Is The Pusher Worth Watching?
Answer: Maybe not, The Pusher is likely a skip if you enjoy Crime movies.
It features a runtime of 81 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to mature audiences.
The Pusher Review
Last updated: January 18, 2026
Detailed Premise & Narrative Foundations
Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 1960, The Pusher emerges as a significant entry in the Crime, Drama domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of A detective investigating the murder of a heroin addict discovers that there is a connection between the junkie and his fiance, who is his boss' daughter. Unlike standard genre fare, The Pusher attempts to deconstruct traditional tropes, offering a conventional take on its central themes.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Crime is often anchored by its ensemble, and The Pusher features a noteworthy lineup led by Kathy Carlyle . Supported by the likes of Robert Lansing and Felice Orlandi , 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 Pusher (1960) is mixed. With an audience rating of 5.7/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
The Pusher Plot Summary & Detailed Storyline
Quick Plot Summary: The Pusher is a Crime, Drama film that delves into the criminal underworld with gritty realism and moral complexity. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.
The Pusher Ending Explained & Final Analysis
Ending Breakdown: The Pusher attempts to tie together its various plot elements. The finale presents its approach to crime 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 crime themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of The Pusher reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
The Pusher Real vs. Reel: Is it Based on a True Story?
The Pusher incorporates elements from real criminal cases. As a crime, 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, focusing on emotional truth over strict chronology.
Accuracy Assessment: The Pusher adapts its source material for dramatic purposes. The film prioritizes thematic resonance over documentary precision.
Who Should Watch The Pusher?
Consider Watching If:
- You're a completist for Crime films
- You're curious despite mixed reviews
- You have low expectations and want casual entertainment
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Full Cast & Crew of The Pusher
- Kathy Carlyle – Laura
- Robert Lansing – Steve Carella
- Felice Orlandi – The Pusher
- Douglas Rodgers – Lt. Peter Byrne
- Sloan Simpson – Harriet Byrne
Top Highlights
Kathy CarlyleLaura
Robert LansingSteve Carella
Felice OrlandiThe Pusher
Douglas RodgersLt. Peter Byrne
Sloan SimpsonHarriet Byrne
Sara AmmanMaría Hernández
Jim BolesNewspaper Vendor
Beatrice PonsMaría Hernández
John AstinDetective
Where to Watch The Pusher Online?
Streaming Hub📺 Stream on
Amazon Prime Video
ScreenPix Apple TV Channel
Amazon Prime Video with Ads
ScreenPix Amazon Channel Parents Guide & Age Rating
The Pusher is rated NR. Parents should be aware that it contains mature themes, violence.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 5.7/10, and global collection metrics, The Pusher stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 1960 cinematic year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Pusher movie hit or flop?
The Pusher has received mixed reviews with a 5.7/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.
Is The Pusher worth watching?
The Pusher is a mixed bag. It might be worth watching if you're a fan of Crime, Drama movies, but read reviews first.
Where can I watch The Pusher online?
The Pusher is currently available for streaming on Amazon Prime Video. You can also check for it on platforms like Amazon Prime Video, ScreenPix Apple TV Channel, Amazon Prime Video with Ads, ScreenPix Amazon Channel depending on your region.
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This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
