Is Zero Hour! Worth Watching?
Answer: Yes, Zero Hour! is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Drama movies.
It features a runtime of 81 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to general audiences.
Zero Hour! Review
Last updated: January 18, 2026
Detailed Premise & Narrative Foundations
Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 1957, Zero Hour! emerges as a significant entry in the Drama, Thriller domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of In 1950s Canada, during a commercial flight, the pilots and some passengers suffer food poisoning, thus forcing an ex-WW2 fighter pilot to try to land the airliner in heavy fog. Unlike standard genre fare, Zero Hour! attempts to deconstruct traditional tropes, offering a conventional take on its central themes.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Drama is often anchored by its ensemble, and Zero Hour! features a noteworthy lineup led by Dana Andrews . Supported by the likes of Linda Darnell and Sterling Hayden , 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 Zero Hour! (1957) is mixed. With an audience rating of 6.6/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
Zero Hour! Plot Summary & Detailed Storyline
Quick Plot Summary: Zero Hour! is a Drama, Thriller film that explores complex human emotions and relationships through nuanced character development. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.
Zero Hour! Ending Explained & Final Analysis
Ending Breakdown: Zero Hour! concludes its story with a mix of closure and open interpretation. The finale presents its approach to drama 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 drama themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of Zero Hour! reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch Zero Hour!?
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Drama films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of the cast or director
- Want a character-driven story with emotional moments
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Full Cast & Crew of Zero Hour!
- Dana Andrews – Lt. Ted Stryker
- Linda Darnell – Ellen Stryker
- Sterling Hayden – Captain Martin Treleaven
- Elroy 'Crazylegs' Hirsch – Capt. Bill Wilson
- Geoffrey Toone – Dr. Baird
Top Highlights
Dana AndrewsLt. Ted Stryker
Linda DarnellEllen Stryker
Sterling HaydenCaptain Martin Treleaven
Elroy 'Crazylegs' HirschCapt. Bill Wilson
Geoffrey TooneDr. Baird
Jerry ParisTony Decker
Peggy KingStewardess Janet Turner
Charles QuinlivanHarry Burdick
Patricia TiernanMrs. Joan Wilson
Steve LondonFirst Officer Walt Stewart
Where to Watch Zero Hour! Online?
Streaming Hub🎟️ Rent on
Amazon Video
Apple TV
Google Play Movies
YouTube
Fandango At Home🏷️ Buy on
Amazon VideoApple TVGoogle Play MoviesYouTubeFandango At HomeParents Guide & Age Rating
Zero Hour! is rated NR. Parents should be aware that it contains mature themes, violence.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 6.6/10, and global collection metrics, Zero Hour! stands as a successful venture for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 1957 cinematic year.
Official Trailer
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Zero Hour! movie hit or flop?
Zero Hour! has received mixed reviews with a 6.6/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.
Is Zero Hour! worth watching?
Zero Hour! is a mixed bag. It might be worth watching if you're a fan of Drama, Thriller movies, but read reviews first.
Where can I watch Zero Hour! online?
Zero Hour! 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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How Zero Hour! Compares & Where it Ranks
Critic Reviews for Zero Hour!
Tension and Terror in the Skies! Famously parodied as Airplane in 1980, it gets forgotten just what a rollicking good thriller Zero Hour! is. Dana Andrews is the airman scarred by an incident during the war who has to battle his demons when the crew and passengers of the jumbo jet he is aboard fall victim to food poisoning. Sterling Hayden is down on the ground smoking loads of ciggies and having no faith in trying to talk Andrews down safely. One of the first disaster aeroplane movies, it follows what we now regard as the staples of the genre. Troubled protagonist, family strife, calm characters, panic characters, lovely ladies, square jawed men, raging weather conditions and an aeroplane in serious danger of plummeting from the sky and killing all on board. It's sometimes hokey and one dimensional in terms of plot developments, but it commits to the drama and grinds out a suspenseful last half hour that can have you edging towards the edge of your seat. A must see for fans of such fare. It's ok to love Airplane! and prefer its comedy smartness, but it's also ok to doff a respectful pilot cap towards Zero Hour! as well. 7.5/10
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