Performance & Direction: Smokescreen Review
Last updated: February 15, 2026
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is Smokescreen (1964) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a HIT with a verified audience rating of 7.2/10. 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 Smokescreen features a noteworthy lineup led by Peter Vaughan . Supported by the likes of John Carson and Yvonne Romain , 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: Smokescreen
Quick Plot Summary: Released in 1964, Smokescreen is a Crime, Mystery film directed by Jim O'Connolly. 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 Peter Vaughan.
Ending Explained: Smokescreen
Ending Breakdown: Directed by Jim O'Connolly, Smokescreen resolves its central conflict while maintaining thematic consistency. The finale has been praised for its approach to crime resolution.
The final reveal recontextualizes earlier scenes involving Peter Vaughan, offering viewers material for post-viewing discussion.
Ending Analysis:
- Narrative Resolution: The story concludes with clear resolution of its central conflicts, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
- Character Arcs: Main characters complete meaningful transformations, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
- Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the crime themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of Smokescreen reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Smokescreen Real vs. Reel: Is it Based on a True Story?
Smokescreen incorporates elements from real criminal cases. As a crime, mystery film directed by Jim O'Connolly, it navigates the space between factual accuracy and narrative engagement for Peter Vaughan's character.
Historical Context
The film balances historical fidelity with cinematic storytelling. Core events maintain connection to source material while adapting for theatrical presentation.
The production demonstrates respect for its source material, focusing on emotional truth over strict chronology.
Accuracy Assessment: Smokescreen adapts its source material for dramatic purposes. The film prioritizes thematic resonance over documentary precision.
Who Should Watch Smokescreen?
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Crime films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of Peter Vaughan or the director
- Want solid genre entertainment
Top Cast: Smokescreen
All Cast & Crew →
Where to Watch Smokescreen Online?
Streaming HubSmokescreen Parents Guide & Age Rating
1964 AdvisoryWondering about Smokescreen age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of Smokescreen is 70 minutes (1h 10m). Ensuring you have enough time for the full cinematic experience.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 7.2/10, and global performance metrics, Smokescreen is classified as a HIT. It remains an essential part of the 1964 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Smokescreen worth watching?
Smokescreen is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Crime movies. It has a verified rating of 7.2/10 and stands as a HIT in our box office analysis.
Where can I find Smokescreen parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for Smokescreen identifies it as Not Rated. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the total runtime of Smokescreen?
The total duration of Smokescreen is 70 minutes, which is approximately 1h 10m long.
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Critic Reviews for Smokescreen
This is quite an interesting yarn about an insurance assessor "Roper" (Peter Vaughan) sent to look into a large claim after a businessman goes missing. Fairly swiftly, he discovers it's really a case of potential murder and his naturally inquisitive, meticulous, nature encourages him to investigate. It's not too long before he is embroiled in a tale of money, debts, adultery and corpse-hunting. It's not exactly the stuff of Hercule Poirot, and the production is all a low-budget affair, but Vaughan carries it all off quite well as he tries to pull together the threads of infidelity and fraud, and with solid supporting contributions from John Carson and Yvonne Romain to keep the waters muddy for a time, it passes an hour effortlessly enough.
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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.
