The Tarnished Angels Ending Explained: What Happened and Why?
Complete breakdown of the climax, final twists, and spoilers for The Tarnished Angels.
The Tarnished Angels Ending Explained: In the 1930s, once-great World War I pilot Roger Shumann performs as a daredevil barnstorming pilot at aerial stunt shows while his wife, LaVerne, works as a parachutist. Directed by Douglas Sirk, this 1957 drama film stars Rock Hudson (Burke Devlin), alongside Robert Stack as Roger Shumann, Dorothy Malone as LaVerne Shumann, Jack Carson as Jiggs. With a 6.8/10 rating, the ending has divided audiences.
What Happens at the End of The Tarnished Angels?
In the 1930s, once-great World War I pilot Roger Shumann performs as a daredevil barnstorming pilot at aerial stunt shows while his wife, LaVerne, works as a parachutist. When newspaper reporter Burke Devlin arrives to do a story on the Shumanns’ act, he quickly falls in love with the beautiful--and neglected--LaVerne.
Douglas Sirk's narrative builds toward a resolution centered on Rock Hudson (Burke Devlin)'s journey. When newspaper reporter Burke Devlin arrives to do a story on the Shumanns’ act, he quickly falls in love with the beautiful--and neglected--LaVerne.
How Does Rock Hudson (Burke Devlin)'s Story End?
- Rock Hudson: Rock Hudson's storyline wraps up in the final act, though some viewers have found the resolution more ambiguous than expected.
- Robert Stack (Roger Shumann): Robert Stack's role in the climax proves pivotal to how the central conflict resolves.
- Dorothy Malone (LaVerne Shumann): Dorothy Malone's character undergoes a significant shift in the final act.
What Does the Ending of The Tarnished Angels Mean?
The Tarnished Angels's ending attempts to resolve the major plot threads, though some narrative elements involving Rock Hudson may feel rushed. Douglas Sirk's final act has been both praised for its ambition and criticized for its execution.