Performance & Direction: Rio Review
Last updated: January 22, 2026
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is Rio (1939) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a AVERAGE with a verified audience rating of 4.9/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Crime.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Crime is often anchored by its ensemble, and Rio features a noteworthy lineup led by Basil Rathbone . Supported by the likes of Victor McLaglen and Sigrid Gurie , 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 Rio (1939) is negative. With an audience rating of 4.9/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
Story & Plot Summary: Rio
Quick Plot Summary: Rio is a Crime, Romance film that dives into the criminal underworld with a grounded sense of realism and complex morality. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.
Ending Explained: Rio
Ending Breakdown: Rio attempts to tie together its various plot elements. The finale presents its approach to crime 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 crime themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of Rio reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Rio Real vs. Reel: Is it Based on a True Story?
Rio incorporates elements from real criminal cases. As a crime, romance 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: Rio adapts its source material for dramatic purposes. The film prioritizes thematic resonance over documentary precision.
Who Should Watch Rio?
Consider Watching If:
- You're a completist for Crime films
- You're curious despite mixed reviews
- You have low expectations and want casual entertainment
Top Cast: Rio
All Cast & Crew →
Rio Parents Guide & Age Rating
1939 AdvisoryWondering about Rio age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of Rio is 77 minutes (1h 17m). Ensuring you have enough time for the full cinematic experience.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 4.9/10, and global collection metrics, Rio stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 1939 cinematic year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Rio worth watching?
Rio is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Crime movies. It has a verified rating of 4.9/10 and stands as a AVERAGE in our box office analysis.
Where can I find Rio parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for Rio identifies it as NR. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the total runtime of Rio?
The total duration of Rio is 77 minutes, which is approximately 1h 17m long.
Best Movies to Watch if you liked Rio
How Rio Compares & Where it Ranks
Critic Reviews for Rio
"Reynard" (Basil Rathbone) is quite an unscrupulous business man who comes a cropper when it turns out that quite a lot of his collateral for huge great loans - well, the ink is still wet! It's only a matter of time before he's caught and punished, and so is promptly sent off to the infamous Devil's Island prison to rot. Meantime, his loving wife (Sigrid Gurie) thinks he's dead and gets on with her life with "Bill" (Robert Cummings). When her letters stop coming, he reckons on the worst and so "Reynard" determines to escape and make it back home - except, well he's not ready for the shock awaiting him nor she for his reaction. Victor McLaglen takes up a supporting role as his best pal "Dirk", but he isn't really used enough to make too much difference to what is really a rather unremarkable melodrama until the last fifteen minutes when we reach a denouement that's a bit rushed, but allows Rathbone to use his menacing voice to create just an hint of tenseness. I'm not too sure the island jungle looked terribly realistic, and he must have been a really good swimmer - but those are technicalities for this enjoyable, but forgettable, drama.
movieMx Verified
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.
