Performance & Direction: San Quentin Review
Last updated: February 23, 2026
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is San Quentin (1946) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE with a verified audience rating of 6.3/10. 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 Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Crime is often anchored by its ensemble, and San Quentin features a noteworthy lineup led by Lawrence Tierney . Supported by the likes of Barton MacLane and Marian Carr , 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?
Story & Plot Summary: San Quentin
Quick Plot Summary: Released in 1946, San Quentin is a Crime film directed by Gordon Douglas. The narrative dives into the criminal underworld with a grounded sense of realism and complex morality. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict involving Lawrence Tierney.
Ending Explained: San Quentin
Ending Breakdown: Directed by Gordon Douglas, San Quentin concludes its story with a mix of closure and open interpretation. The finale presents its approach to crime resolution.
The conclusion addresses the core thematic questions involving Lawrence Tierney, 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 crime themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of San Quentin reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
San Quentin Real vs. Reel: Is it Based on a True Story?
San Quentin incorporates elements from real criminal cases. As a crime film directed by Gordon Douglas, it navigates the space between factual accuracy and narrative engagement for Lawrence Tierney's character.
Historical Context
The film takes creative liberties to enhance dramatic impact. Core events maintain connection to source material while adapting for theatrical presentation.
Creative interpretation shapes the final narrative, focusing on emotional truth over strict chronology.
Accuracy Assessment: San Quentin adapts its source material for dramatic purposes. The film prioritizes thematic resonance over documentary precision.
Who Should Watch San Quentin?
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Crime films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of Lawrence Tierney or the director
- Want solid genre entertainment
Top Cast: San Quentin
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Where to Watch San Quentin Online?
Streaming HubSan Quentin Parents Guide & Age Rating
1946 AdvisoryWondering about San Quentin age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of San Quentin is 66 minutes (1h 6m). Ensuring you have enough time for the full cinematic experience.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 6.3/10, and global performance metrics, San Quentin is classified as a ABOVE AVERAGE. It remains an essential part of the 1946 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is San Quentin worth watching?
San Quentin is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Crime movies. It has a verified rating of 6.3/10 and stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE in our box office analysis.
Where can I find San Quentin parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for San Quentin identifies it as NR. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the total runtime of San Quentin?
The total duration of San Quentin is 66 minutes, which is approximately 1h 6m long.
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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.
