Night Nurse

  • 1931
  • NR
  • 72m
movieMx RATING
6.8
89
VERDICT
HIT
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Night Nurse Review: Story, Cast, Rating & Final Verdict

Last updated: May 16, 2026

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

Movie Overview: Night Nurse

MovieNight Nurse
Release Year1931
DirectorWilliam A. Wellman
GenreCrime / Drama / Comedy
Runtime72 minutes (1h 12m)
LanguageEN

🎬 Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?

Is Night Nurse (1931) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a HIT with a verified audience rating of 6.8/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Crime.

🎭 Cast & Character Study

The performances in Night Nurse are led by Barbara Stanwyck . The supporting cast, including Ben Lyon and Joan Blondell , provides the necessary layers to the central narrative.

💡 movieMx Verdict: Is it Worth Your Time?

After analyzing the verified data, our assessment of Night Nurse (1931) is generally positive—a solid choice for fans of the genre. With a platform rating of 6.8/10, it currently stands as a HIT in our database.

What Works in the Movie

Night Nurse stands out as a strong entry in the Crime 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 Crime narrative
  • Satisfying emotional or dramatic payoff

What Doesn't Work

Despite its strengths, Night Nurse 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 Crime fanbase

Story & Plot Summary: Night Nurse

Quick Plot Summary: Released in 1931, Night Nurse is a Crime, Drama, Comedy film directed by William A. Wellman, written by Oliver H.P. Garrett. The narrative dives into the criminal underworld with a grounded sense of realism and complex morality. It provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict involving Barbara Stanwyck as Lora Hart.

Ending Explained: Night Nurse

Night Nurse Ending Explained: Lora Hart manages to land a job in a hospital as a trainee nurse. Directed by William A. Wellman, this 1931 crime film stars Barbara Stanwyck (Lora Hart), alongside Ben Lyon as Mortie, Joan Blondell as Maloney, Clark Gable as Nick. With a 6.8/10 rating, the ending has divided audiences.

What Happens at the End of Night Nurse?

Lora Hart manages to land a job in a hospital as a trainee nurse. Upon completion of her training she goes to work as a night nurse for two small children who seem to be very sick, though something much more sinister is going on.

William A. Wellman's narrative builds toward a resolution centered on Barbara Stanwyck (Lora Hart)'s journey. Upon completion of her training she goes to work as a night nurse for two small children who seem to be very sick, though something much more sinister is going on.

How Does Barbara Stanwyck (Lora Hart)'s Story End?

  • Barbara Stanwyck: Barbara Stanwyck's storyline wraps up in the final act, though some viewers have found the resolution more ambiguous than expected.
  • Ben Lyon (Mortie): Ben Lyon's role in the climax proves pivotal to how the central conflict resolves.
  • Joan Blondell (Maloney): Joan Blondell's character undergoes a significant shift in the final act.

What Does the Ending of Night Nurse Mean?

Night Nurse's ending attempts to resolve the major plot threads, though some narrative elements involving Barbara Stanwyck may feel rushed. William A. Wellman's final act has been both praised for its ambition and criticized for its execution.

Night Nurse Real vs. Reel: Is it Based on a True Story?

Is Night Nurse Based on a True Story?

Yes, Night Nurse draws from real criminal cases and investigative records. Directed by William A. Wellman and starring Barbara Stanwyck, this crime, drama, comedy film explores how real events have been adapted into a dramatic narrative.

Real Story vs Movie Version of Night Nurse

The film takes creative liberties to strengthen its narrative. Certain scenes are likely dramatized to enhance emotional impact.

While inspired by real events, the narrative focuses more on storytelling than strict historical accuracy.

Accuracy Assessment: Night Nurse uses real-life inspiration as the foundation for a dramatized narrative. The film prioritizes thematic storytelling over strict documentary accuracy.

Who Should Watch Night Nurse?

Worth Watching If You:

  • Enjoy Crime films and don't mind familiar tropes
  • Are a fan of Barbara Stanwyck or the director
  • Want solid genre entertainment

At just 72 minutes, it's a quick watch.

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Where to Watch Night Nurse Online?

Streaming Hub

🎟️ Rent on

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🏷️ Buy on

Amazon VideoAmazon Video
Apple TV StoreApple TV Store
Google Play MoviesGoogle Play Movies
YouTubeYouTube
Fandango At HomeFandango At Home

Night Nurse Parents Guide & Age Rating

1931 Advisory
NR

Official Age Rating

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

Night Nurse is rated NR. Parents should be aware that it contains mature themes, violence.

⏱️ Runtime & Duration

The total runtime of Night Nurse (1931) is 72 minutes (1h 12m). Directed by William A. Wellman, the film runs for 72 minutes in its complete theatrical version.

Verdict Summary

Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 6.8/10, and global performance metrics, Night Nurse is classified as a HIT. It remains an essential part of the 1931 cinematic calendar.

HIT
Official movieMx status for Night Nurse. Rating: 6.8/10

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Night Nurse worth watching?

Night Nurse is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Crime movies. It has a verified rating of 6.8/10 and stands as a HIT in our box office analysis.

Where can I find Night Nurse parents guide and age rating?

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

What is the runtime of Night Nurse (1931)?

The runtime of Night Nurse (1931) is 72 minutes (approximately 1h 12m).

🛡️

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
★ 6.8
Night Nurse
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