Performance & Direction: When the Bough Breaks Review
Last updated: January 22, 2026
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is When the Bough Breaks (1971) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a FLOP with a verified audience rating of NR. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Drama.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Drama is often anchored by its ensemble, and When the Bough Breaks features a noteworthy lineup led by Hannah Gordon . Supported by the likes of Cheryl Kennedy and Neil McCarthy , 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 When the Bough Breaks (1971) is negative. With an audience rating of NR, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
Story & Plot Summary: When the Bough Breaks
Quick Plot Summary: When the Bough Breaks is a Drama, TV Movie film that explores complex human emotions and relationships through detailed character development. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.
Ending Explained: When the Bough Breaks
Ending Breakdown: When the Bough Breaks attempts to tie together its various plot elements. The finale presents its approach to drama 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 drama themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of When the Bough Breaks reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch When the Bough Breaks?
Consider Watching If:
- You're a completist for Drama films
- You're curious despite mixed reviews
- You have low expectations and want casual entertainment
Top Cast: When the Bough Breaks
All Cast & Crew →
When the Bough Breaks Parents Guide & Age Rating
1971 AdvisoryWondering about When the Bough Breaks age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of When the Bough Breaks is 75 minutes (1h 15m). Ensuring you have enough time for the full cinematic experience.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 0/10, and global collection metrics, When the Bough Breaks stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 1971 cinematic year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is When the Bough Breaks worth watching?
When the Bough Breaks is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Drama movies. It has a verified rating of 0/10 and stands as a FLOP in our box office analysis.
Where can I find When the Bough Breaks parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for When the Bough Breaks identifies it as Not Rated. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the total runtime of When the Bough Breaks?
The total duration of When the Bough Breaks is 75 minutes, which is approximately 1h 15m long.
How When the Bough Breaks Compares & Where it Ranks
Critic Reviews for When the Bough Breaks
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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.
