Is Crack-Up Worth Watching?
Answer: Maybe not, Crack-Up is likely a skip if you enjoy Thriller movies.
It features a runtime of 96 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to general audiences.
Crack-Up Review
Last updated: January 18, 2026
Detailed Premise & Narrative Foundations
Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 1946, Crack-Up emerges as a significant entry in the Thriller, Mystery domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of Art curator George Steele experiences a train wreck. Unlike standard genre fare, Crack-Up attempts to deconstruct traditional tropes, offering a conventional take on its central themes.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Thriller is often anchored by its ensemble, and Crack-Up features a noteworthy lineup led by Pat O'Brien . Supported by the likes of Claire Trevor and Herbert Marshall , 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 Crack-Up (1946) is mixed. With an audience rating of 5.6/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
Crack-Up Plot Summary & Detailed Storyline
Quick Plot Summary: Crack-Up is a Thriller, Mystery film that builds tension through unpredictable twists and keeps audiences guessing until the final reveal. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.
Crack-Up Ending Explained & Final Analysis
Ending Breakdown: Crack-Up attempts to tie together its various plot elements. The finale presents its approach to thriller 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 thriller themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of Crack-Up reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch Crack-Up?
Consider Watching If:
- You're a completist for Thriller films
- You're curious despite mixed reviews
- You have low expectations and want casual entertainment
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Full Cast & Crew of Crack-Up
- Pat O'Brien – George Steele
- Claire Trevor – Terry Cordell
- Herbert Marshall – Traybin
- Ray Collins – Dr. Lowell
- Wallace Ford – Lt. Cochrane
Top Highlights
Pat O'BrienGeorge Steele
Claire TrevorTerry Cordell
Herbert MarshallTraybin
Ray CollinsDr. Lowell
Wallace FordLt. Cochrane
Dean HarensReynolds
Damian O'FlynnMuseum Curator Stevenson
Erskine SanfordMuseum Director Barton
Mary WareMary
Alex AkimoffMan (Uncredited)
Where to Watch Crack-Up Online?
Streaming Hub📺 Stream on
YouTube TVParents Guide & Age Rating
Crack-Up is rated NR. Parents should be aware that it contains mature themes, violence.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 5.6/10, and global collection metrics, Crack-Up stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 1946 cinematic year.
Official Trailer
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Crack-Up movie hit or flop?
Crack-Up has received mixed reviews with a 5.6/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.
Is Crack-Up worth watching?
Crack-Up is a mixed bag. It might be worth watching if you're a fan of Thriller, Mystery movies, but read reviews first.
Where can I watch Crack-Up online?
Crack-Up is currently available for streaming on YouTube TV. You can also check for it on platforms like YouTube TV depending on your region.
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Critic Reviews for Crack-Up
If only Irving Reis had cast his net a bit wider when casting his leading man, here - then we could have ended up with a quality, sophisticated crime drama. Sadly, he didn't and we are stuck with a really quite dreary performance from Pat O'Brien as "George", an art critic who finds himself caught up in a train crash (or was it!?) and a well planned, psychologically driven, plot involving art fraud after he had suggested that modern day X-ray techniques be used to verify the authenticity of old masters on loan to a museum - including a Gainsborough and a Dürer. Luckily for him, Claire Trevor "Terry" and Herbert Marshall ("Traybin") are on hand to get to the bottom of it. At times it's quite gripping, and the intricacies of the plot - and of the manipulation it suggests, are clever and quite original but it's far too long, and the sagging in the middle is almost hammock-like. Still, the use of sound is effective and the film is certainly worth catching up with with some tea and a bit of carrot cake.
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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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