Black Magic

  • 1949
  • NR
  • 105m
movieMx RATING
6.2/1022
VERDICT
ABOVE AVERAGE
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Performance & Direction: Black Magic Review

Last updated: February 17, 2026

movieMx Editorial Team
REVIEWED BY

movieMx Editorial Team

🔍 Cinematic Analysis Expert

Leading cinematic analysis expert with over 10 years of experience in Bollywood and Hollywood box office tracking. Reviewed 500+ films with a focus on narrative structure and commercial profitability.

📅 Updated: February 17, 2026 🎟️ Verified Viewing

🎬 Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?

Is Black Magic (1949) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE with a verified audience rating of 6.2/10. 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 Black Magic features a noteworthy lineup led by Orson Welles . Supported by the likes of Nancy Guild and Akim Tamiroff , 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 Black Magic (1949) is mixed. With an audience rating of 6.2/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
Result: ABOVE AVERAGE
Based on verified audience sentiment and box office trajectory, Black Magic stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE.

Story & Plot Summary: Black Magic

Quick Plot Summary: Released in 1949, Black Magic is a Drama, History film directed by Gregory Ratoff. 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 Orson Welles.

Ending Explained: Black Magic

Ending Breakdown: Directed by Gregory Ratoff, Black Magic concludes its story with a mix of closure and open interpretation. The finale presents its approach to drama resolution.

The emotional climax centers on character transformation involving Orson Welles, 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 Black Magic reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.

Black Magic Real vs. Reel: Is it Based on a True Story?

Black Magic draws heavily from documented historical records. As a drama, history film directed by Gregory Ratoff, it navigates the space between factual accuracy and narrative engagement for Orson Welles's character.

Historical Context

The film takes creative liberties to enhance dramatic impact. Core events maintain connection to source material while adapting for theatrical presentation.

Creative interpretation shapes the final narrative, with attention to period detail and historical context.

Accuracy Assessment: Black Magic adapts its source material for dramatic purposes. The film prioritizes thematic resonance over documentary precision.

Who Should Watch Black Magic?

Worth Watching If You:

  • Enjoy Drama films and don't mind familiar tropes
  • Are a fan of Orson Welles or the director
  • Want a character-driven story with emotional moments
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Top Cast: Black Magic

All Cast & Crew →
Orson Welles
Orson WellesJoseph Balsamo aka Count Cagliostro
Nancy Guild
Nancy GuildMarie Antoinette / Lorenza
Frank Latimore
Frank LatimoreGilbert de Rezel
Margot Grahame
Margot GrahameMme. du Barry
Stephen Bekassy
Stephen BekassyViscount de Montagne
Berry Kroeger
Berry KroegerAlexandre Dumas, Sr.
Gregory Gaye
Gregory GayeChambord / Monk (as Gregory Gay)
Raymond Burr
Raymond BurrAlexandre Dumas, Jr.
Charles Goldner
Charles GoldnerDr. Franz Anton Mesmer
Lee Kresel
Lee KreselKing Louis XVI / Innkeeper
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Where to Watch Black Magic Online?

Streaming Hub

Black Magic Parents Guide & Age Rating

1949 Advisory
NR

Official Age Rating

Wondering about Black Magic age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:

Black Magic is rated NR.

⏱️ Runtime & Duration

The total runtime of Black Magic is 105 minutes (1h 45m). Ensuring you have enough time for the full cinematic experience.

Verdict Summary

Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 6.2/10, and global performance metrics, Black Magic is classified as a ABOVE AVERAGE. It remains an essential part of the 1949 cinematic calendar.

ABOVE AVERAGE
Official movieMx status for Black Magic. Rating: 6.2/10

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Black Magic worth watching?

Black Magic is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Drama movies. It has a verified rating of 6.2/10 and stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE in our box office analysis.

Where can I find Black Magic parents guide and age rating?

The official parents guide for Black Magic identifies it as NR. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.

What is the total runtime of Black Magic?

The total duration of Black Magic is 105 minutes, which is approximately 1h 45m 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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Expert Consensus
Live Rating
MOVIEMX
★ 6.2
Black Magic
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