Is Saboteur Worth Watching?
Answer: Yes, Saboteur is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Thriller movies.
It features a runtime of 109 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to general audiences.
Saboteur Review
Last updated: January 18, 2026
Detailed Premise & Narrative Foundations
Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 1942, Saboteur emerges as a significant entry in the Thriller domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of Aircraft factory worker Barry Kane flees across the United States after he is wrongly accused of starting the fire that killed his best friend. Unlike standard genre fare, Saboteur attempts to deconstruct traditional tropes, offering a conventional take on its central themes.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Thriller is often anchored by its ensemble, and Saboteur features a noteworthy lineup led by Robert Cummings . Supported by the likes of Priscilla Lane and Otto Kruger , 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 Saboteur (1942) is mixed. With an audience rating of 6.9/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
Saboteur Plot Summary & Detailed Storyline
Quick Plot Summary: Saboteur is a Thriller film that builds tension through unpredictable twists and keeps audiences guessing until the final reveal. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.
Story Breakdown
The plot weaves a complex web of mystery and suspense. Aircraft factory worker Barry Kane flees across the United States after he is wrongly accused of starting the fire that killed his best friend. Information is revealed strategically, keeping viewers engaged as they piece together clues alongside the protagonist. The narrative maintains momentum through well-timed revelations and unexpected turns.
Narrative Structure
- Opening Hook: The opening scene plants the seeds of mystery, introducing questions that will drive the narrative forward.
- Character Arc: The main character shows growth throughout the story, though some supporting characters could have been more fully realized. The arc is present but occasionally predictable.
- Climax & Resolution: All mysteries converge in a climax that recontextualizes earlier events and delivers satisfying answers.
Saboteur Ending Explained & Final Analysis
Ending Breakdown: Saboteur concludes its story with a mix of closure and open interpretation. The finale presents its approach to thriller 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 thriller themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of Saboteur reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch Saboteur?
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Thriller films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of the cast or director
- Want suspenseful moments and mystery
Saboteur Box Office Collection
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $780.0K |
| Worldwide Gross | $1.3M |
| Trade Verdict | CLEAN HIT |
Saboteur Budget
The estimated production budget for Saboteur is $780.0K. This figure covers principal photography, talent acquisitions, and visual effects. When accounting for global marketing and distribution, the break-even point is typically 2x the base production cost.
Advertisement
Full Cast & Crew of Saboteur
- Robert Cummings – Barry Kane
- Priscilla Lane – Pat Martin
- Otto Kruger – Charles Tobin
- Alan Baxter – Freeman
- Clem Bevans – Neilson
Top Highlights
Robert CummingsBarry Kane
Priscilla LanePat Martin
Otto KrugerCharles Tobin
Alan BaxterFreeman
Clem BevansNeilson
Norman LloydFrank Fry
Alma KrugerMrs. Henrietta Sutton
Vaughan GlaserMr. Miller
Dorothy PetersonMrs. Mason
Ian WolfeRobert
Where to Watch Saboteur Online?
Streaming Hub🎟️ Rent on
Amazon VideoParents Guide & Age Rating
Saboteur has not been officially rated yet. Based on its genres (Thriller), it contains mature themes, violence.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 6.9/10, and global collection metrics, Saboteur stands as a successful venture for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 1942 cinematic year.
Official Trailer
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Saboteur movie hit or flop?
Saboteur has received mixed reviews with a 6.9/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.
Is Saboteur worth watching?
Saboteur is a mixed bag. It might be worth watching if you're a fan of Thriller movies, but read reviews first.
Where can I watch Saboteur online?
Saboteur 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 Saboteur
How Saboteur Compares & Where it Ranks
Critic Reviews for Saboteur
North By Northwest's parent movie. This is one that I actually feel deserves a higher rating on internet sites, is it fair to say that this film can be called the black & white North By Northwest? since thematically it's the same so it is something of a forerunner to that great film. Simplistic plot of innocent man on the run trying to find the real culprit after he is blamed for a fire that killed his best friend. Whilst on the run he meets an array of interesting Hitchcockian characters, from spies to circus freaks and of course the delicious lady of the piece, in this case Pricilla Lane. Enough suspense to mark it out as a film from the maestro, witness a scene as the main protagonist Barry Kane is trying to split his handcuffs on the roadside, and the ending at the statue of liberty is a cracker, making this a very tidy suspenser that earns 8/10 from me. Tidbid; Hitchcock had wanted Gary Cooper & Barbara Stanwyck for the lead roles here and although that sounds mightily great, he didn't have to worry because Lane & Robert Cummings did just fine.
A rather run-of-the-mill espionage thriller, this one, with Robert Cummings wrongly accused of complicity in a fire that destroys a large part of an aircraft construction factory. He manages to avoid the police long enough to travel the breadth of the United States on the trail of a group of wealthy, powerful, fifth columnists. Priscilla Lane is the initially sceptical sidekick as they try to ensnare Otto Kruger and his network of traitors. Unfortunately, there is just too much inevitability about the story; very little suspense and the performances are really quite dry - especially the rather daft circus act storyline. It is fine to watch, but nothing notable to remember, I'm afraid.
movieMx Verified
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
