Is Leadbelly Worth Watching?
Answer: Yes, Leadbelly is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Drama movies.
It features a runtime of 126 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to general audiences.
Leadbelly Review
Last updated: January 18, 2026
Detailed Premise & Narrative Foundations
Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 1976, Leadbelly emerges as a significant entry in the Drama domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of The life of Blues and folk singer Huddie Leadbetter, nicknamed Leadbelly is recounted. Unlike standard genre fare, Leadbelly attempts to deconstruct traditional tropes, offering a conventional take on its central themes.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Drama is often anchored by its ensemble, and Leadbelly features a noteworthy lineup led by Roger E. Mosley . Supported by the likes of James Brodhead and John McDonald , 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 Leadbelly (1976) is mixed. With an audience rating of 6.1/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
Leadbelly Plot Summary & Detailed Storyline
Quick Plot Summary: Leadbelly is a Drama film that explores complex human emotions and relationships through nuanced character development. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.
Leadbelly Ending Explained & Final Analysis
Ending Breakdown: Leadbelly concludes its story with a mix of closure and open interpretation. The finale presents its approach to drama resolution.
The emotional climax centers on character transformation, 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 drama themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of Leadbelly reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch Leadbelly?
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Drama films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of the cast or director
- Want a character-driven story with emotional moments
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Full Cast & Crew of Leadbelly
- Roger E. Mosley – Huddie Ledbetter
- James Brodhead – John Lomax
- John McDonald – Tom Pruitt
- Leonard Wrentz – Guard
- Ernie Hudson – Archie
Top Highlights
Roger E. MosleyHuddie Ledbetter
James BrodheadJohn Lomax
John McDonaldTom Pruitt
Leonard WrentzGuard
Ernie HudsonArchie
Dana MannoMargaret Judd
William WintersoleSheriff Gibbons
Paul BenjaminWes Ledbetter
Lynn HamiltonSally Ledbetter
Carole LamondLaura May
Where to Watch Leadbelly Online?
Streaming Hub🎟️ Rent on
Amazon Video
Apple TV
Google Play Movies
YouTube
Fandango At Home🏷️ Buy on
Amazon VideoApple TVGoogle Play MoviesYouTubeFandango At HomeParents Guide & Age Rating
Leadbelly is rated PG. It is generally suitable for all ages.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 6.1/10, and global collection metrics, Leadbelly stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 1976 cinematic year.
Official Trailer
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Leadbelly movie hit or flop?
Leadbelly has received mixed reviews with a 6.1/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.
Is Leadbelly worth watching?
Leadbelly is a mixed bag. It might be worth watching if you're a fan of Drama movies, but read reviews first.
Where can I watch Leadbelly online?
Leadbelly 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.
