Scarface
Scarface Review: Story, Cast, Rating & Final Verdict
Last updated: April 15, 2026
Movie Overview: Scarface
| Movie | Scarface |
| Release Year | 1932 |
| Director | Howard Hawks |
| Genre | Crime / Action / Drama |
| Runtime | 93 minutes |
| Language | EN |
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is Scarface (1932) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a HIT with a verified audience rating of 7.4/10. 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 & Character Study
The performances in Scarface are led by Paul Muni . The supporting cast, including Ann Dvorak and Karen Morley , provides the necessary layers to the central narrative.
movieMx Verdict: Is it Worth Your Time?
What Works in the Movie
Scarface stands out as a strong entry in the Crime genre. The film benefits from engaging storytelling, memorable performances, and solid production values that help keep viewers invested.
- Compelling performances from the main cast
- Strong visual storytelling and direction
- Well-structured Crime narrative
- Satisfying emotional or dramatic payoff
What Doesn't Work
Despite its strengths, Scarface has a few issues that may affect the overall viewing experience, particularly in terms of pacing and narrative consistency.
- Uneven pacing in certain parts of the film
- Some predictable plot developments
- May not appeal to audiences outside the Crime fanbase
Story & Plot Summary: Scarface
Quick Plot Summary: Released in 1932, Scarface is a Crime, Action, Drama film directed by Howard Hawks. The narrative 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 involving Paul Muni.
Story Breakdown
The title presents its narrative with careful attention to pacing and character development. In 1920s Chicago, Italian immigrant and notorious thug, Antonio 'Tony' Camonte, aka Scarface, shoots his way to the top of the mobs while trying to protect his sister from the criminal life. The story unfolds naturally, allowing viewers to become invested in the outcome while maintaining engagement throughout.
Narrative Structure
- Opening Hook: The title establishes its world and central conflict efficiently in the opening act.
- Character Arc: The main character shows growth throughout the story, though some supporting characters could have been more fully realized. Paul Muni's arc is present but occasionally predictable.
- Climax & Resolution: The climax brings together the narrative threads, providing resolution while staying true to the established tone.
Ending Explained: Scarface
Scarface Ending Explained: Directed by Howard Hawks, Scarface resolves its central conflicts in a coherent and engaging way. The ending highlights the core crime themes developed throughout the film.
The emotional resolution focuses on the transformation of its main characters, particularly in scenes involving Paul Muni. The interpretation of the ending may vary among viewers.
Key Elements of the Ending
- Narrative Resolution: The main storyline reaches a clear conclusion.
- Character Development: The central characters complete meaningful arcs.
- Thematic Message: The ending reinforces the crime themes introduced earlier in the film.
The final moments of Scarface reflect the creative choices of the filmmakers and align with the tone of the narrative.
Scarface Real vs. Reel: Is it Based on a True Story?
Is Scarface Based on a True Story?
Scarface draws from real criminal cases and investigative records. As a crime, action, drama film directed by Howard Hawks, the production explores how real events can be adapted into a dramatic narrative.
Real Story vs Movie Version
The film balances factual inspiration with cinematic storytelling. Certain scenes are likely dramatized to enhance emotional impact.
Many viewers have praised the film for respecting the spirit of the real events.
Accuracy Assessment: Scarface uses real-life inspiration as the foundation for a dramatized narrative. The film prioritizes thematic storytelling over strict documentary accuracy.
Who Should Watch Scarface?
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Crime films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of Paul Muni or the director
- Want solid genre entertainment
Box Office Collection: Scarface
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $800.0K |
| Worldwide Gross | $600.0K |
| Trade Verdict | CLEAN HIT |
Scarface Budget
The estimated production budget for Scarface is $800.0K. 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.
Top Cast: Scarface
All Cast & Crew →
Where to Watch Scarface Online?
Streaming Hub🎟️ Rent on
Amazon Video🏷️ Buy on
Google Play Movies
YouTubeScarface Parents Guide & Age Rating
1932 AdvisoryWondering about Scarface age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of Scarface is 93 minutes (1h 33m). Ensuring you have enough time for the full cinematic experience.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 7.4/10, and global performance metrics, Scarface is classified as a HIT. It remains an essential part of the 1932 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Scarface worth watching?
Scarface is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Crime movies. It has a verified rating of 7.4/10 and stands as a HIT in our box office analysis.
Where can I find Scarface parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for Scarface identifies it as Not Rated. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the total runtime of Scarface?
The total duration of Scarface is 93 minutes, which is approximately 1h 33m long.
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How Scarface Compares & Where it Ranks
Critic Reviews for Scarface
Odd to see Howard Hawks on this genre, but he directs this workman-like gangster effort steadily, managing to convey some semblance of the environment of fear and violence without actually turning it into a visual gory bloodbath. Paul Muni may have had top billing, but for me George Raft steals this - charisma a-plenty. Boris Karloff appears oddly miscast, but Dvorak and Morley play the roles of the molls quite effectively and Osgood Perkins plays the cowardly bully Lovo well. Holds up remarkably after almost 90 years!
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.
