Is Napoleon's Barber Worth Watching?
Answer: Maybe not, Napoleon's Barber is likely a skip if you enjoy Drama movies.
It features a runtime of 32 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to general audiences.
Napoleon's Barber Review
Last updated: January 18, 2026
Detailed Premise & Narrative Foundations
Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 1928, Napoleon's Barber emerges as a significant entry in the Drama domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of Arthur Caesar's classic about the barber who held the fate of France in his hands, has been produced on lavish feature-film scale by John Ford, the man who made The Iron Horse and Four Sons. Unlike standard genre fare, Napoleon's Barber attempts to deconstruct traditional tropes, offering a conventional take on its central themes.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Drama is often anchored by its ensemble, and Napoleon's Barber features a noteworthy lineup led by Otto Matieson . Supported by the likes of Natalie Golitzen and Frank Reicher , the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.
Performance Analysis: While the cast delivers competent and professional performances, they are occasionally hampered by a script that leans into familiar archetypes.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?
In summary, our editorial assessment of Napoleon's Barber (1928) is mixed. With an audience rating of 5.0/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
Napoleon's Barber Plot Summary & Detailed Storyline
Quick Plot Summary: Napoleon's Barber is a Drama film that explores complex human emotions and relationships through nuanced character development. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.
Napoleon's Barber Ending Explained & Final Analysis
Ending Breakdown: Napoleon's Barber attempts to tie together its various plot elements. The finale presents its approach to drama resolution.
The emotional climax centers on character transformation, offering viewers material for post-viewing discussion.
Ending Analysis:
- Narrative Resolution: The story concludes by addressing its primary narrative threads, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
- Character Arcs: Character journeys reach their narrative endpoints, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
- Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the drama themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of Napoleon's Barber reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch Napoleon's Barber?
Consider Watching If:
- You're a completist for Drama films
- You're curious despite mixed reviews
- You have low expectations and want casual entertainment
Advertisement
Full Cast & Crew of Napoleon's Barber
- Otto Matieson – Napoleon
- Natalie Golitzen – Empress Josephine
- Frank Reicher – Napoleon's Barber
- Helen Ware – The Barber's Wife
- Philippe De Lacy – The Barber's Son
Top Highlights
Otto MatiesonNapoleon
Natalie GolitzenEmpress Josephine
Frank ReicherNapoleon's Barber
Helen WareThe Barber's Wife
Philippe De LacyThe Barber's Son
D'Arcy CorriganTailor
Russ PowellBlacksmith
Michael MarkPeasant
Buddy RooseveltFrench Officer
Ervin RenardFrench Officer
Parents Guide & Age Rating
Napoleon's Barber is rated NR.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 5/10, and global collection metrics, Napoleon's Barber stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 1928 cinematic year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Napoleon's Barber movie hit or flop?
Napoleon's Barber has received mixed reviews with a 5/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.
Is Napoleon's Barber worth watching?
Napoleon's Barber is a mixed bag. It might be worth watching if you're a fan of Drama movies, but read reviews first.
Where can I watch Napoleon's Barber online?
Napoleon's Barber may be available for rent or purchase on digital platforms like Apple TV, Google Play, or Amazon Prime Video. Specific streaming availability can vary by country.
Best Movies to Watch if you liked Napoleon's Barber
How Napoleon's Barber Compares & Where it Ranks
Critic Reviews for Napoleon's Barber
No reviews found for this filter.
movieMx Verified
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
