Performance & Direction: Condemned! Review
Last updated: February 20, 2026
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is Condemned! (1929) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE with a verified audience rating of 6.4/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Action.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Action is often anchored by its ensemble, and Condemned! features a noteworthy lineup led by Ronald Colman . Supported by the likes of Ann Harding and Louis Wolheim , 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: Condemned!
Quick Plot Summary: Released in 1929, Condemned! is a Action, Drama, Thriller film directed by Wesley Ruggles. The narrative delivers highly intense sequences and pulse-pounding confrontations that keep viewers on the edge of their seats. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict involving Ronald Colman.
Ending Explained: Condemned!
Ending Breakdown: Directed by Wesley Ruggles, Condemned! concludes its story with a mix of closure and open interpretation. The finale presents its approach to action resolution.
The final reveal recontextualizes earlier scenes involving Ronald Colman, 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 action themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of Condemned! reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch Condemned!?
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Action films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of Ronald Colman or the director
- Want an adrenaline rush without demanding perfection
Box Office Collection: Condemned!
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $600.0K |
| Trade Verdict | FINANCIAL DISAPPOINTMENT |
Condemned! Budget
The estimated production budget for Condemned! is $600.0K. 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: Condemned!
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Where to Watch Condemned! Online?
Streaming HubCondemned! Parents Guide & Age Rating
1929 AdvisoryWondering about Condemned! age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of Condemned! is 86 minutes (1h 26m). Ensuring you have enough time for the full cinematic experience.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 6.4/10, and global performance metrics, Condemned! is classified as a ABOVE AVERAGE. It remains an essential part of the 1929 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Condemned! worth watching?
Condemned! is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Action movies. It has a verified rating of 6.4/10 and stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE in our box office analysis.
Where can I find Condemned! parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for Condemned! identifies it as Not Rated. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the total runtime of Condemned!?
The total duration of Condemned! is 86 minutes, which is approximately 1h 26m long.
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Critic Reviews for Condemned!
Ronald Colman is "Michel", a debonair thief who ends up in prison on Devil's Island. Sandwiched between the shark-infested waters on one side and the bug-infested forest on then other, he is condemned to live out his days under the brutal custodianship of "Digges" (Jean Vidal), the prison warden. When he befriends Ann Harding, the put-upon wife of his nemesis, they begin to work on a daring plan to escape from their living hell. Though he was Oscar nominated for this, Colman doesn't yet have the glint in his eye that gave him star quality and so this is a bit of an unremarkable melodrama with cages and flies - but the quality of the production has held up well over it's 90 years and Wesley Ruggles keeps it all moving along nicely, if a little too predictably. If you do get an opportunity, give it a go.
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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