The Bat

  • 1959
  • Not Rated
  • 80m
movieMx RATING
5.9/10135
VERDICT
ABOVE AVERAGE
Advertisement

Performance & Direction: The Bat Review

Last updated: February 26, 2026

movieMx Editorial Team
REVIEWED BY

movieMx Editorial Team

🔍 Cinematic Analysis Expert

Leading cinematic analysis expert with over 10 years of experience in Bollywood and Hollywood box office tracking. Reviewed 500+ films with a focus on narrative structure and commercial profitability.

📅 Updated: February 26, 2026 🎟️ Verified Viewing

🎬 Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?

Is The Bat (1959) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE with a verified audience rating of 5.9/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Horror.

🎭 Cast Performances: A Masterclass

The success of any Horror is often anchored by its ensemble, and The Bat features a noteworthy lineup led by Vincent Price . Supported by the likes of Agnes Moorehead and Gavin Gordon , 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 The Bat (1959) is mixed. With an audience rating of 5.9/10, it stands as a decent one-time watch.
Result: ABOVE AVERAGE
Based on verified audience sentiment and box office trajectory, The Bat stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE.

Story & Plot Summary: The Bat

Quick Plot Summary: Released in 1959, The Bat is a Horror, Mystery, Thriller, Crime film directed by Crane Wilbur. The narrative crafts an atmosphere of dread and suspense, using psychological terror and visual scares. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict involving Vincent Price.

Ending Explained: The Bat

Ending Breakdown: Directed by Crane Wilbur, The Bat attempts to tie together its various plot elements. The finale presents its approach to horror resolution.

The final reveal recontextualizes earlier scenes involving Vincent Price, 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 horror themes established throughout the runtime.

The final moments of The Bat reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.

The Bat Real vs. Reel: Is it Based on a True Story?

The Bat incorporates elements from real criminal cases. As a horror, mystery, thriller, crime film directed by Crane Wilbur, it navigates the space between factual accuracy and narrative engagement for Vincent Price'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: The Bat adapts its source material for dramatic purposes. The film prioritizes thematic resonance over documentary precision.

Who Should Watch The Bat?

Consider Watching If:

  • You're a completist for Horror films
  • You're curious despite mixed reviews
  • You have low expectations and want casual entertainment
Advertisement

Top Cast: The Bat

All Cast & Crew →
Vincent Price
Vincent PriceDr. Malcolm Wells
Agnes Moorehead
Agnes MooreheadCornelia van Gorder
Gavin Gordon
Gavin GordonLt. Andy Anderson
John Sutton
John SuttonWarner, the Chauffeur
Lenita Lane
Lenita LaneLizzie Allen
Elaine Edwards
Elaine EdwardsDale Bailey
Darla Hood
Darla HoodJudy Hollander
John Bryant
John BryantMark Fleming
Harvey Stephens
Harvey StephensJohn Fleming
Mike Steele
Mike SteeleVictor Bailey
Riza Royce
Riza RoyceJane Patterson
Robert B. Williams
Robert B. WilliamsDetective Davenport
Advertisement

Where to Watch The Bat Online?

Streaming Hub

The Bat Parents Guide & Age Rating

1959 Advisory
Not Rated

Official Age Rating

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

The Bat has not been officially rated yet. Based on its genres (Horror, Mystery, Thriller, Crime), it contains frightening scenes, intense suspense, mature themes, violence.

⏱️ Runtime & Duration

The total runtime of The Bat is 80 minutes (1h 20m). Ensuring you have enough time for the full cinematic experience.

Verdict Summary

Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 5.9/10, and global performance metrics, The Bat is classified as a ABOVE AVERAGE. It remains an essential part of the 1959 cinematic calendar.

ABOVE AVERAGE
Official movieMx status for The Bat. Rating: 5.9/10

Frequently Asked Questions

Is The Bat worth watching?

The Bat is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Horror movies. It has a verified rating of 5.9/10 and stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE in our box office analysis.

Where can I find The Bat parents guide and age rating?

The official parents guide for The Bat identifies it as Not Rated. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.

What is the total runtime of The Bat?

The total duration of The Bat is 80 minutes, which is approximately 1h 20m long.

Best Movies to Watch if you liked The Bat

How The Bat Compares & Where it Ranks

Critic Reviews for The Bat

No reviews found for this filter.

🛡️

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.

Advertisement
Expert Consensus
Live Rating
MOVIEMX
★ 5.9
The Bat
<a href="https://moviemx.in/review/the-bat-35813" target="_blank" style="text-decoration:none;"><div style="background:#121212;border:1px solid #f5c518;border-radius:12px;padding:15px;width:180px;text-align:center;font-family:sans-serif;box-shadow:0 10px 20px rgba(0,0,0,0.3);"><div style="color:#f5c518;font-size:10px;font-weight:900;letter-spacing:2px;">MOVIEMX</div><div style="color:white;font-size:28px;font-weight:900;margin:8px 0;">★ 5.9</div><div style="color:#888;font-size:12px;font-weight:500;">The Bat</div></div></a>

Share this rating on your blog or website. Includes a 100% organic backlink.

More with Vincent Price

View full filmography