Is Telethon Worth Watching?
Answer: Maybe not, Telethon is likely a skip if you enjoy Thriller movies.
It features a runtime of 100 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to general audiences.
Telethon Review
Last updated: January 18, 2026
Detailed Premise & Narrative Foundations
Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 1977, Telethon emerges as a significant entry in the Thriller, Drama, TV Movie domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of The behind-the-scenes intrigues — including, possibly, a murder — of an all-star fundraising telethon set in Las Vegas. Unlike standard genre fare, Telethon 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 Telethon features a noteworthy lineup led by Polly Bergen . Supported by the likes of Lloyd Bridges and Red Buttons , 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 Telethon (1977) is mixed. With an audience rating of 5.0/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
Telethon Plot Summary & Detailed Storyline
Quick Plot Summary: Telethon is a Thriller, Drama, TV Movie 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.
Telethon Ending Explained & Final Analysis
Ending Breakdown: Telethon attempts to tie together its various plot elements. 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 Telethon reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch Telethon?
Consider Watching If:
- You're a completist for Thriller films
- You're curious despite mixed reviews
- You have low expectations and want casual entertainment
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Full Cast & Crew of Telethon
- Polly Bergen – Dorothy Goodwin
- Lloyd Bridges – Matt Tallman
- Red Buttons – Marty Rand
- Edd Byrnes – Charlie Burton
- Dick Clark – Irv Berman
Top Highlights
Polly BergenDorothy Goodwin
Lloyd BridgesMatt Tallman
Red ButtonsMarty Rand
Edd ByrnesCharlie Burton
Dick ClarkIrv Berman
Janet LeighElaine Cotten
Yvonne GilbertSue White
John MarleyArnold Shagan
Kent McCordTom Galvin
Eve PlumbKim
Parents Guide & Age Rating
Telethon is rated NR. Parents should be aware that it contains mature themes, violence.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 5/10, and global collection metrics, Telethon stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 1977 cinematic year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Telethon movie hit or flop?
Telethon has received mixed reviews with a 5/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.
Is Telethon worth watching?
Telethon is a mixed bag. It might be worth watching if you're a fan of Thriller, Drama, TV Movie movies, but read reviews first.
Where can I watch Telethon online?
Telethon 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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movieMx Verified
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
