Is Rooney Worth Watching?
Answer: Maybe not, Rooney is likely a skip if you enjoy Comedy movies.
It features a runtime of 88 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to general audiences.
Rooney Review
Last updated: January 18, 2026
Detailed Premise & Narrative Foundations
Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 1958, Rooney emerges as a significant entry in the Comedy, Drama, Romance domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of The life of James Ignatius Rooney, a Dublin rubbish collector during the week and a Gaelic sportsman at the weekends. Unlike standard genre fare, Rooney attempts to deconstruct traditional tropes, offering a conventional take on its central themes.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Comedy is often anchored by its ensemble, and Rooney features a noteworthy lineup led by John Gregson . Supported by the likes of Muriel Pavlow and Barry Fitzgerald , 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 Rooney (1958) is mixed. With an audience rating of 5.5/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
Rooney Plot Summary & Detailed Storyline
Quick Plot Summary: Rooney is a Comedy, Drama, Romance film that brings laughter through clever writing and comedic timing, offering both entertainment and social commentary. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.
Rooney Ending Explained & Final Analysis
Ending Breakdown: Rooney attempts to tie together its various plot elements. The finale presents its approach to comedy 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 comedy themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of Rooney reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch Rooney?
Consider Watching If:
- You're a completist for Comedy films
- You're curious despite mixed reviews
- You have low expectations and want casual entertainment
Advertisement
Full Cast & Crew of Rooney
- John Gregson – James Ignatius Rooney
- Muriel Pavlow – Maire Hogan
- Barry Fitzgerald – Grandfather
- June Thorburn – Doreen O' Flynn
- Noel Purcell – Tim Hennessy
Top Highlights
John GregsonJames Ignatius Rooney
Muriel PavlowMaire Hogan
Barry FitzgeraldGrandfather
June ThorburnDoreen O' Flynn
Noel PurcellTim Hennessy
Marie KeanMrs O'Flynn
Liam RedmondMr Doolan
Jack MacGowranJoe O'Connor
Eddie ByrneMicky Hart
Godfrey QuigleyTom Reilly
Where to Watch Rooney Online?
Streaming Hub🎟️ Rent on
Google Play Movies🏷️ Buy on
Google Play MoviesParents Guide & Age Rating
Rooney has not been officially rated yet. Based on its genres (Comedy, Drama, Romance), it contains romantic content.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 5.5/10, and global collection metrics, Rooney stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 1958 cinematic year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Rooney movie hit or flop?
Rooney has received mixed reviews with a 5.5/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.
Is Rooney worth watching?
Rooney is a mixed bag. It might be worth watching if you're a fan of Comedy, Drama, Romance movies, but read reviews first.
Where can I watch Rooney online?
Rooney 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.
Best Movies to Watch if you liked Rooney
How Rooney Compares & Where it Ranks
Critic Reviews for Rooney
John Gregson turns in quite an amiable performance here as the eponymous Dublin bin man turned athlete. By day, he collects rubbish whilst at the weekends, he plays the lethal game of the "hurley" - and it's this that draws the attention of local bigwig "Doolan" (Liam Redmond) who helps him to find better lodgings. Safely ensconced, he meets "Maire" (Muriel Pavlov) who lives with her ailing, elderly, grandfather (Barry Fitzgerald) and his rather grumpy daughter "Mrs. O"Flynn" (Marie Kean). Can he make good on his sporting promise, survive all the familial discord and get the gal? It's very un-Catherine Cookson, this - but that just demonstrates a little of the versatility of an author who could update her stories as the need called for it. Despite being as English as the Thames, Gregson - maybe not so well when drunk - is engaging as the charming Irishman and I rather liked Kean's contributions as the stern "Miss Gulch"-esque woman who certainly never has an half full glass! Sure, it's all pretty predictable, but it serves as a nice reminder of late 1950s Dublin, and offers a watchable family drama that is characterful and well paced.
movieMx Verified
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
