Performance & Direction: Fly By Night Review
Last updated: February 20, 2026
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is Fly By Night (1942) 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 Thriller.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Thriller is often anchored by its ensemble, and Fly By Night features a noteworthy lineup led by Richard Carlson . Supported by the likes of Nancy Kelly and Albert Bassermann , 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: Fly By Night
Quick Plot Summary: Released in 1942, Fly By Night is a Thriller, Comedy film directed by Robert Siodmak. The narrative builds tension through unpredictable twists and keeps audiences guessing until the final reveal. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict involving Richard Carlson.
Ending Explained: Fly By Night
Ending Breakdown: Directed by Robert Siodmak, Fly By Night concludes its story with a mix of closure and open interpretation. The finale presents its approach to thriller resolution.
The final reveal recontextualizes earlier scenes involving Richard Carlson, 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 thriller themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of Fly By Night reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch Fly By Night?
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Thriller films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of Richard Carlson or the director
- Want suspenseful moments and mystery
Top Cast: Fly By Night
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Fly By Night Parents Guide & Age Rating
1942 AdvisoryWondering about Fly By Night age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of Fly By Night is 74 minutes (1h 14m). 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, Fly By Night is classified as a ABOVE AVERAGE. It remains an essential part of the 1942 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Fly By Night worth watching?
Fly By Night is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Thriller 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 Fly By Night parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for Fly By Night identifies it as NR. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the total runtime of Fly By Night?
The total duration of Fly By Night is 74 minutes, which is approximately 1h 14m long.
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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.









