Lifeguard
Lifeguard Review: Story, Cast, Rating & Final Verdict
Last updated: May 9, 2026
Movie Overview: Lifeguard
| Movie | Lifeguard |
| Release Year | 1976 |
| Director | Daniel Petrie |
| Genre | Comedy / Drama |
| Runtime | 96 minutes (1h 36m) |
| Language | EN |
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is Lifeguard (1976) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE with a verified audience rating of 6.1/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Comedy.
Cast & Character Study
The performances in Lifeguard are led by Sam Elliott . The supporting cast, including Stephen Young and Anne Archer , provides the necessary layers to the central narrative.
movieMx Verdict: Is it Worth Your Time?
What Works in the Movie
While Lifeguard does not fully realize its potential, it still contains moments that may appeal to viewers who enjoy Comedy films.
- Interesting concept or premise
- Some entertaining scenes
- Supporting cast delivers occasional highlights
What Doesn't Work
Despite its strengths, Lifeguard 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 Comedy fanbase
Story & Plot Summary: Lifeguard
Quick Plot Summary: Released in 1976, Lifeguard is a Comedy, Drama film directed by Daniel Petrie, written by Ron Koslow. The narrative brings laughter through sharp writing and comedic timing, providing amusement while touching on deeper societal themes. It provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict involving Sam Elliott as Rick Carlson.
Ending Explained: Lifeguard
Lifeguard Ending Explained: Directed by Daniel Petrie, Lifeguard wraps up the main storyline while leaving some interpretation to viewers. The ending highlights the core comedy themes developed throughout the film.
The emotional resolution focuses on the transformation of its main characters, particularly in scenes involving Sam Elliott. 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 comedy themes introduced earlier in the film.
The final moments of Lifeguard reflect the creative choices of the filmmakers and align with the tone of the narrative.
Who Should Watch Lifeguard?
Age Advisory: Rated PG.
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Comedy films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of Sam Elliott or the director
- Want some laughs and light entertainment
Box Office Collection: Lifeguard
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $900.0K |
| Worldwide Gross | $5.4M |
| Trade Verdict | FINANCIAL DISAPPOINTMENT |
Lifeguard Budget
The estimated production budget for Lifeguard is $900.0K. This figure covers principal photography, talent acquisitions, and visual effects. When accounting for global marketing and distribution, the break-even point is typically 2x the base production cost.
Where to Watch Lifeguard Online?
Streaming Hub🎟️ Rent on
Amazon VideoLifeguard Parents Guide & Age Rating
1976 AdvisoryWondering about Lifeguard age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of Lifeguard (1976) is 96 minutes (1h 36m). Directed by Daniel Petrie, the film runs for 96 minutes in its complete theatrical version.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 6.1/10, and global performance metrics, Lifeguard is classified as a ABOVE AVERAGE. It remains an essential part of the 1976 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Lifeguard worth watching?
Lifeguard is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Comedy movies. It has a verified rating of 6.1/10 and stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE in our box office analysis.
Where can I find Lifeguard parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for Lifeguard identifies it as PG. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the runtime of Lifeguard (1976)?
The runtime of Lifeguard (1976) is 96 minutes (approximately 1h 36m).
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.
