Is The Shakedown Worth Watching?
Answer: Maybe not, The Shakedown is likely a skip if you enjoy Crime movies.
It features a runtime of 92 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to mature audiences.
The Shakedown Review
Last updated: January 18, 2026
Detailed Premise & Narrative Foundations
Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 1960, The Shakedown emerges as a significant entry in the Crime, Drama domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of Augie comes out of prison and finds his old vice racket has been taken over by the sinister Gollar, so he dreams up a new scam. Unlike standard genre fare, The Shakedown 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 Shakedown features a noteworthy lineup led by Terence Morgan . Supported by the likes of Hazel Court and Donald Pleasence , 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 Shakedown (1960) is mixed. With an audience rating of 5.7/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
The Shakedown Plot Summary & Detailed Storyline
Quick Plot Summary: The Shakedown 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 Shakedown Ending Explained & Final Analysis
Ending Breakdown: The Shakedown 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 Shakedown reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
The Shakedown Real vs. Reel: Is it Based on a True Story?
The Shakedown 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 Shakedown adapts its source material for dramatic purposes. The film prioritizes thematic resonance over documentary precision.
Who Should Watch The Shakedown?
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 Shakedown
- Terence Morgan – Augie Cortona
- Hazel Court – Mildred Eyde
- Donald Pleasence – Jessel Brown
- Bill Owen – David Spettigue
- Robert Beatty – Jarvis
Top Highlights
Terence MorganAugie Cortona
Hazel CourtMildred Eyde
Donald PleasenceJessel Brown
Bill OwenDavid Spettigue
Robert BeattyJarvis
Harry H. CorbettGollar
Gene AndersonZena
Jackie CollinsRita
Dorinda StevensGrace
Eddie ByrneGeorge
Where to Watch The Shakedown Online?
Streaming Hub🎟️ Rent on
Amazon Video🏷️ Buy on
Amazon VideoParents Guide & Age Rating
The Shakedown 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 Shakedown stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 1960 cinematic year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Shakedown movie hit or flop?
The Shakedown has received mixed reviews with a 5.7/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.
Is The Shakedown worth watching?
The Shakedown 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 Shakedown online?
The Shakedown 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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Critic Reviews for The Shakedown
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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.
