Is Berkeley Square Worth Watching?
Answer: Maybe not, Berkeley Square is likely a skip if you enjoy Fantasy movies.
It features a runtime of 84 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to general audiences.
Berkeley Square Review
Last updated: January 11, 2026
The Premise
Released in 1933, Berkeley Square enters the Fantasy genre with a narrative focused on A young American man is transported back to London in the time shortly after the American Revolution and meets his ancestors. Under the direction of Frank Lloyd, the film attempts to weave detailed character arcs with visual storytelling.
Cast & Performance
The film is anchored by performances from Leslie Howard. While the cast delivers competent performances, the script occasionally limits their range.
Technical Mastery & Style
From a technical standpoint, Berkeley Square offers a competent presentation. The cinematography uses a distinct visual palette that aligns well with the tone. The sharp editing keeps the narrative moving at a brisk pace, maximizing the impact of the key sequences.
Social Impact & Cultural Context
Beyond the narrative, Berkeley Square resonates with current cultural themes in the Fantasy space. It stays within the established boundaries of its genre, providing exactly what core fans expect without reinventing the wheel.
Where to Watch & Streaming Info
As of early 2026, Berkeley Square is available in theaters worldwide. For audiences in the US, UK, and India, digital rentals are typically available on platforms like Amazon Prime and Apple TV roughly 45-60 days after the theatrical release.
Narrative Arc & Plot Breakdown
The plot of Berkeley Square centers on a unique premise within the Fantasy landscape. A young American man is transported back to London in the time shortly after the American Revolution and meets his ancestors. The second act serves as a major turning point, leading to a climax that fans of 1933 cinema will find fairly predictable.
Ending Explained & Sequel Potential
The ending of Berkeley Square has sparked significant debate on social media. It signifies the ambiguous resolution of the main plot thread. Given the current box office momentum, discussions of a Berkeley Square sequel or a wider cinematic universe are already gaining traction.
Final Editorial Verdict
Final verdict for Berkeley Square (1933): with an audience rating of 5.7/10, the reception has been divisive. It is a recommended for fans of Fantasy, Romance cinema who appreciate attention to detail.
Parents Guide & Age Rating
Berkeley Square is rated NR. Parents should be aware that it contains romantic content.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 5.7/10, and global collection metrics, Berkeley Square stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 1933 cinematic year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Berkeley Square movie hit or flop?
Berkeley Square has received mixed reviews with a 5.7/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.
Is Berkeley Square worth watching?
Berkeley Square is a mixed bag. It might be worth watching if you're a fan of Fantasy, Romance movies, but read reviews first.
Where can I watch Berkeley Square online?
Berkeley Square 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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People Also Ask (FAQs)
Is Berkeley Square movie hit or flop?
Berkeley Square has received mixed reviews with a 5.7/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.
Is Berkeley Square worth watching?
Berkeley Square is a mixed bag. It might be worth watching if you're a fan of Fantasy, Romance movies, but read reviews first.
Where can I watch Berkeley Square online?
Berkeley Square 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.
What is the story of Berkeley Square?
Berkeley Square is a Fantasy, Romance movie that follows: A young American man is transported back to London in the time shortly after the American Revolution and meets his ancestors....
Is Berkeley Square family friendly?
Berkeley Square is classified as Fantasy, Romance. We recommend checking the official age rating before watching with children.
What language is Berkeley Square available in?
Berkeley Square is primarily available in its original language, with subtitles and dubbed versions available on various streaming services and digital stores.
Synopsis
A young American man is transported back to London in the time shortly after the American Revolution and meets his ancestors.
Critic Reviews
I found Oscar-nominated Leslie Howard just a little too earnest in this tale of an American scientist "Peter Standish" who inherits a London house from a distance cousin. Upon arrival, he starts to feel a curious bond with the place and as he discovers more about the house, his ancestry and a diary detailing much of the 1780s London society in which it's writer lived, he becomes - somewhat inexplicably - convinced that he is going to travel back through time. Low and behold on the exact date and time expected, he walks into an 18th century home where he meets his soon to be fiancée "Kate" (Valerie Taylor) and her beautiful younger sister "Helen" (Heather Angel). He is an instant hit in society circles but struggles to contain his knowledge of the future and after a particularly uncomfortable conversation with the Duchess of Devonshire (Juliette Compton) finds himself in immediate need to get back to his own timeline. He confides his predicament to his new love "Helen" and his dilemmas begin to mount up... It's an intriguing concept, and there is plenty of subliminal social comment too. "Standish" is abhorred by the depravity, poverty and cruelty he sees when first in London - but it has also got quite a bit of a rather ungainly American superiority complex about it, too - the "Land of the Free" stuff as though 1780s Britain was some sort of demagogue's paradise. Howard was in the original 1928 stage play, so knows the part backwards and there are some nice cameos from Alan Mowbray and Beryl Mercer to help nudge it along but it runs too much to gloopy melodrama, and though not a bad film, I just think it couldn't quite decide what it wanted to be, or for whom, and I found it's romanticised moralising a bit annoying. Stylish though, looks good.