Is High Explosive Worth Watching?
Answer: Maybe not, High Explosive is likely a skip if you enjoy Action movies.
It features a runtime of 63 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to general audiences.
High Explosive Review
Last updated: January 2026
Mike Douglas (Barry Sullivan), owner of a nitroglycerin concern hires his old friend "Buzz" Mitchell (Chester Morris), a race-driver of midget-auto cars who has been banned from racing, to go to work hauling nitro. "Buzz" makes a play for Connie Baker (Jean Parker), Mike's secretary and girlfriend, and also for Doris Lynch (Barbara Lynn), fiancée of Connie's younger brother, Jimmy ('Rand Brooks'), and gets Jimmy to replace him on a dangerous nitro haul and Jimmy, of course, has an accident and gets killed. But "Buzz" finds a way to redeem himself. The hard way.
In terms of production quality and narrative depth, High Explosive offers a middle-of-the-road story that resonates with its target audience. The direction and cast performances are noteworthy, contributing to its overall commercial footprint.
Cast of High Explosive
- Chester Morris – Buzz Mitchell
- Jean Parker – Connie Baker
- Barry Sullivan – Mike Douglas
- Ralph Sanford – Squinchy Andrews
- Rand Brooks – Jimmy Baker
Top Highlights
Chester MorrisBuzz Mitchell
Jean ParkerConnie Baker
Barry SullivanMike Douglas
Ralph SanfordSquinchy Andrews
Rand BrooksJimmy Baker
Dick PurcellDave
Jack RandallJoe (as Allan Byron)
Barbara LynnDoris Lynch
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 5.7/10, and global collection metrics, High Explosive stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 1943 cinematic year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is High Explosive movie hit or flop?
High Explosive has received mixed reviews with a 5.7/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.
Is High Explosive worth watching?
High Explosive is a mixed bag. It might be worth watching if you're a fan of Action, Drama movies, but read reviews first.
What genre is High Explosive?
High Explosive is a Action, Drama movie that Mike Douglas (Barry Sullivan), owner of a nitroglycerin concern hires his old friend "Buzz" Mitchell (Chester Morris), a race-driver of midget-auto ca...
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Critic Reviews
Barry Sullivan is a sort of Red Adair type, his company uses high explosives to put out dangerous fires. He recruits his old pal "Buzz" (Chester Morris) to help ship the nitro around and is rewarded by his pal hitting on his girlfriend "Connie" (Jean Parker) and on his younger brother's "Doris" (Barbara Lynn) too! Things don't quite go to plan for our Lothario and when tragedy ensues whilst he is shirking his duties, he has some making up to do! This has nothing memorable about it at all. it's a workmanlike vehicle for an engaging enough Morris with some decent pyrotechnics, a well travelled storyline and an efficient production that has a few (laboured) jokes before quite a strong last five minutes when it all comes to a head. Kills an hour.