Performance & Direction: Dillinger Review
Last updated: February 21, 2026
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is Dillinger (1945) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE with a verified audience rating of 5.8/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Drama.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Drama is often anchored by its ensemble, and Dillinger features a noteworthy lineup led by Lawrence Tierney . Supported by the likes of Edmund Lowe and Anne Jeffreys , 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: Dillinger
Quick Plot Summary: Released in 1945, Dillinger is a Drama, Action, Thriller, Crime film directed by Max Nosseck. The narrative explores complex human emotions and relationships through detailed character development. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict involving Lawrence Tierney.
Ending Explained: Dillinger
Ending Breakdown: Directed by Max Nosseck, Dillinger attempts to tie together its various plot elements. The finale presents its approach to drama resolution.
The final reveal recontextualizes earlier scenes involving Lawrence Tierney, 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 drama themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of Dillinger reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Dillinger Real vs. Reel: Is it Based on a True Story?
Dillinger incorporates elements from real criminal cases. As a drama, action, thriller, crime film directed by Max Nosseck, it navigates the space between factual accuracy and narrative engagement for Lawrence Tierney'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: Dillinger adapts its source material for dramatic purposes. The film prioritizes thematic resonance over documentary precision.
Who Should Watch Dillinger?
Consider Watching If:
- You're a completist for Drama films
- You're curious despite mixed reviews
- You have low expectations and want casual entertainment
Top Cast: Dillinger
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Where to Watch Dillinger Online?
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Amazon VideoDillinger Parents Guide & Age Rating
1945 AdvisoryWondering about Dillinger age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of Dillinger is 70 minutes (1h 10m). Ensuring you have enough time for the full cinematic experience.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 5.8/10, and global performance metrics, Dillinger is classified as a ABOVE AVERAGE. It remains an essential part of the 1945 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Dillinger worth watching?
Dillinger is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Drama movies. It has a verified rating of 5.8/10 and stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE in our box office analysis.
Where can I find Dillinger parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for Dillinger identifies it as NR. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the total runtime of Dillinger?
The total duration of Dillinger is 70 minutes, which is approximately 1h 10m long.
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How Dillinger Compares & Where it Ranks
Critic Reviews for Dillinger
Remember me? John Dillinger (Lawrence Tierney) was an Indiana farm boy who had a thirst for cash, once realising where the cash was, Dillinger rose to become the 1930s public enemy number 1. This portrayal of a man who not only terrified the public, but also captivated them wholesale, benefits from an excellent screenplay courtesy of Philip Yordan. The picture's strength is not in purely aiming for entertainment values in guns and robbery rampage, it begs the questions of what made Dillinger the man he was? Was it an early stint in the big house that marked his life out for him? was his unison with Specs Green merely igniting a murderous rage within? or was Dillinger just a greedy bastard who was rotten to the core? Running at only 70 minutes, and filmed on a "B" movie budget, Dillinger comes out as something of a triumph within the gangster genre. Posing questions and providing moments of genuine unease, it may just be one of the best gangster films that does not starg Cagney, Bogart or Eddy G. Stirring stuff, from a vengeful return to a bar, to the ripper of a finale, Dillinger is to me holding up considerably well in this day and age of pictures over killing violence for violence sake. 7/10
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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.
