Is Daybreak Worth Watching?
Answer: Yes, Daybreak is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Crime movies.
It features a runtime of 75 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to mature audiences.
Daybreak Review
Last updated: January 18, 2026
Detailed Premise & Narrative Foundations
Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 1948, Daybreak emerges as a significant entry in the Crime, Drama, Thriller domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of A mysterious barber hides a secret identity that eventually leads to tragedy. Unlike standard genre fare, Daybreak 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 Daybreak features a noteworthy lineup led by Ann Todd . Supported by the likes of Eric Portman and Bill Owen , 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 Daybreak (1948) is mixed. With an audience rating of 6.0/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
Daybreak Plot Summary & Detailed Storyline
Quick Plot Summary: Daybreak is a Crime, Drama, Thriller 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.
Daybreak Ending Explained & Final Analysis
Ending Breakdown: Daybreak concludes its story with a mix of closure and open interpretation. 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 Daybreak reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Daybreak Real vs. Reel: Is it Based on a True Story?
Daybreak incorporates elements from real criminal cases. As a crime, drama, thriller 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: Daybreak adapts its source material for dramatic purposes. The film prioritizes thematic resonance over documentary precision.
Who Should Watch Daybreak?
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Crime films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of the cast or director
- Want solid genre entertainment
Advertisement
Full Cast & Crew of Daybreak
- Ann Todd – Frances "Frankie" Tribe
- Eric Portman – Eddie Tribe
- Bill Owen – Ron
- Maxwell Reed – Olaf Tyson
- Edward Rigby – Bill Shackle
Top Highlights
Ann ToddFrances "Frankie" Tribe
Eric PortmanEddie Tribe
Bill OwenRon
Maxwell ReedOlaf Tyson
Edward RigbyBill Shackle
Eliot MakehamMr. Walter Bigley
Jane HyltonDoris
Margaret WithersMrs.Bigley
John TurnbullSuperintendent
Maurice DenhamInspector
Parents Guide & Age Rating
Daybreak is rated NR. Parents should be aware that it contains mature themes, violence.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 6/10, and global collection metrics, Daybreak stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 1948 cinematic year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Daybreak movie hit or flop?
Daybreak has received mixed reviews with a 6/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.
Is Daybreak worth watching?
Daybreak is a mixed bag. It might be worth watching if you're a fan of Crime, Drama, Thriller movies, but read reviews first.
Where can I watch Daybreak online?
Daybreak 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 Daybreak
How Daybreak Compares & Where it Ranks
Critic Reviews for Daybreak
I reckon this has to be the best outing for Ann Todd ("Frankie") that I've seen. Here she plays the girlfriend of Eric Portman ("Eddie") who is really a hangman, but who doesn't want her to know so pretends to be a salesman to explain his frequent, and often overnight, absences from their home on a barge he has inherited. It's during one of those absences that she finds herself the focus of the unwarranted attentions of the rather uncouth "Olaf" (Maxwell Reed) and... Compton Bennett has created a clever piece of cinema here; we are given much of the bones of the story but have to come to a few of our own conclusions as tragedy ensues. According to the BBFC, the film wasn't cut at the time but it doesn't look like it - there are gaps that sort of make sense, but there are quite a few that clearly don't and that disjoints the narrative and occasionally spoils what is otherwise a complex tale. Well worth a gander.
movieMx Verified
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
