Performance & Direction: The Cardinal Review
Last updated: January 24, 2026
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is The Cardinal (1936) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a AVERAGE with a verified audience rating of 5.2/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this History.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any History is often anchored by its ensemble, and The Cardinal features a noteworthy lineup led by Matheson Lang . Supported by the likes of Eric Portman and Robert Atkins , 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 (1936) is mixed. With an audience rating of 5.2/10, it stands as a decent one-time watch.
Story & Plot Summary: The Cardinal
Quick Plot Summary: The Cardinal is a History, Drama 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 Cardinal
Ending Breakdown: The Cardinal attempts to tie together its various plot elements. The finale presents its approach to history 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 history 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 history, drama 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?
Consider Watching If:
- You're a completist for History films
- You're curious despite mixed reviews
- You have low expectations and want casual entertainment
Top Cast: The Cardinal
All Cast & Crew →
The Cardinal Parents Guide & Age Rating
1936 AdvisoryWondering about The Cardinal age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of The Cardinal is 71 minutes (1h 11m). Ensuring you have enough time for the full cinematic experience.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 5.2/10, and global performance metrics, The Cardinal is classified as a AVERAGE. It remains an essential part of the 1936 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Cardinal worth watching?
The Cardinal is definitely worth watching if you enjoy History movies. It has a verified rating of 5.2/10 and stands as a AVERAGE in our box office analysis.
Where can I find The Cardinal parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for The Cardinal identifies it as Not Rated. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the total runtime of The Cardinal?
The total duration of The Cardinal is 71 minutes, which is approximately 1h 11m long.
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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.
