Performance & Direction: Vessel of Wrath Review
Last updated: February 4, 2026
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is Vessel of Wrath (1938) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a HIT with a verified audience rating of 6.7/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Comedy.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Comedy is often anchored by its ensemble, and Vessel of Wrath features a noteworthy lineup led by Charles Laughton . Supported by the likes of Elsa Lanchester and Robert Newton , 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?
Story & Plot Summary: Vessel of Wrath
Quick Plot Summary: Vessel of Wrath is a Comedy, Drama, Romance film that brings laughter through sharp writing and comedic timing, providing amusement while touching on deeper societal themes. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.
Ending Explained: Vessel of Wrath
Ending Breakdown: Vessel of Wrath concludes its story with a mix of closure and open interpretation. The finale presents its approach to comedy 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 comedy themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of Vessel of Wrath reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch Vessel of Wrath?
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Comedy films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of the cast or director
- Want some laughs and light entertainment
Top Cast: Vessel of Wrath
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Where to Watch Vessel of Wrath Online?
Streaming HubVessel of Wrath Parents Guide & Age Rating
1938 AdvisoryWondering about Vessel of Wrath age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of Vessel of Wrath is 92 minutes (1h 32m). Ensuring you have enough time for the full cinematic experience.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 6.7/10, and global performance metrics, Vessel of Wrath is classified as a HIT. It remains an essential part of the 1938 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Vessel of Wrath worth watching?
Vessel of Wrath is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Comedy movies. It has a verified rating of 6.7/10 and stands as a HIT in our box office analysis.
Where can I find Vessel of Wrath parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for Vessel of Wrath identifies it as Not Rated. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the total runtime of Vessel of Wrath?
The total duration of Vessel of Wrath is 92 minutes, which is approximately 1h 32m long.
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Critic Reviews for Vessel of Wrath
Maybe not one of W. Somerset Maugham's more complex stories, but it still gives us a chance to watch Robert Newton, Charles Laughton and Elsa Lanchester give us a bit of the reverse "Sadie Thompson". It's the unlikable "Ginger Ted" (Laughton) who manages to upset the rather puritanical "Martha" (Lanchester) and her minister-brother "Owen" (Tyrone Guthrie). She demands that local magistrate (Newton) throw the book at him after his latest drunken outburst, but the wily old administrator sees an opportunity to ensure peace breaks out by managing to have the pair stranded on a remote island amidst his Indonesian archipelago - and maybe the two can get past their initial mutual loathing and find some common ground? It's a bit too long, even at ninety minutes, and much of it struggles against a background of ropey production and poor editing, but there are some funs scenes between an on-form and perfectly plausible Laughton and a Lanchester whose character you would cross at your peril - even if you were completely sozzled. It does rather peddle the superiority of the Christian faith as against those more pagan traditions held by the natives, but in it's aggressive piousness lies some of it's best humour - especially now it's eighty-odd years later and we can use new eyes to poke fun at it's daftness. Newton's accent isn't the best, but fans of characterful cinema might enjoy these three - and Erich Pommer - having a bit of fun in the sun (though clearly nowhere near the actual South China Sea!).
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.











