Lillian Russell

  • 1940
  • NR
  • 127m
movieMx RATING
6.7
12
VERDICT
HIT
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Lillian Russell Review: Story, Cast, Rating & Final Verdict

Last updated: May 16, 2026

movieMx Editorial
📅 Updated: May 16, 2026 🎟️ Verified Screening

Movie Overview: Lillian Russell

MovieLillian Russell
Release Year1940
DirectorIrving Cummings
GenreDrama / Music
Runtime127 minutes (2h 7m)
LanguageEN

🎬 Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?

Is Lillian Russell (1940) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a HIT with a verified audience rating of 6.7/10. 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 Lillian Russell are led by Alice Faye . The supporting cast, including Don Ameche and Henry Fonda , provides the necessary layers to the central narrative.

💡 movieMx Verdict: Is it Worth Your Time?

After analyzing the verified data, our assessment of Lillian Russell (1940) is generally positive—a solid choice for fans of the genre. With a platform rating of 6.7/10, it currently stands as a HIT in our database.

What Works in the Movie

Lillian Russell stands out as a strong entry in the Drama genre. The film benefits from engaging storytelling, memorable performances, and solid production values that help keep viewers invested.

  • Compelling performances from the main cast
  • Strong visual storytelling and direction
  • Well-structured Drama narrative
  • Satisfying emotional or dramatic payoff

What Doesn't Work

Despite its strengths, Lillian Russell 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: Lillian Russell

Quick Plot Summary: Released in 1940, Lillian Russell is a Drama, Music film directed by Irving Cummings, written by William Anthony McGuire. The narrative explores complex human emotions and relationships through detailed character development. It provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict involving Alice Faye as Lillian Russell.

Ending Explained: Lillian Russell

Lillian Russell Ending Explained: Alice Faye plays the title role in this 1940 film biography of the early-20th-century stage star. Directed by Irving Cummings, this 1940 drama film stars Alice Faye (Lillian Russell), alongside Don Ameche as Edward Solomon, Henry Fonda as Alexander Moore, Edward Arnold as Diamond Jim Brady. With a 6.7/10 rating, the ending has divided audiences.

What Happens at the End of Lillian Russell?

Alice Faye plays the title role in this 1940 film biography of the early-20th-century stage star.

How Does Alice Faye (Lillian Russell)'s Story End?

  • Alice Faye: Alice Faye's storyline wraps up in the final act, though some viewers have found the resolution more ambiguous than expected.
  • Don Ameche (Edward Solomon): Don Ameche's role in the climax proves pivotal to how the central conflict resolves.
  • Henry Fonda (Alexander Moore): Henry Fonda's character undergoes a significant shift in the final act.

What Does the Ending of Lillian Russell Mean?

Lillian Russell's ending attempts to resolve the major plot threads, though some narrative elements involving Alice Faye may feel rushed. Irving Cummings's final act has been both praised for its ambition and criticized for its execution.

Lillian Russell Real vs. Reel: Is it Based on a True Story?

Is Lillian Russell Based on a True Story?

No, Lillian Russell is a work of fiction. While the drama, music film directed by Irving Cummings and starring Alice Faye may incorporate realistic themes, the characters and plot are original creations.

Who Should Watch Lillian Russell?

Worth Watching If You:

  • Enjoy Drama films and don't mind familiar tropes
  • Are a fan of Alice Faye or the director
  • Want a character-driven story with emotional moments
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Where to Watch Lillian Russell Online?

Streaming Hub

🎟️ Rent on

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🏷️ Buy on

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Lillian Russell Parents Guide & Age Rating

1940 Advisory
NR

Official Age Rating

Wondering about Lillian Russell age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:

Lillian Russell is rated NR.

⏱️ Runtime & Duration

The total runtime of Lillian Russell (1940) is 127 minutes (2h 7m). Directed by Irving Cummings, the film runs for 127 minutes in its complete theatrical version.

Verdict Summary

Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 6.7/10, and global performance metrics, Lillian Russell is classified as a HIT. It remains an essential part of the 1940 cinematic calendar.

HIT
Official movieMx status for Lillian Russell. Rating: 6.7/10

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Lillian Russell worth watching?

Lillian Russell is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Drama movies. It has a verified rating of 6.7/10 and stands as a HIT in our box office analysis.

Where can I find Lillian Russell parents guide and age rating?

The official parents guide for Lillian Russell identifies it as NR. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.

What is the runtime of Lillian Russell (1940)?

The runtime of Lillian Russell (1940) is 127 minutes (approximately 2h 7m).

🛡️

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.

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Expert Consensus
Live Rating
MOVIEMX
★ 6.7
Lillian Russell
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