Leadbelly Review: Story, Cast, Rating & Final Verdict
Last updated: May 9, 2026
Movie Overview: Leadbelly
| Movie | Leadbelly |
| Release Year | 1976 |
| Director | Gordon Parks |
| Genre | Drama |
| Runtime | 126 minutes (2h 6m) |
| Language | EN |
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is Leadbelly (1976) 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 Drama.
Cast & Character Study
The performances in Leadbelly are led by Roger E. Mosley . The supporting cast, including James Brodhead and John McDonald , provides the necessary layers to the central narrative.
movieMx Verdict: Is it Worth Your Time?
What Works in the Movie
While Leadbelly does not fully realize its potential, it still contains moments that may appeal to viewers who enjoy Drama films.
- Interesting concept or premise
- Some entertaining scenes
- Supporting cast delivers occasional highlights
What Doesn't Work
Despite its strengths, Leadbelly has a few issues that may affect the overall viewing experience, particularly in terms of pacing and narrative consistency.
- Uneven pacing in certain parts of the film
- Some predictable plot developments
- May not appeal to audiences outside the Drama fanbase
Story & Plot Summary: Leadbelly
Quick Plot Summary: Released in 1976, Leadbelly is a Drama film directed by Gordon Parks, written by Ernest Kinoy. The narrative explores complex human emotions and relationships through detailed character development. It provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict involving Roger E. Mosley as Huddie Ledbetter.
Ending Explained: Leadbelly
Leadbelly Ending Explained: Directed by Gordon Parks, Leadbelly wraps up the main storyline while leaving some interpretation to viewers. The ending highlights the core drama themes developed throughout the film.
The emotional resolution focuses on the transformation of its main characters, particularly in scenes involving Roger E. Mosley. The interpretation of the ending may vary among viewers.
Key Elements of the Ending
- Narrative Resolution: The story resolves its primary conflict while leaving room for interpretation.
- Character Development: Character motivations become clearer by the final scenes.
- Thematic Message: The ending reinforces the drama themes introduced earlier in the film.
The final moments of Leadbelly reflect the creative choices of the filmmakers and align with the tone of the narrative.
Who Should Watch Leadbelly?
Age Advisory: Rated PG.
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Drama films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of Roger E. Mosley or the director
- Want a character-driven story with emotional moments
Where to Watch Leadbelly Online?
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Fandango At HomeLeadbelly Parents Guide & Age Rating
1976 AdvisoryWondering about Leadbelly age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of Leadbelly (1976) is 126 minutes (2h 6m). Directed by Gordon Parks, the film runs for 126 minutes in its complete theatrical version.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 6.4/10, and global performance metrics, Leadbelly is classified as a ABOVE AVERAGE. It remains an essential part of the 1976 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Leadbelly worth watching?
Leadbelly is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Drama 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 Leadbelly parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for Leadbelly identifies it as PG. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the runtime of Leadbelly (1976)?
The runtime of Leadbelly (1976) is 126 minutes (approximately 2h 6m).
movieMx Verified
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.




