Is The Tall Target Worth Watching?
Answer: Yes, The Tall Target is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Thriller movies.
It features a runtime of 78 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to general audiences.
The Tall Target Review
Last updated: January 18, 2026
Detailed Premise & Narrative Foundations
Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 1951, The Tall Target emerges as a significant entry in the Thriller, History, Mystery domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of A detective tries to prevent the assassination of President-elect Abraham Lincoln during a train ride headed for Washington in 1861. Unlike standard genre fare, The Tall Target attempts to deconstruct traditional tropes, offering a conventional take on its central themes.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Thriller is often anchored by its ensemble, and The Tall Target features a noteworthy lineup led by Dick Powell . Supported by the likes of Paula Raymond and Adolphe Menjou , 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 Tall Target (1951) is mixed. With an audience rating of 6.8/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
The Tall Target Plot Summary & Detailed Storyline
Quick Plot Summary: The Tall Target is a Thriller, History, Mystery film that builds tension through unpredictable twists and keeps audiences guessing until the final reveal. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.
The Tall Target Ending Explained & Final Analysis
Ending Breakdown: The Tall Target concludes its story with a mix of closure and open interpretation. The finale presents its approach to thriller resolution.
The final reveal recontextualizes earlier scenes, 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 thriller themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of The Tall Target reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
The Tall Target Real vs. Reel: Is it Based on a True Story?
The Tall Target draws heavily from documented historical records. As a thriller, history, mystery 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 Tall Target adapts its source material for dramatic purposes. The film prioritizes thematic resonance over documentary precision.
Who Should Watch The Tall Target?
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Thriller films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of the cast or director
- Want suspenseful moments and mystery
The Tall Target Box Office Collection
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $966.0K |
| Worldwide Gross | $620.0K |
| Trade Verdict | CLEAN HIT |
The Tall Target Budget
The estimated production budget for The Tall Target is $966.0K. This figure covers principal photography, talent acquisitions, and visual effects. When accounting for global marketing and distribution, the break-even point is typically 2x the base production cost.
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Full Cast & Crew of The Tall Target
- Dick Powell – John Kennedy
- Paula Raymond – Ginny Beaufort
- Adolphe Menjou – Caleb Jeffers
- Marshall Thompson – Lance Beaufort
- Ruby Dee – Rachel
Top Highlights
Dick PowellJohn Kennedy
Paula RaymondGinny Beaufort
Adolphe MenjouCaleb Jeffers
Marshall ThompsonLance Beaufort
Ruby DeeRachel
Richard RoberLt. Coulter
Leif EricksonStranger
Will GeerHomer Crowley
Florence BatesMrs. Charlotte Alsop
Erville AldersonMinister (uncredited)
Where to Watch The Tall Target Online?
Streaming Hub🎟️ Rent on
Apple TV🏷️ Buy on
Apple TVParents Guide & Age Rating
The Tall Target is rated NR. Parents should be aware that it contains mature themes, violence.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 6.8/10, and global collection metrics, The Tall Target stands as a successful venture for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 1951 cinematic year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Tall Target movie hit or flop?
The Tall Target has received mixed reviews with a 6.8/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.
Is The Tall Target worth watching?
The Tall Target is a mixed bag. It might be worth watching if you're a fan of Thriller, History, Mystery movies, but read reviews first.
Where can I watch The Tall Target online?
The Tall Target 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 Tall Target
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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.
