Cardinal Richelieu Review: Story, Cast, Rating & Final Verdict
Last updated: May 18, 2026
Movie Overview: Cardinal Richelieu
| Movie | Cardinal Richelieu |
| Release Year | 1935 |
| Director | Rowland V. Lee |
| Genre | History / Romance / Drama |
| Runtime | 82 minutes (1h 22m) |
| Language | EN |
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is Cardinal Richelieu (1935) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a HIT with a verified audience rating of 7.3/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this History.
Cast & Character Study
The performances in Cardinal Richelieu are led by George Arliss . The supporting cast, including Edward Arnold and Maureen O'Sullivan , provides the necessary layers to the central narrative.
movieMx Verdict: Is it Worth Your Time?
What Works in the Movie
Cardinal Richelieu stands out as a strong entry in the History genre. The film benefits from engaging storytelling, memorable performances, and solid production values that help keep viewers invested.
- Compelling performances from the main cast
- Strong visual storytelling and direction
- Well-structured History narrative
- Satisfying emotional or dramatic payoff
What Doesn't Work
Despite its strengths, Cardinal Richelieu has a few issues that may affect the overall viewing experience, particularly in terms of pacing and narrative consistency.
- Uneven pacing in certain parts of the film
- Some predictable plot developments
- May not appeal to audiences outside the History fanbase
Story & Plot Summary: Cardinal Richelieu
Quick Plot Summary: Released in 1935, Cardinal Richelieu is a History, Romance, Drama film directed by Rowland V. Lee, written by Nunnally Johnson. The narrative presents a compelling narrative that engages viewers from start to finish. It provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict involving George Arliss as Cardinal Richelieu.
Ending Explained: Cardinal Richelieu
Cardinal Richelieu Ending Explained: The cunning Cardinal Richelieu must save King Louis XIII from treachery within his inner circle. Directed by Rowland V. Lee, this 1935 history film stars George Arliss (Cardinal Richelieu), alongside Edward Arnold as Louis XIII, Maureen O'Sullivan as Lenore, Cesar Romero as Andre de Pons. Rated 7.3/10 by audiences, the conclusion brings the story to a satisfying close.
What Happens at the End of Cardinal Richelieu?
The cunning Cardinal Richelieu must save King Louis XIII from treachery within his inner circle.
How Does George Arliss (Cardinal Richelieu)'s Story End?
- George Arliss: George Arliss's arc reaches a definitive conclusion by the final act, with Rowland V. Lee delivering a resolution that feels earned after the film's 1h 22m runtime.
- Edward Arnold (Louis XIII): Edward Arnold's role in the climax proves pivotal to how the central conflict resolves.
- Maureen O'Sullivan (Lenore): Maureen O'Sullivan's character undergoes a significant shift in the final act.
Is Cardinal Richelieu Based on a True Story?
Yes — Cardinal Richelieu draws from real events. The ending reflects documented outcomes, though Rowland V. Lee has taken creative liberties in dramatizing specific scenes for cinematic impact.
What Does the Ending of Cardinal Richelieu Mean?
The ending of Cardinal Richelieu ties together the narrative threads involving George Arliss. Rowland V. Lee chooses a conclusion that prioritizes thematic consistency over surprise, resulting in an ending that rewards viewers who engaged with the story's central themes.
Cardinal Richelieu Real vs. Reel: Is it Based on a True Story?
Is Cardinal Richelieu Based on a True Story?
Yes, Cardinal Richelieu is inspired by documented historical events. Directed by Rowland V. Lee and starring George Arliss, this history, romance, drama film explores how real events have been adapted into a dramatic narrative.
Real Story vs Movie Version of Cardinal Richelieu
The film balances factual inspiration with cinematic storytelling. Certain scenes are likely dramatized to enhance emotional impact.
Many viewers have praised the film for respecting the spirit of the real events.
Accuracy Assessment: Cardinal Richelieu uses real-life inspiration as the foundation for a dramatized narrative. Viewers interested in the real history may want to explore historical sources alongside the film.
Who Should Watch Cardinal Richelieu?
Age Advisory: Rated Not Rated.
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy History films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of George Arliss or the director
- Want solid genre entertainment
At just 82 minutes, it's a quick watch.
Cardinal Richelieu Parents Guide & Age Rating
1935 AdvisoryWondering about Cardinal Richelieu age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of Cardinal Richelieu (1935) is 82 minutes (1h 22m). Directed by Rowland V. Lee, the film runs for 82 minutes in its complete theatrical version.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 7.3/10, and global performance metrics, Cardinal Richelieu is classified as a HIT. It remains an essential part of the 1935 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Cardinal Richelieu worth watching?
Cardinal Richelieu is definitely worth watching if you enjoy History movies. It has a verified rating of 7.3/10 and stands as a HIT in our box office analysis.
Where can I find Cardinal Richelieu parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for Cardinal Richelieu identifies it as Not Rated. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the runtime of Cardinal Richelieu (1935)?
The runtime of Cardinal Richelieu (1935) is 82 minutes (approximately 1h 22m).
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.
