Performance & Direction: Big City Review
Last updated: February 23, 2026
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is Big City (1937) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a HIT with a verified audience rating of 7.4/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Drama.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Drama is often anchored by its ensemble, and Big City features a noteworthy lineup led by Luise Rainer . Supported by the likes of Spencer Tracy and Charley Grapewin , 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: Big City
Quick Plot Summary: Released in 1937, Big City is a Drama film directed by Frank Borzage. The narrative explores complex human emotions and relationships through detailed character development. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict involving Luise Rainer.
Ending Explained: Big City
Ending Breakdown: Directed by Frank Borzage, Big City resolves its central conflict while maintaining thematic consistency. The finale has been praised for its approach to drama resolution.
The emotional climax centers on character transformation involving Luise Rainer, offering viewers material for post-viewing discussion.
Ending Analysis:
- Narrative Resolution: The story concludes with clear resolution of its central conflicts, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
- Character Arcs: Main characters complete meaningful transformations, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
- Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the drama themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of Big City reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch Big City?
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Drama films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of Luise Rainer or the director
- Want a character-driven story with emotional moments
Box Office Collection: Big City
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $621.0K |
| Worldwide Gross | $1.6M |
| Trade Verdict | CLEAN HIT |
Big City Budget
The estimated production budget for Big City is $621.0K. This figure covers principal photography, talent acquisitions, and visual effects. When accounting for global marketing and distribution, the break-even point is typically 2x the base production cost.
Top Cast: Big City
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Big City Parents Guide & Age Rating
1937 AdvisoryWondering about Big City age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of Big City is 80 minutes (1h 20m). Ensuring you have enough time for the full cinematic experience.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 7.4/10, and global performance metrics, Big City is classified as a HIT. It remains an essential part of the 1937 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Big City worth watching?
Big City is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Drama movies. It has a verified rating of 7.4/10 and stands as a HIT in our box office analysis.
Where can I find Big City parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for Big City identifies it as NR. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the total runtime of Big City?
The total duration of Big City is 80 minutes, which is approximately 1h 20m long.
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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.
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