Verdict:Rise and Fall of the City of Mahagonny is a confirmed FLOP based on our analysis of audience ratings and box office momentum.
With a rating of 0.0/10, it has delivered a mixed experience for fans of the Music, Drama, Comedy genre.
Answer: Maybe not, Rise and Fall of the City of Mahagonny is likely a skip if you enjoy Music movies.
It features a runtime of 147 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to general audiences.
Last updated: January 10, 2026
Released in 1979, Rise and Fall of the City of Mahagonny enters the Music genre with a narrative focused on John Dexter’s brilliant production, James Levine’s masterful conducting of the eclectic score, and a sensational cast come together to make this Kurt Weill–Bertolt Brecht masterpiece a riveting evening of music theater. Under the direction of Brian Large, the film attempts to weave detailed character arcs with visual storytelling.
The film is anchored by performances from Richard Cassilly, Teresa Stratas, Cornell MacNeil. While the cast delivers competent performances, the script occasionally limits their range.
From a technical standpoint, Rise and Fall of the City of Mahagonny offers a competent presentation. The cinematography uses a distinct visual palette that aligns well with the tone. While the 4K mastering highlights the production value, the pacing during its 147-minute runtime can feel deliberate.
Beyond the narrative, Rise and Fall of the City of Mahagonny resonates with current cultural themes in the Music space. It stays within the established boundaries of its genre, providing exactly what core fans expect without reinventing the wheel.
As of January 2026, Rise and Fall of the City of Mahagonny is available in theaters worldwide. For streaming audiences in the US, UK, and India, look for availability on major platforms roughly 45-60 days after the theatrical release. Don't miss the high-definition experience provided by premium large format (PLF) screenings.
The plot of Rise and Fall of the City of Mahagonny centers on a unique premise within the Music landscape. John Dexter’s brilliant production, James Levine’s masterful conducting of the eclectic score, and a sensational cast come together to make this Kurt Weill–Bertolt Brecht masterpiece a riveting evening of music theater. At the center of the action is Jimmy Mahoney (Richard Cassilly), a logger who stumbles onto the city of Mahagonny, where (almost) anything is allowed. Teresa Stratas gives a mesmerizing performance as Jenny, the prostitute who takes up with Jimmy, until he is executed for the greatest of all crimes in Mahagonny—to not have any money. The legendary Astrid Varnay, in her final Met appearances, is Leocadia Begbick, and Cornell MacNeil sings Trinity Moses. The second act serves as a major turning point, leading to a climax that fans of 1979 cinema will find fairly predictable.
The ending of Rise and Fall of the City of Mahagonny has sparked significant debate on social media. It signifies the ambiguous resolution of the main plot thread. Given the current box office momentum, discussions of a Rise and Fall of the City of Mahagonny sequel or a wider cinematic universe are already gaining traction.
Final verdict for Rise and Fall of the City of Mahagonny (1979): with an audience rating of 0/10, the reception has been negative. It is a recommended for fans of Music, Drama, Comedy cinema who appreciate attention to detail.
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 0/10, and global collection metrics, Rise and Fall of the City of Mahagonny stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 1979 cinematic year.
Rise and Fall of the City of Mahagonny is considered a flop based on audience ratings of 0/10 and lower collections.
Based on the low rating of 0/10, Rise and Fall of the City of Mahagonny may not be worth watching unless you are a die-hard fan.
Rise and Fall of the City of Mahagonny is a Music, Drama, Comedy movie that John Dexter’s brilliant production, James Levine’s masterful conducting of the eclectic score, and a sensational cast come together to make this Kurt ...
