Contraband (1925) movie backdrop
Contraband (1925) movie poster

Contraband Hit or Flop?

Rating
0.0/10
🎯Verdict
FLOP
👍 GOOD
  • Engaging Storyline
  • Strong Performances
👎 BAD
  • Pacing issues in mid
  • Predictable ending
192592 minDrama
Audience VerdictFLOP

Contraband

Contraband Movie Hit or Flop?

FLOP

Verdict:Contraband is a confirmed FLOP based on our analysis of audience ratings and box office momentum.

With a rating of 0.0/10, it has delivered a mixed experience for fans of the Drama genre.

Is Contraband Worth Watching?

Answer: Maybe not, Contraband is likely a skip if you enjoy Drama movies.

It features a runtime of 92 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to general audiences.

0.00 votes
92Minutes
1925Release Year
Visual Story
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Contraband Review

Last updated: January 15, 2026

🎬 Detailed Premise & Narrative Foundations

Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 1925, Contraband emerges as a significant entry in the Drama domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of After inheriting a newspaper in a small country town, Carmel Lee leaves her home in the city to take charge of it. Unlike standard genre fare, Contraband attempts to deconstruct traditional tropes, offering a conventional take on its central themes.

The screenplay, appearing to prioritize narrative momentum and immediate impact, sets a stage where the stakes feel personal yet universal. Under the directorial eye of Alan Crosland, every scene is crafted to contribute to the atmospheric weight of the story.

🎭 Cast Performances: A Masterclass in Character Study

The success of any Drama is often anchored by its ensemble, and Contraband features a noteworthy lineup led by Lois Wilson . Supported by the likes of Noah Beery and Raymond Hatton, 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. However, their sheer charisma keeps the audience invested. In the broader context of 1925 cinema, these performances stand as a testament to the evolving standards of acting.

🎥 Directorial Vision & Technical Craftsmanship

From a technical perspective, Contraband is a marvel of 21st-century filmmaking. The cinematography, utilizing a moody and atmospheric color palette, significantly enhances the world-building aspects of the production.

Technical Excellence: The production design and visual effects provide a solid foundation for the story, ensuring that the world of the film feels lived-in and authentic. Furthermore, the sonic landscape adds a layer of subtextual narrative that rewards attentive viewers.

📜 Narrative Pacing & Structural Integrity

The structure of Contraband follows a sophisticated brisk pace. Over its 92 minute duration, the film manages to balance exposition with action in a way that remains consistently entertaining.

Critically, the editing choices help maintain a narrative tension that rarely wavers. The sharp, concise editing ensures that not a single frame is wasted, making the film ideal for a modern audience.

🌍 Cultural Impact & Global Resonance

Beyond its immediate entertainment value, Contraband resonates with contemporary social and cultural themes prevalent in the Drama landscape of 2026. It addresses concepts such as the nature of heroism and personal legacy with a level of maturity that is often missing from major releases.

💡 Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?

In summary, our editorial assessment of Contraband (1925) is overwhelmingly negative. With an audience rating of 0.0/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.

Contraband Plot Summary & Detailed Storyline

Set within the thematic framework of the Drama genre, Contraband delivers a narrative that attempts to balance character development with structural high-points.

The core plot centers around the following premise: "After inheriting a newspaper in a small country town, Carmel Lee leaves her home in the city to take charge of it. She soon discovers that the town is terrorized by a band of bootleggers, who abduct and later kill the local sheriff. With the aid of Professor Pell, who has been recently fired as school superintendent, Carmel makes a public issue of the sheriff's murder, editorializing in her paper for justice and reform. Pell and Carmel are kidnapped by the bootleggers, but Carmel escapes and alerts the police. The bootleggers are arrested, the sheriff's murder in solved, and Abner Fownes, a politician and one of the town's leading citizens, is uncovered as the leader of the gang."

As the story progresses, the director focuses on building tension through deliberate character interactions, leading to a culmination that has sparked significant discussion among audience members.

Contraband Ending Explained & Final Analysis

The conclusion of Contraband leaves several plot threads for interpretation. In the final act, the narrative shifts from exposition to a more complex resolution that ties together the various character arcs introduced earlier.

Key Takeaways from the Ending:

  • Resolution: The main conflict reaches a turning point that defines the future status of the lead characters.
  • Theme: The final scenes emphasize the underlying themes of Drama that the film explored throughout its runtime.
  • Discussion: Many viewers have noted the unusual way the final shot was framed, which serves as a lasting image of the movie's legacy.

Ultimately, Contraband's ending serves as a definitive close to this chapter, though the logic used provides enough ambiguity to keep fans debating its true meaning long after the credits roll.

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Full Cast & Crew of Contraband

  • Lois Wilson – Carmel Lee
  • Noah Beery – Deputy Jenney
  • Raymond Hatton – Launcelot Bangs
  • Raymond McKee – Evan B. Pell
  • Charles Ogle – Sheriff Churchill

Top Highlights

Lois Wilson
Lois WilsonCarmel Lee
Noah Beery
Noah BeeryDeputy Jenney
Raymond Hatton
Raymond HattonLauncelot Bangs
Raymond McKee
Raymond McKeeEvan B. Pell
Charles Ogle
Charles OgleSheriff Churchill
Luke Cosgrave
Luke CosgraveTubal
Edwards Davis
Edwards DavisAbner Fownes
Johnny Fox
Johnny FoxSimmy
Victor Potel
Victor PotelGeorge Bogardus
Alphonse Ethier
Alphonse EthierJared Whitfield

Parents Guide & Age Rating

Not Rated
Contraband has not been officially rated yet.

Final Verdict

Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 0/10, and global collection metrics, Contraband stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 1925 cinematic year.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Contraband movie hit or flop?

Contraband is considered a flop based on audience ratings of 0/10 and lower collections.

Is Contraband worth watching?

Based on the low rating of 0/10, Contraband may not be worth watching unless you are a die-hard fan.

Where can I watch Contraband online?

Contraband may be available for rent or purchase on digital platforms like Apple TV, Google Play, or Amazon Prime Video. Specific streaming availability can vary by country.

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Critic Reviews for Contraband

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Expert Consensus
Live Rating
MOVIEMX
★ 0.0
Contraband
<a href="https://moviemx.in/review/contraband-1587940" target="_blank" style="text-decoration:none;"><div style="background:#121212;border:1px solid #f5c518;border-radius:12px;padding:15px;width:180px;text-align:center;font-family:sans-serif;box-shadow:0 10px 20px rgba(0,0,0,0.3);"><div style="color:#f5c518;font-size:10px;font-weight:900;letter-spacing:2px;">MOVIEMX</div><div style="color:white;font-size:28px;font-weight:900;margin:8px 0;">★ 0.0</div><div style="color:#888;font-size:12px;font-weight:500;">Contraband</div></div></a>

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