The Black Hand Review: Story, Cast, Rating & Final Verdict
Last updated: May 14, 2026
Movie Overview: The Black Hand
| Movie | The Black Hand |
| Release Year | 1973 |
| Director | Antonio Racioppi |
| Genre | Crime |
| Runtime | 90 minutes (1h 30m) |
| Language | IT |
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is The Black Hand (1973) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a AVERAGE with a verified audience rating of 4.8/10. 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 The Black Hand are led by Lionel Stander . The supporting cast, including Rosanna Fratello and Michele Placido , provides the necessary layers to the central narrative.
movieMx Verdict: Is it Worth Your Time?
What Works in the Movie
While The Black Hand does not fully realize its potential, it still contains moments that may appeal to viewers who enjoy Crime films.
- Interesting concept or premise
- Some entertaining scenes
- Supporting cast delivers occasional highlights
What Doesn't Work
Despite its strengths, The Black Hand 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: The Black Hand
Quick Plot Summary: Released in 1973, The Black Hand is a Crime film directed by Antonio Racioppi, written by Vinicio Marinucci. 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 Lionel Stander as Lieutenant Giuseppe Petrosino.
Ending Explained: The Black Hand
The Black Hand Ending Explained: Antonio, an Italian immigrant in New York finds himself drawn into the Mob when his options are limited and his desire to make a new life for himself becomes increasingly difficult. Directed by Antonio Racioppi, this 1973 crime film stars Lionel Stander (Lieutenant Giuseppe Petrosino), alongside Rosanna Fratello as Angela, Michele Placido as Antonio Turris, Corrado Gaipa as Lawyer. Rated 4.8/10, the conclusion has sparked discussion among viewers.
What Happens at the End of The Black Hand?
Antonio, an Italian immigrant in New York finds himself drawn into the Mob when his options are limited and his desire to make a new life for himself becomes increasingly difficult.
How Does Lionel Stander (Lieutenant Giuseppe Petrosino)'s Story End?
- Lionel Stander: Lionel Stander's storyline wraps up in the final act, though some viewers have found the resolution more ambiguous than expected.
- Rosanna Fratello (Angela): Rosanna Fratello's role in the climax proves pivotal to how the central conflict resolves.
- Michele Placido (Antonio Turris): Michele Placido's character undergoes a significant shift in the final act.
What Does the Ending of The Black Hand Mean?
The ending of The Black Hand brings the narrative to a close, though viewer reception has been mixed. The resolution of Lionel Stander's story may not satisfy all audiences.
The Black Hand Real vs. Reel: Is it Based on a True Story?
Is The Black Hand Based on a True Story?
Yes, The Black Hand draws from real criminal cases and investigative records. Directed by Antonio Racioppi and starring Lionel Stander, this crime film explores how real events have been adapted into a dramatic narrative.
Real Story vs Movie Version of The Black Hand
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: The Black Hand uses real-life inspiration as the foundation for a dramatized narrative. The film prioritizes thematic storytelling over strict documentary accuracy.
Who Should Watch The Black Hand?
Age Advisory: Rated Not Rated.
Consider Watching If:
- You're a completist for Crime films
- You're curious despite mixed reviews
- You have low expectations and want casual entertainment
Box Office Collection: The Black Hand
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Worldwide Gross | $230.0M |
| Trade Verdict | FINANCIAL DISAPPOINTMENT |
The Black Hand Parents Guide & Age Rating
1973 AdvisoryWondering about The Black Hand age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of The Black Hand (1973) is 90 minutes (1h 30m). Directed by Antonio Racioppi, the film runs for 90 minutes in its complete theatrical version.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 4.8/10, and global performance metrics, The Black Hand is classified as a AVERAGE. It remains an essential part of the 1973 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Black Hand worth watching?
The Black Hand is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Crime movies. It has a verified rating of 4.8/10 and stands as a AVERAGE in our box office analysis.
Where can I find The Black Hand parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for The Black Hand identifies it as Not Rated. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the runtime of The Black Hand (1973)?
The runtime of The Black Hand (1973) is 90 minutes (approximately 1h 30m).
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.



