Performance & Direction: My Learned Friend Review
Last updated: January 25, 2026
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is My Learned Friend (1943) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE with a verified audience rating of 6.0/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Comedy.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Comedy is often anchored by its ensemble, and My Learned Friend features a noteworthy lineup led by Will Hay . Supported by the likes of Claude Hulbert and Mervyn Johns , 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 My Learned Friend (1943) is mixed. With an audience rating of 6.0/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
Story & Plot Summary: My Learned Friend
Quick Plot Summary: My Learned Friend is a Comedy, Crime film that brings laughter through sharp writing and comedic timing, providing amusement while touching on deeper societal themes. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.
Ending Explained: My Learned Friend
Ending Breakdown: My Learned Friend concludes its story with a mix of closure and open interpretation. The finale presents its approach to comedy resolution.
The conclusion addresses the core thematic questions, 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 comedy themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of My Learned Friend reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
My Learned Friend Real vs. Reel: Is it Based on a True Story?
My Learned Friend incorporates elements from real criminal cases. As a comedy, crime 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: My Learned Friend adapts its source material for dramatic purposes. The film prioritizes thematic resonance over documentary precision.
Who Should Watch My Learned Friend?
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Comedy films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of the cast or director
- Want some laughs and light entertainment
Top Cast: My Learned Friend
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My Learned Friend Parents Guide & Age Rating
1943 AdvisoryWondering about My Learned Friend age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of My Learned Friend is 74 minutes (1h 14m). Ensuring you have enough time for the full cinematic experience.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 6.0/10, and global performance metrics, My Learned Friend is classified as a ABOVE AVERAGE. It remains an essential part of the 1943 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is My Learned Friend worth watching?
My Learned Friend is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Comedy movies. It has a verified rating of 6/10 and stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE in our box office analysis.
Where can I find My Learned Friend parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for My Learned Friend identifies it as Not Rated. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the total runtime of My Learned Friend?
The total duration of My Learned Friend is 74 minutes, which is approximately 1h 14m long.
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How My Learned Friend Compares & Where it Ranks
Critic Reviews for My Learned Friend
The wonderful Will Hay signs off with black comedy classic. This review is from: My Learned Friend [DVD] (DVD) A mad murderer is on the loose and vowing to kill off all those who done him wrong. Seventh on the list is failed lawyer William Fitch, can Fitch and his equally inefficient cohort Claude Babbington stop the madman before Fitch meets his end? This was sadly to be Will Hay's last film before retiring due to ill health that would claim his life in 1949, with a CV boasting only 19 acting credits, it's not a wonder that the fabulous Will Hay is still not a big enough name to befit his considerable comedic acting talent. Of the 19 acting credits to is name, My Learned Friend easily slots into a top five best list, fusing mad cap comedy with delicious dots of dry black humour, it's a brisk and delightful way to spend 74 minutes. Tagging along with Hay is Claude Hulbert as Babbington, full of vigour he is the perfect foil to Hay's brand of delivery, whilst Mervyn Johns has a devilishly good time as the mad vendetta driven Grimshaw. There is no pious propaganda here, no ulterior motives hidden within the structure, it's a simplistic tale given total comedic treatment from a much undervalued British treasure. 9/10
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This review has been verified for accuracy and editorial quality by our senior cinematic analysts.
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
