Performance & Direction: Daybreak Review
Last updated: February 25, 2026
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is Daybreak (1948) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE with a verified audience rating of 6.0/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Crime.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Crime is often anchored by its ensemble, and Daybreak features a noteworthy lineup led by Ann Todd . Supported by the likes of Eric Portman and Bill Owen , 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: Daybreak
Quick Plot Summary: Released in 1948, Daybreak is a Crime, Drama, Thriller film directed by Compton Bennett. The narrative dives into the criminal underworld with a grounded sense of realism and complex morality. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict involving Ann Todd.
Ending Explained: Daybreak
Ending Breakdown: Directed by Compton Bennett, Daybreak concludes its story with a mix of closure and open interpretation. The finale presents its approach to crime resolution.
The final reveal recontextualizes earlier scenes involving Ann Todd, 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 crime themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of Daybreak reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Daybreak Real vs. Reel: Is it Based on a True Story?
Daybreak incorporates elements from real criminal cases. As a crime, drama, thriller film directed by Compton Bennett, it navigates the space between factual accuracy and narrative engagement for Ann Todd'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, focusing on emotional truth over strict chronology.
Accuracy Assessment: Daybreak adapts its source material for dramatic purposes. The film prioritizes thematic resonance over documentary precision.
Who Should Watch Daybreak?
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Crime films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of Ann Todd or the director
- Want solid genre entertainment
Top Cast: Daybreak
All Cast & Crew →
Daybreak Parents Guide & Age Rating
1948 AdvisoryWondering about Daybreak age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of Daybreak is 75 minutes (1h 15m). Ensuring you have enough time for the full cinematic experience.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 6.0/10, and global performance metrics, Daybreak is classified as a ABOVE AVERAGE. It remains an essential part of the 1948 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Daybreak worth watching?
Daybreak is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Crime movies. It has a verified rating of 6/10 and stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE in our box office analysis.
Where can I find Daybreak parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for Daybreak identifies it as NR. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the total runtime of Daybreak?
The total duration of Daybreak is 75 minutes, which is approximately 1h 15m long.
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Critic Reviews for Daybreak
I reckon this has to be the best outing for Ann Todd ("Frankie") that I've seen. Here she plays the girlfriend of Eric Portman ("Eddie") who is really a hangman, but who doesn't want her to know so pretends to be a salesman to explain his frequent, and often overnight, absences from their home on a barge he has inherited. It's during one of those absences that she finds herself the focus of the unwarranted attentions of the rather uncouth "Olaf" (Maxwell Reed) and... Compton Bennett has created a clever piece of cinema here; we are given much of the bones of the story but have to come to a few of our own conclusions as tragedy ensues. According to the BBFC, the film wasn't cut at the time but it doesn't look like it - there are gaps that sort of make sense, but there are quite a few that clearly don't and that disjoints the narrative and occasionally spoils what is otherwise a complex tale. Well worth a gander.
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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.
