Is The Bribe Worth Watching?
Answer: Yes, The Bribe is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Crime movies.
It features a runtime of 98 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to mature audiences.
The Bribe Review
Last updated: January 11, 2026
The Premise
Released in 1949, The Bribe enters the Crime genre with a narrative focused on United States Federal agent Rigby travels to the Central American island Carlotta to investigate a stolen aircraft engines smuggling racket. Under the direction of Robert Z. Leonard, the film attempts to weave detailed character arcs with visual storytelling.
Cast & Performance
The film is anchored by performances from Robert Taylor. While the cast delivers competent performances, the script occasionally limits their range.
Technical Mastery & Style
From a technical standpoint, The Bribe offers a competent presentation. The cinematography uses a distinct visual palette that aligns well with the tone. The sharp editing keeps the narrative moving at a brisk pace, maximizing the impact of the key sequences.
Social Impact & Cultural Context
Beyond the narrative, The Bribe resonates with current cultural themes in the Crime space. It stays within the established boundaries of its genre, providing exactly what core fans expect without reinventing the wheel.
Where to Watch & Streaming Info
As of early 2026, The Bribe is available in theaters worldwide. For audiences in the US, UK, and India, digital rentals are typically available on platforms like Amazon Prime and Apple TV roughly 45-60 days after the theatrical release.
Narrative Arc & Plot Breakdown
The plot of The Bribe centers on a unique premise within the Crime landscape. United States Federal agent Rigby travels to the Central American island Carlotta to investigate a stolen aircraft engines smuggling racket. The second act serves as a major turning point, leading to a climax that fans of 1949 cinema will find fairly predictable.
Ending Explained & Sequel Potential
The ending of The Bribe has sparked significant debate on social media. It signifies the ambiguous resolution of the main plot thread. Given the current box office momentum, discussions of a The Bribe sequel or a wider cinematic universe are already gaining traction.
Final Editorial Verdict
Final verdict for The Bribe (1949): with an audience rating of 6.2/10, the reception has been divisive. It is a recommended for fans of Crime, Drama, Thriller cinema who appreciate attention to detail.
Parents Guide & Age Rating
The Bribe has not been officially rated yet. However, due to its genre classification (Crime, Drama, Thriller), viewers should expect mature themes, violence.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 6.2/10, and global collection metrics, The Bribe stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 1949 cinematic year.
Official Trailer
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Bribe movie hit or flop?
The Bribe has received mixed reviews with a 6.2/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.
Is The Bribe worth watching?
The Bribe is a mixed bag. It might be worth watching if you're a fan of Crime, Drama, Thriller movies, but read reviews first.
Where can I watch The Bribe online?
The Bribe may be available for rent or purchase on digital platforms like Apple TV, Google Play, or Amazon Prime Video. Specific streaming availability can vary by country.
Explore More Verdicts
More with Robert Taylor
View full filmography
People Also Ask (FAQs)
Is The Bribe movie hit or flop?
The Bribe has received mixed reviews with a 6.2/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.
Is The Bribe worth watching?
The Bribe is a mixed bag. It might be worth watching if you're a fan of Crime, Drama, Thriller movies, but read reviews first.
Where can I watch The Bribe online?
The Bribe may be available for rent or purchase on digital platforms like Apple TV, Google Play, or Amazon Prime Video. Specific streaming availability can vary by country.
What is the story of The Bribe?
The Bribe is a Crime, Drama, Thriller movie that follows: United States Federal agent Rigby travels to the Central American island Carlotta to investigate a stolen aircraft engines smuggling racket....
Is The Bribe family friendly?
The Bribe falls under Crime, Drama, Thriller, which often contain intense scenes. Parental discretion is advised.
What language is The Bribe available in?
The Bribe is primarily available in its original language, with subtitles and dubbed versions available on various streaming services and digital stores.
Synopsis
United States Federal agent Rigby travels to the Central American island Carlotta to investigate a stolen aircraft engines smuggling racket.
Critic Reviews
I never knew a crooked road could look so straight. The Bribe is directed by Robert Z. Leonard and written by Marguerite Roberts. It stars Robert Taylor, Ava Gardner, Charles Laughton, Vincent Price and John Hodiak. Music is by Miklós Rózsa and cinematography by Joseph Ruttenberg. Federal agent Rigby (Taylor) is assigned to the island of Carlotta to investigate the illegal trafficking of war-surplus aircraft parts. He quickly finds out that it's not just the weather that is hot... Frustrating! Out of MGM, The Bribe bites off more than it can chew. On one hand you have a cast guaranteed to either make you swoon or hiss at, on the other it's a cheaply staged production coasting on the star power and high end technical credits. Everything about the piece screams out that the execs put all the money into the casting, the hiring of a master musical composer and a cinematographer of some standing. On the page, the realisation of such, it's laborious, needlessly convoluted and really rather dull. It's no surprise to find during research that Taylor himself felt it was one of the worst films he ever made! It all looks so fake, from the crude back screen projections and spliced scenes from elsewhere, to the backlot set that looks about as close to a warm tropical island as an igloo does. On the plus side is Ruttenberg's photography, superb in contrasts and shadowy whiles (the slats are amazing), while Taylor's dry narration really engages, it's these aspects that explains why the film has found its way into some film noir bibles. Gardner and Taylor sizzle with sexuality, their on screen affair being played out for real off screen - much to the consternation of one Barbara Stanwyck. Laughton sweats and limps a lot whilst making a weasel look honourable, Price does the twirling moustache villainy he was so great at, while Hodiak shows good pathos as a drunk clearly in over his head with all aspects of his life. Fans of the stars get good value, but this has to go down as a wasted opportunity. It failed at the box office and ultimately - in spite of some splendid film noir tints - it's not hard to see why. 5.5/10