The Black Windmill
Performance & Direction: The Black Windmill Review
Last updated: February 17, 2026
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is The Black Windmill (1974) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE with a verified audience rating of 6.2/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Thriller.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Thriller is often anchored by its ensemble, and The Black Windmill features a noteworthy lineup led by Michael Caine . Supported by the likes of Donald Pleasence and Delphine Seyrig , 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: The Black Windmill
Quick Plot Summary: Released in 1974, The Black Windmill is a Thriller, Action, Crime film directed by Don Siegel. The narrative builds tension through unpredictable twists and keeps audiences guessing until the final reveal. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict involving Michael Caine.
Ending Explained: The Black Windmill
Ending Breakdown: Directed by Don Siegel, The Black Windmill concludes its story with a mix of closure and open interpretation. The finale presents its approach to thriller resolution.
The final reveal recontextualizes earlier scenes involving Michael Caine, 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 thriller themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of The Black Windmill reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
The Black Windmill Real vs. Reel: Is it Based on a True Story?
The Black Windmill incorporates elements from real criminal cases. As a thriller, action, crime film directed by Don Siegel, it navigates the space between factual accuracy and narrative engagement for Michael Caine'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 Black Windmill adapts its source material for dramatic purposes. The film prioritizes thematic resonance over documentary precision.
Who Should Watch The Black Windmill?
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Thriller films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of Michael Caine or the director
- Want suspenseful moments and mystery
Box Office Collection: The Black Windmill
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $1.5M |
| Trade Verdict | FINANCIAL DISAPPOINTMENT |
The Black Windmill Budget
The estimated production budget for The Black Windmill is $1.5M. This figure covers principal photography, talent acquisitions, and visual effects. When accounting for global marketing and distribution, the break-even point is typically 2x the base production cost.
Top Cast: The Black Windmill
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The Black Windmill Parents Guide & Age Rating
1974 AdvisoryWondering about The Black Windmill age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of The Black Windmill is 106 minutes (1h 46m). Ensuring you have enough time for the full cinematic experience.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 6.2/10, and global performance metrics, The Black Windmill is classified as a ABOVE AVERAGE. It remains an essential part of the 1974 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Black Windmill worth watching?
The Black Windmill is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Thriller movies. It has a verified rating of 6.2/10 and stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE in our box office analysis.
Where can I find The Black Windmill parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for The Black Windmill identifies it as PG. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the total runtime of The Black Windmill?
The total duration of The Black Windmill is 106 minutes, which is approximately 1h 46m long.
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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.
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