Is The Cardinal Worth Watching?
Answer: Yes, The Cardinal is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Drama movies.
It features a runtime of 175 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to general audiences.
The Cardinal Review
Last updated: January 18, 2026
Detailed Premise & Narrative Foundations
Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 1963, The Cardinal emerges as a significant entry in the Drama, History, War domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of A young Catholic priest from Boston confronts bigotry, Nazism, and his own personal conflicts as he rises to the office of cardinal. Unlike standard genre fare, The Cardinal attempts to deconstruct traditional tropes, offering a conventional take on its central themes.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Drama is often anchored by its ensemble, and The Cardinal features a noteworthy lineup led by Tom Tryon . Supported by the likes of Romy Schneider and John Huston , 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 Cardinal (1963) is mixed. With an audience rating of 6.5/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
The Cardinal Plot Summary & Detailed Storyline
Quick Plot Summary: The Cardinal is a Drama, History, War film that explores complex human emotions and relationships through nuanced character development. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.
The Cardinal Ending Explained & Final Analysis
Ending Breakdown: The Cardinal concludes its story with a mix of closure and open interpretation. The finale presents its approach to drama 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 drama themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of The Cardinal reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
The Cardinal Real vs. Reel: Is it Based on a True Story?
The Cardinal draws heavily from documented historical records. As a drama, history, war film, it navigates the space between factual accuracy and narrative engagement.
Historical Context
The film takes creative liberties to enhance dramatic impact. Core events maintain connection to source material while adapting for theatrical presentation.
Creative interpretation shapes the final narrative, with attention to period detail and historical context.
Accuracy Assessment: The Cardinal adapts its source material for dramatic purposes. The film prioritizes thematic resonance over documentary precision.
Who Should Watch The Cardinal?
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Drama films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of the cast or director
- Want a character-driven story with emotional moments
The Cardinal Box Office Collection
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Worldwide Gross | $11.2M |
| Trade Verdict | CLEAN HIT |
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Full Cast & Crew of The Cardinal
- Tom Tryon – Stephen Fermoyle
- Romy Schneider – Annemarie von Hartman
- John Huston – Kardinal Glennon
- Carol Lynley – Mona Fermoyle / Regina Fermoyle
- Dorothy Gish – Celia Fermoyle
Top Highlights
Tom TryonStephen Fermoyle
Romy SchneiderAnnemarie von Hartman
John HustonKardinal Glennon
Carol LynleyMona Fermoyle / Regina Fermoyle
Dorothy GishCelia Fermoyle
Maggie McNamaraFlorrie Fermoyle
Bill HayesFrank Fermoyle
Cameron Prud'HommeDin Fermoyle
John SaxonBenny Rampell
Loring SmithCornelius J. Deegan
Where to Watch The Cardinal Online?
Streaming Hub🎟️ Rent on
Apple TV🏷️ Buy on
Apple TVParents Guide & Age Rating
The Cardinal is rated NR. Parents should be aware that it contains violence, action sequences.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 6.5/10, and global collection metrics, The Cardinal stands as a successful venture for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 1963 cinematic year.
Official Trailer
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Cardinal movie hit or flop?
The Cardinal has received mixed reviews with a 6.5/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.
Is The Cardinal worth watching?
The Cardinal is a mixed bag. It might be worth watching if you're a fan of Drama, History, War movies, but read reviews first.
Where can I watch The Cardinal online?
The Cardinal 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.
