Is Madeleine Worth Watching?
Answer: Yes, Madeleine is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Drama movies.
It features a runtime of 115 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to mature audiences.
Madeleine Review
Last updated: January 18, 2026
Detailed Premise & Narrative Foundations
Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 1950, Madeleine emerges as a significant entry in the Drama, Crime, Mystery domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of Madeleine's middle-class family cannot understand why she puts off marrying a respectable young man, as they know nothing about her long-term affair with a Frenchman. Unlike standard genre fare, Madeleine 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 Madeleine features a noteworthy lineup led by Ann Todd . Supported by the likes of Norman Wooland and Ivan Desny , 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 Madeleine (1950) is mixed. With an audience rating of 6.7/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
Madeleine Plot Summary & Detailed Storyline
Quick Plot Summary: Madeleine is a Drama, Crime, Mystery 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.
Madeleine Ending Explained & Final Analysis
Ending Breakdown: Madeleine concludes its story with a mix of closure and open interpretation. The finale presents its approach to drama 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 drama themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of Madeleine reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Madeleine Real vs. Reel: Is it Based on a True Story?
Madeleine incorporates elements from real criminal cases. As a drama, 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: Madeleine adapts its source material for dramatic purposes. The film prioritizes thematic resonance over documentary precision.
Who Should Watch Madeleine?
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 Madeleine
- Ann Todd – Madeleine Hamilton Smith
- Norman Wooland – William Minnoch
- Ivan Desny – Emile L'Angelier
- Leslie Banks – James Smith
- Elizabeth Sellars – Christina Haggott
Top Highlights
Ann ToddMadeleine Hamilton Smith
Norman WoolandWilliam Minnoch
Ivan DesnyEmile L'Angelier
Leslie BanksJames Smith
Elizabeth SellarsChristina Haggott
André MorellDefense Attorney
Barbara EverestMrs. Smith
Susan StranksJanet Smith
Patricia RaineBessie Smith
Eugene DeckersThuau
Where to Watch Madeleine Online?
Streaming Hub📺 Stream on
Criterion Channel🎟️ Rent on
Amazon Video🏷️ Buy on
Amazon VideoParents Guide & Age Rating
Madeleine is rated NR. Parents should be aware that it contains mature themes, violence.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 6.7/10, and global collection metrics, Madeleine stands as a successful venture for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 1950 cinematic year.
Official Trailer
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Madeleine movie hit or flop?
Madeleine has received mixed reviews with a 6.7/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.
Is Madeleine worth watching?
Madeleine is a mixed bag. It might be worth watching if you're a fan of Drama, Crime, Mystery movies, but read reviews first.
Where can I watch Madeleine online?
Madeleine is currently available for streaming on Criterion Channel. You can also check for it on platforms like Criterion Channel depending on your region.
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How Madeleine Compares & Where it Ranks
Critic Reviews for Madeleine
Ann Todd becomes better as she plays herself into the character of a rather devious and unscrupulous girl in this adaptation of a famous Glasgow murder (or, perhaps that should be murrrrdurrrr) tale from 1857. "Madeleine" is the daughter in a well-to-do family whose father (a seriously authoritarian Leslie Banks) can't quite figure out why she won't marry a suitable young man - unawares that she has been having a fling with an equally unscrupulous Frenchman who has his sights set on her family's wealth. His attempts at blackmail terminally backfire and before long she is on trial for his killing. The subsequent courtroom drama features strong performances from Barry Jones and André Morell as the barristers and this helps lift this rather slow-moving drama along to quite a gripping denouement (an unique peculiarity of the Scottish legal system). Maybe not David Lean's best or most notable work, but you can see his hallmark style all over this. (PS: keep an ear out for a wonderfully presbyterian performance from John Laurie - you will recognise his voice long before he comes into shot).
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This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
