Is Rehearsal for Murder Worth Watching?
Answer: Yes, Rehearsal for Murder is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Drama movies.
It features a runtime of 96 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to general audiences.
Rehearsal for Murder Review
Last updated: January 18, 2026
Detailed Premise & Narrative Foundations
Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 1982, Rehearsal for Murder emerges as a significant entry in the Drama, Mystery, Thriller, TV Movie domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of A year after his fiancée's death, a playwright schedules a rehearsal for his new play, which proves to be a trap for her killer. Unlike standard genre fare, Rehearsal for Murder 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 Rehearsal for Murder features a noteworthy lineup led by Robert Preston . Supported by the likes of Lynn Redgrave and Patrick Macnee , 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 Rehearsal for Murder (1982) is mixed. With an audience rating of 6.1/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
Rehearsal for Murder Plot Summary & Detailed Storyline
Quick Plot Summary: Rehearsal for Murder is a Drama, Mystery, Thriller, TV Movie 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.
Rehearsal for Murder Ending Explained & Final Analysis
Ending Breakdown: Rehearsal for Murder 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 Rehearsal for Murder reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch Rehearsal for Murder?
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 Rehearsal for Murder
- Robert Preston – Alex Dennison
- Lynn Redgrave – Monica Welles
- Patrick Macnee – David Mathews
- Lawrence Pressman – Lloyd Andrews
- William Russ – Frank Heller
Top Highlights
Robert PrestonAlex Dennison
Lynn RedgraveMonica Welles
Patrick MacneeDavid Mathews
Lawrence PressmanLloyd Andrews
William RussFrank Heller
Madolyn Smith OsborneKaren Daniels
Jeff GoldblumLeo Gibbs
William DanielsWalter Lamb
John FinneganDamon
Nicholas MeleThe First Officer
Where to Watch Rehearsal for Murder Online?
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MovieMeParents Guide & Age Rating
Rehearsal for Murder has not been officially rated yet. Based on its genres (Drama, Mystery, Thriller, TV Movie), it contains mature themes, violence.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 6.1/10, and global collection metrics, Rehearsal for Murder stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 1982 cinematic year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Rehearsal for Murder movie hit or flop?
Rehearsal for Murder has received mixed reviews with a 6.1/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.
Is Rehearsal for Murder worth watching?
Rehearsal for Murder is a mixed bag. It might be worth watching if you're a fan of Drama, Mystery, Thriller movies, but read reviews first.
Where can I watch Rehearsal for Murder online?
Rehearsal for Murder 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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Critic Reviews for Rehearsal for Murder
**_A playwright stages a play to flush out the murderer of his fiancé_** This was released to TV in the spring of 1982 and made into a play the next year for regional & community theaters in which it skyrocketed into popularity (with school plays later being based on it). The plot is reminiscent of the 1966 Gilligan’s Island episode “Not Guilty” in which the castaways reenact events in Hawaii just prior to their tour in the SS Minnow to determine which of them murdered Randolph Blake. Of course, this movie is a serious whodunit and not a goofy comedy but, nevertheless, the similarities are there. To appreciate it, you have to roll with the contrived nature of the story. It’s something that would never happen in real life. So, just enjoy the dialogue-driven dramatics carried by Robert Preston’s charisma. Statuesque brunette Madolyn Smith is jaw-dropping on the feminine front and it’s interesting seeing Jeff Goldblum in his youth, four years before his breakout with “The Fly.” It runs 1 hour, 36 minutes. GRADE: B-
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