City on Fire
City on Fire Review: Story, Cast, Rating & Final Verdict
Last updated: May 17, 2026
Movie Overview: City on Fire
| Movie | City on Fire |
| Release Year | 1979 |
| Director | Alvin Rakoff |
| Genre | Action |
| Runtime | 106 minutes (1h 46m) |
| Language | EN |
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is City on Fire (1979) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a AVERAGE with a verified audience rating of 5.1/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Action.
Cast & Character Study
The performances in City on Fire are led by Barry Newman . The supporting cast, including Susan Clark and Shelley Winters , provides the necessary layers to the central narrative.
movieMx Verdict: Is it Worth Your Time?
What Works in the Movie
While City on Fire does not fully realize its potential, it still contains moments that may appeal to viewers who enjoy Action films.
- Interesting concept or premise
- Some entertaining scenes
- Supporting cast delivers occasional highlights
What Doesn't Work
Despite its strengths, City on Fire 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 Action fanbase
Story & Plot Summary: City on Fire
Quick Plot Summary: Released in 1979, City on Fire is a Action film directed by Alvin Rakoff, written by Jack Hill. The narrative delivers highly intense sequences and pulse-pounding confrontations that keep viewers on the edge of their seats. It provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict involving Barry Newman as Dr. Frank Whitman.
Ending Explained: City on Fire
City on Fire Ending Explained: An ex-employee of a city oil refinery creates an explosion at the facility which starts a chain-reaction of fires that engulf the entire city. Directed by Alvin Rakoff, this 1979 action film stars Barry Newman (Dr. Frank Whitman), alongside Susan Clark as Diana Brockhurst-Lautrec, Shelley Winters as Nurse Andrea Harper, Leslie Nielsen as Mayor William Dudley. Rated 5.1/10, the conclusion has sparked discussion among viewers.
What Happens at the End of City on Fire?
An ex-employee of a city oil refinery creates an explosion at the facility which starts a chain-reaction of fires that engulf the entire city.
How Does Barry Newman (Dr. Frank Whitman)'s Story End?
- Barry Newman: Barry Newman's storyline wraps up in the final act, though some viewers have found the resolution more ambiguous than expected.
- Susan Clark (Diana Brockhurst-Lautrec): Susan Clark's role in the climax proves pivotal to how the central conflict resolves.
- Shelley Winters (Nurse Andrea Harper): Shelley Winters's character undergoes a significant shift in the final act.
What Does the Ending of City on Fire Mean?
The ending of City on Fire brings the narrative to a close, though viewer reception has been mixed. The resolution of Barry Newman's story may not satisfy all audiences.
City on Fire Real vs. Reel: Is it Based on a True Story?
Is City on Fire Based on a True Story?
No, City on Fire is a work of fiction. While the action film directed by Alvin Rakoff and starring Barry Newman may incorporate realistic themes, the characters and plot are original creations.
Who Should Watch City on Fire?
Age Advisory: Rated R — not suitable for younger viewers.
Consider Watching If:
- You're a completist for Action films
- You're curious despite mixed reviews
- You have low expectations and want casual entertainment
Where to Watch City on Fire Online?
Streaming HubCity on Fire Parents Guide & Age Rating
1979 AdvisoryWondering about City on Fire age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of City on Fire (1979) is 106 minutes (1h 46m). Directed by Alvin Rakoff, the film runs for 106 minutes in its complete theatrical version.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 5.1/10, and global performance metrics, City on Fire is classified as a AVERAGE. It remains an essential part of the 1979 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is City on Fire worth watching?
City on Fire is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Action movies. It has a verified rating of 5.1/10 and stands as a AVERAGE in our box office analysis.
Where can I find City on Fire parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for City on Fire identifies it as R. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the runtime of City on Fire (1979)?
The runtime of City on Fire (1979) is 106 minutes (approximately 1h 46m).
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.
