Man in the Moon Review: Story, Cast, Rating & Final Verdict
Last updated: May 16, 2026
Movie Overview: Man in the Moon
| Movie | Man in the Moon |
| Release Year | 1960 |
| Director | Basil Dearden |
| Genre | Comedy / Romance |
| Runtime | 98 minutes (1h 38m) |
| Language | EN |
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is Man in the Moon (1960) 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 Comedy.
Cast & Character Study
The performances in Man in the Moon are led by Kenneth More . The supporting cast, including Shirley Anne Field and Norman Bird , provides the necessary layers to the central narrative.
movieMx Verdict: Is it Worth Your Time?
What Works in the Movie
Man in the Moon stands out as a strong entry in the Comedy 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 Comedy narrative
- Satisfying emotional or dramatic payoff
What Doesn't Work
Despite its strengths, Man in the Moon 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: Man in the Moon
Quick Plot Summary: Released in 1960, Man in the Moon is a Comedy, Romance film directed by Basil Dearden, written by Michael Relph. 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 Kenneth More as William Blood.
Ending Explained: Man in the Moon
Man in the Moon Ending Explained: William is an unsuccessful guinea pig for a medical group interested in researching the common cold. Directed by Basil Dearden, this 1960 comedy film stars Kenneth More (William Blood), alongside Shirley Anne Field as Polly, Norman Bird as Herbert, Michael Hordern as Dr. Davidson. With a 6.7/10 rating, the ending has divided audiences.
What Happens at the End of Man in the Moon?
William is an unsuccessful guinea pig for a medical group interested in researching the common cold. He is soon fired and offered a job by the nearby National Atomic Research Center where they figure anyone who could fail at being a guinea pig is just what they need. They con William into thinking he will continue his guinea pig career by testing out some equipment for them before they send a group of astronauts to the moon.
Basil Dearden's narrative builds toward a resolution centered on Kenneth More (William Blood)'s journey. He is soon fired and offered a job by the nearby National Atomic Research Center where they figure anyone who could fail at being a guinea pig is just what they need.
How Does Kenneth More (William Blood)'s Story End?
- Kenneth More: Kenneth More's storyline wraps up in the final act, though some viewers have found the resolution more ambiguous than expected.
- Shirley Anne Field (Polly): Shirley Anne Field's role in the climax proves pivotal to how the central conflict resolves.
- Norman Bird (Herbert): Norman Bird's character undergoes a significant shift in the final act.
What Does the Ending of Man in the Moon Mean?
Man in the Moon's ending attempts to resolve the major plot threads, though some narrative elements involving Kenneth More may feel rushed. Basil Dearden's final act has been both praised for its ambition and criticized for its execution.
Man in the Moon Real vs. Reel: Is it Based on a True Story?
Is Man in the Moon Based on a True Story?
No, Man in the Moon is a work of fiction. While the comedy, romance film directed by Basil Dearden and starring Kenneth More may incorporate realistic themes, the characters and plot are original creations.
Who Should Watch Man in the Moon?
Age Advisory: Rated Not Rated.
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Comedy films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of Kenneth More or the director
- Want some laughs and light entertainment
Man in the Moon Parents Guide & Age Rating
1960 AdvisoryWondering about Man in the Moon age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of Man in the Moon (1960) is 98 minutes (1h 38m). Directed by Basil Dearden, the film runs for 98 minutes in its complete theatrical version.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 6.7/10, and global performance metrics, Man in the Moon is classified as a HIT. It remains an essential part of the 1960 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Man in the Moon worth watching?
Man in the Moon is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Comedy movies. It has a verified rating of 6.7/10 and stands as a HIT in our box office analysis.
Where can I find Man in the Moon parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for Man in the Moon identifies it as Not Rated. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the runtime of Man in the Moon (1960)?
The runtime of Man in the Moon (1960) is 98 minutes (approximately 1h 38m).
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.
