The Desperate Hours Review: Story, Cast, Rating & Final Verdict
Last updated: April 10, 2026
Movie Overview: The Desperate Hours
| Movie | The Desperate Hours |
| Release Year | 1967 |
| Director | Ted Kotcheff |
| Genre | Drama / Thriller / TV Movie |
| Runtime | 120 minutes |
| Language | EN |
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is The Desperate Hours (1967) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a FLOP with a verified audience rating of 4.0/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Drama.
Cast & Character Study
The performances in The Desperate Hours are led by Michael Conrad . The supporting cast, including Arthur Hill and Yvette Mimieux , provides the necessary layers to the central narrative.
movieMx Verdict: Is it Worth Your Time?
What Works in the Movie
While The Desperate Hours does not fully realize its potential, it still contains moments that may appeal to viewers who enjoy Drama films.
- Interesting concept or premise
- Some entertaining scenes
- Supporting cast delivers occasional highlights
What Doesn't Work
Despite its strengths, The Desperate Hours 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 Drama fanbase
Story & Plot Summary: The Desperate Hours
Quick Plot Summary: Released in 1967, The Desperate Hours is a Drama, Thriller, TV Movie film directed by Ted Kotcheff. The narrative explores complex human emotions and relationships through detailed character development. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict involving Michael Conrad.
Ending Explained: The Desperate Hours
The Desperate Hours Ending Explained: Directed by Ted Kotcheff, The Desperate Hours attempts to bring together the film’s narrative threads. The ending highlights the core drama themes developed throughout the film.
The final twist encourages viewers to reconsider earlier moments in the story, particularly in scenes involving Michael Conrad. The interpretation of the ending may vary among viewers.
Key Elements of the Ending
- Narrative Resolution: The story resolves its primary conflict while leaving room for interpretation.
- Character Development: Character motivations become clearer by the final scenes.
- Thematic Message: The ending reinforces the drama themes introduced earlier in the film.
The final moments of The Desperate Hours reflect the creative choices of the filmmakers and align with the tone of the narrative.
Who Should Watch The Desperate Hours?
Consider Watching If:
- You're a completist for Drama films
- You're curious despite mixed reviews
- You have low expectations and want casual entertainment
Top Cast: The Desperate Hours
All Cast & Crew →
The Desperate Hours Parents Guide & Age Rating
1967 AdvisoryWondering about The Desperate Hours age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of The Desperate Hours is 120 minutes (2h 0m). Ensuring you have enough time for the full cinematic experience.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 4.0/10, and global performance metrics, The Desperate Hours is classified as a FLOP. It remains an essential part of the 1967 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Desperate Hours worth watching?
The Desperate Hours is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Drama movies. It has a verified rating of 4/10 and stands as a FLOP in our box office analysis.
Where can I find The Desperate Hours parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for The Desperate Hours identifies it as Not Rated. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the total runtime of The Desperate Hours?
The total duration of The Desperate Hours is 120 minutes, which is approximately 2h 0m 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.
