Performance & Direction: They Call It Murder Review
Last updated: January 24, 2026
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is They Call It Murder (1971) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a AVERAGE with a verified audience rating of 5.4/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Mystery.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Mystery is often anchored by its ensemble, and They Call It Murder features a noteworthy lineup led by Jim Hutton . Supported by the likes of Lloyd Bochner and Jo Ann Pflug , 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 They Call It Murder (1971) is mixed. With an audience rating of 5.4/10, it stands as a decent one-time watch.
Story & Plot Summary: They Call It Murder
Quick Plot Summary: They Call It Murder is a Mystery, Drama, Crime, TV Movie film that presents a compelling narrative that engages viewers from start to finish. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.
Ending Explained: They Call It Murder
Ending Breakdown: They Call It Murder attempts to tie together its various plot elements. The finale presents its approach to mystery 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 mystery themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of They Call It Murder reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
They Call It Murder Real vs. Reel: Is it Based on a True Story?
They Call It Murder incorporates elements from real criminal cases. As a mystery, drama, crime, tv movie 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: They Call It Murder adapts its source material for dramatic purposes. The film prioritizes thematic resonance over documentary precision.
Who Should Watch They Call It Murder?
Consider Watching If:
- You're a completist for Mystery films
- You're curious despite mixed reviews
- You have low expectations and want casual entertainment
Top Cast: They Call It Murder
All Cast & Crew →
Where to Watch They Call It Murder Online?
Streaming HubThey Call It Murder Parents Guide & Age Rating
1971 AdvisoryWondering about They Call It Murder age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of They Call It Murder is 95 minutes (1h 35m). Ensuring you have enough time for the full cinematic experience.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 5.4/10, and global performance metrics, They Call It Murder is classified as a AVERAGE. It remains an essential part of the 1971 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is They Call It Murder worth watching?
They Call It Murder is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Mystery movies. It has a verified rating of 5.4/10 and stands as a AVERAGE in our box office analysis.
Where can I find They Call It Murder parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for They Call It Murder identifies it as NR. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the total runtime of They Call It Murder?
The total duration of They Call It Murder is 95 minutes, which is approximately 1h 35m long.
Best Movies to Watch if you liked They Call It Murder
How They Call It Murder Compares & Where it Ranks
Critic Reviews for They Call It Murder
No reviews found for this filter.
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.
