Performance & Direction: The Threat Review
Last updated: January 24, 2026
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is The Threat (1949) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE with a verified audience rating of 5.8/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Crime.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Crime is often anchored by its ensemble, and The Threat features a noteworthy lineup led by Michael O'Shea . Supported by the likes of Virginia Grey and Charles McGraw , 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 Threat (1949) is mixed. With an audience rating of 5.8/10, it stands as a decent one-time watch.
Story & Plot Summary: The Threat
Quick Plot Summary: The Threat is a Crime, Thriller film that dives into the criminal underworld with a grounded sense of realism and complex morality. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.
Ending Explained: The Threat
Ending Breakdown: The Threat attempts to tie together its various plot elements. The finale presents its approach to crime 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 crime themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of The Threat reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
The Threat Real vs. Reel: Is it Based on a True Story?
The Threat incorporates elements from real criminal cases. As a crime, thriller 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 Threat adapts its source material for dramatic purposes. The film prioritizes thematic resonance over documentary precision.
Who Should Watch The Threat?
Consider Watching If:
- You're a completist for Crime films
- You're curious despite mixed reviews
- You have low expectations and want casual entertainment
Top Cast: The Threat
All Cast & Crew →
The Threat Parents Guide & Age Rating
1949 AdvisoryWondering about The Threat age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of The Threat is 66 minutes (1h 6m). Ensuring you have enough time for the full cinematic experience.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 5.8/10, and global performance metrics, The Threat is classified as a ABOVE AVERAGE. It remains an essential part of the 1949 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Threat worth watching?
The Threat is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Crime movies. It has a verified rating of 5.8/10 and stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE in our box office analysis.
Where can I find The Threat parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for The Threat identifies it as NR. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the total runtime of The Threat?
The total duration of The Threat is 66 minutes, which is approximately 1h 6m long.
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How The Threat Compares & Where it Ranks
Critic Reviews for The Threat
Arnold Kluger Escaped From Folsom Prison Tonight… The Threat is directed by Felix E. Feist and written by Dick Irving Hyland and Hugh King. It stars Charles McGraw, Virginia Grey, Michael O’Shea, Julie Bishop. Music is by Paul Sawtell and cinematography by Harry J. Wild. Maniac criminal Red Kluger escapes from jail and sets off to kidnap the three people he holds responsible for his incarceration. Compact at just over an hour in run time, The Threat is all about Charles McGraw impressing on everyone just what a great portrayer of hard cases he would become. Once the escape and set up of plot has been formed, pic basically confines itself to one cramped location as Kluger and his two henchmen hold four people hostage at their hideout, the fourth person being an unfortunate truck driver who has got in the way. The air of menace is palpable, the atmosphere hot and sweaty, and via torture, violence and mind games it builds to tough old climax, having got there without fuss or filler. Nothing memorable visually, and some of the screenplay involves characters doing daft things, but it’s a gritty “B” noir well worth taking a look at. Especially for McGraw’s performance. 7/10
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.
