Is Half Past Midnight Worth Watching?
Answer: Yes, Half Past Midnight is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Crime movies.
It features a runtime of 69 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to mature audiences.
Half Past Midnight Review
Last updated: January 18, 2026
Detailed Premise & Narrative Foundations
Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 1948, Half Past Midnight emerges as a significant entry in the Crime, Mystery domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of A detective encounters a woman in a nightclub. Unlike standard genre fare, Half Past Midnight 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 Half Past Midnight features a noteworthy lineup led by Kent Taylor . Supported by the likes of Peggy Knudsen and Joe Sawyer , 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 Half Past Midnight (1948) is mixed. With an audience rating of 6.0/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
Half Past Midnight Plot Summary & Detailed Storyline
Quick Plot Summary: Half Past Midnight is a Crime, Mystery 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.
Half Past Midnight Ending Explained & Final Analysis
Ending Breakdown: Half Past Midnight 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 Half Past Midnight reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Half Past Midnight Real vs. Reel: Is it Based on a True Story?
Half Past Midnight incorporates elements from real criminal cases. As a crime, mystery 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: Half Past Midnight adapts its source material for dramatic purposes. The film prioritizes thematic resonance over documentary precision.
Who Should Watch Half Past Midnight?
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 Half Past Midnight
- Kent Taylor – Wade Hamilton
- Peggy Knudsen – Sally Ferris, alias Sally Parker
- Joe Sawyer – Det. Lt. Joe Nash
- Walter Sande – Det. Lt. MacDonald
- Martin Kosleck – Cortez
Top Highlights
Kent TaylorWade Hamilton
Peggy KnudsenSally Ferris, alias Sally Parker
Joe SawyerDet. Lt. Joe Nash
Walter SandeDet. Lt. MacDonald
Martin KosleckCortez
Mabel PaigeHester Thornwall
Gil StrattonChick Patrick
Jean WongBlossom Gow
Jane EverettCarlotta Evans
Damian O'FlynnMurray Evans
Parents Guide & Age Rating
Half Past Midnight 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, Half Past Midnight stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 1948 cinematic year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Half Past Midnight movie hit or flop?
Half Past Midnight has received mixed reviews with a 6/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.
Is Half Past Midnight worth watching?
Half Past Midnight is a mixed bag. It might be worth watching if you're a fan of Crime, Mystery movies, but read reviews first.
Where can I watch Half Past Midnight online?
Half Past Midnight 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 Half Past Midnight
How Half Past Midnight Compares & Where it Ranks
Critic Reviews for Half Past Midnight
No reviews found for this filter.
movieMx Verified
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
