The Best Things in Life Are Free

  • 1956
  • NR
  • 104m
movieMx RATING
5.0/102
VERDICT
AVERAGE
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Performance & Direction: The Best Things in Life Are Free Review

Last updated: February 6, 2026

movieMx Editorial Team
REVIEWED BY

movieMx Editorial Team

🔍 Cinematic Analysis Expert

Leading cinematic analysis expert with over 10 years of experience in Bollywood and Hollywood box office tracking. Reviewed 500+ films with a focus on narrative structure and commercial profitability.

📅 Updated: February 6, 2026 🎟️ Verified Viewing

🎬 Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?

Is The Best Things in Life Are Free (1956) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a AVERAGE with a verified audience rating of 5.0/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Music.

🎭 Cast Performances: A Masterclass

The success of any Music is often anchored by its ensemble, and The Best Things in Life Are Free features a noteworthy lineup led by Gordon MacRae . Supported by the likes of Dan Dailey and Ernest Borgnine , 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 The Best Things in Life Are Free (1956) is mixed. With an audience rating of 5.0/10, it stands as a decent one-time watch.
Result: AVERAGE
Based on verified audience sentiment and box office trajectory, The Best Things in Life Are Free stands as a AVERAGE.

Story & Plot Summary: The Best Things in Life Are Free

Quick Plot Summary: The Best Things in Life Are Free is a Music film that presents a compelling narrative that engages viewers from start to finish. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.

Ending Explained: The Best Things in Life Are Free

Ending Breakdown: The Best Things in Life Are Free attempts to tie together its various plot elements. The finale presents its approach to music 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 music themes established throughout the runtime.

The final moments of The Best Things in Life Are Free reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.

Who Should Watch The Best Things in Life Are Free?

Consider Watching If:

  • You're a completist for Music films
  • You're curious despite mixed reviews
  • You have low expectations and want casual entertainment
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Top Cast: The Best Things in Life Are Free

All Cast & Crew →
Gordon MacRae
Gordon MacRaeB.G. 'Buddy' De Sylva
Dan Dailey
Dan DaileyRay Henderson
Sheree North
Sheree NorthKitty Kane
Tommy Noonan
Tommy NoonanCarl Frisbee
Murvyn Vye
Murvyn VyeManny Costain
Phyllis Avery
Phyllis AveryMaggie Henderson
Larry Keating
Larry KeatingWinfield Sheehan
Norman Brooks
Norman BrooksAl Jolson
Jacques d'Amboise
Jacques d'AmboiseSpecialty Dancer
Roxanne Arlen
Roxanne ArlenPerky Nichols
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The Best Things in Life Are Free Parents Guide & Age Rating

1956 Advisory
NR

Official Age Rating

Wondering about The Best Things in Life Are Free age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:

The Best Things in Life Are Free is rated NR.

⏱️ Runtime & Duration

The total runtime of The Best Things in Life Are Free is 104 minutes (1h 44m). Ensuring you have enough time for the full cinematic experience.

Verdict Summary

Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 5.0/10, and global performance metrics, The Best Things in Life Are Free is classified as a AVERAGE. It remains an essential part of the 1956 cinematic calendar.

AVERAGE
Official movieMx status for The Best Things in Life Are Free. Rating: 5.0/10

Frequently Asked Questions

Is The Best Things in Life Are Free worth watching?

The Best Things in Life Are Free is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Music movies. It has a verified rating of 5/10 and stands as a AVERAGE in our box office analysis.

Where can I find The Best Things in Life Are Free parents guide and age rating?

The official parents guide for The Best Things in Life Are Free identifies it as NR. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.

What is the total runtime of The Best Things in Life Are Free?

The total duration of The Best Things in Life Are Free is 104 minutes, which is approximately 1h 44m long.

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How The Best Things in Life Are Free Compares & Where it Ranks

Critic Reviews for The Best Things in Life Are Free

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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.

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Expert Consensus
Live Rating
MOVIEMX
★ 5.0
The Best Things in Life Are Free
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