemned! 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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How Condemned! Compares & Where it Ranks
Critic Reviews for Condemned!
Ronald Colman is "Michel", a debonair thief who ends up in prison on Devil's Island. Sandwiched between the shark-infested waters on one side and the bug-infested forest on then other, he is condemned to live out his days under the brutal custodianship of "Digges" (Jean Vidal), the prison warden. When he befriends Ann Harding, the put-upon wife of his nemesis, they begin to work on a daring plan to escape from their living hell. Though he was Oscar nominated for this, Colman doesn't yet have the glint in his eye that gave him star quality and so this is a bit of an unremarkable melodrama with cages and flies - but the quality of the production has held up well over it's 90 years and Wesley Ruggles keeps it all moving along nicely, if a little too predictably. If you do get an opportunity, give it a go.
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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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