Is Night Editor Worth Watching?
Answer: Maybe not, Night Editor is likely a skip if you enjoy Crime movies.
It features a runtime of 68 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to mature audiences.
Night Editor Review
Last updated: January 18, 2026
Detailed Premise & Narrative Foundations
Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 1946, Night Editor emerges as a significant entry in the Crime, Drama domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of A daily news editor recalls a married detective and the deadly woman behind his downfall. Unlike standard genre fare, Night Editor 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 Night Editor features a noteworthy lineup led by William Gargan . Supported by the likes of Janis Carter and Jeff Donnell , 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 Night Editor (1946) is mixed. With an audience rating of 5.4/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
Night Editor Plot Summary & Detailed Storyline
Quick Plot Summary: Night Editor is a Crime, Drama 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.
Night Editor Ending Explained & Final Analysis
Ending Breakdown: Night Editor attempts to tie together its various plot elements. The finale presents its approach to crime 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 crime themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of Night Editor reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Night Editor Real vs. Reel: Is it Based on a True Story?
Night Editor incorporates elements from real criminal cases. As a crime, drama 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: Night Editor adapts its source material for dramatic purposes. The film prioritizes thematic resonance over documentary precision.
Who Should Watch Night Editor?
Consider Watching If:
- You're a completist for Crime films
- You're curious despite mixed reviews
- You have low expectations and want casual entertainment
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Full Cast & Crew of Night Editor
- William Gargan – Tony Cochrane
- Janis Carter – Jill Merrill
- Jeff Donnell – Martha Cochrane
- Coulter Irwin – Johnny
- Charles D. Brown – Crane Stewart
Top Highlights
William GarganTony Cochrane
Janis CarterJill Merrill
Jeff DonnellMartha Cochrane
Coulter IrwinJohnny
Charles D. BrownCrane Stewart
Paul E. BurnsOle Strom
Harry ShannonCapt. Lawrence
Frank WilcoxDouglas Loring
Robert Kellard'Doc' Cochrane (as Robert Stevens)
Roy GordonBenjamin Merrill (Uncredited)
Parents Guide & Age Rating
Night Editor is rated NR. Parents should be aware that it contains mature themes, violence.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 5.4/10, and global collection metrics, Night Editor stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 1946 cinematic year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Night Editor movie hit or flop?
Night Editor has received mixed reviews with a 5.4/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.
Is Night Editor worth watching?
Night Editor is a mixed bag. It might be worth watching if you're a fan of Crime, Drama movies, but read reviews first.
Where can I watch Night Editor online?
Night Editor 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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How Night Editor Compares & Where it Ranks
Critic Reviews for Night Editor
You are worse than blood poisoning! Night Editor is directed by Henry Levin and adapted to screenplay by Hal Smith from the radio program of the same name - by Hal Burdick - and the short story, Inside Story, written by Scott Littleton. It stars William Gargan, Janis Carter, Jeff Donnell, Coulter Irwin and Charles D. Brown. Cinematography is by Burnett Guffey and Philip Tannura, and music is credited to Mischa Bakaleinikoff, though it's believed that Mario Castelnuovo-Tedesco did the work. "You are just no good for me. We both add up to zero" A raging "B" pic out of Columbia? Absolutely! This is something of a film noir lovers delight. There is no getting away from the fact it has one of those endings that has proved to be divisive, so how it stacks up for first time viewers now may make or break your opinion of it... Story finds copper Tony Cochrane (Gargan) having a love affair with viper like Jill Merrill (Carter), this in spite of the fact he has a gorgeous loving wife and a son who worships him. During one of the illicit couple's love trysts they witness a violent murder, and fearing scandal Cochrane fails to uphold the law. From such decisions does life often spiral out of control... Okies. So we got hot and sweaty scenes, flashbacks, wet streets lit by lamps, alleyways, barely lighted rooms - particularly the station offices - symbolic and metaphorical sequences (oh my those crashing waves), but it's the barbed dialogue, the blend of sex and violence, and a femme fatale of considerable greatness, that ultimately makes this soar. Personally I hate the ending, but as stated before, I do know noir lovers who find it cheeky and enjoyable. Yet even with my irritation at the finale - and of Carter's hair style (which pushes Phyllis Dietrichson for most unflattering look), there's just so much good here for noir lovers not to enjoy greatly. 7.5/10
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This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
