The Charlatan Review: Story, Cast, Rating & Final Verdict
Last updated: May 15, 2026
Movie Overview: The Charlatan
| Movie | The Charlatan |
| Release Year | 1929 |
| Director | George Melford |
| Genre | Thriller |
| Runtime | 63 minutes (1h 3m) |
| Language | EN |
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is The Charlatan (1929) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a AVERAGE with a verified audience rating of 4.6/10. 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 & Character Study
The performances in The Charlatan are led by Holmes Herbert . The supporting cast, including Margaret Livingston and Rockliffe Fellowes , provides the necessary layers to the central narrative.
movieMx Verdict: Is it Worth Your Time?
What Works in the Movie
While The Charlatan does not fully realize its potential, it still contains moments that may appeal to viewers who enjoy Thriller films.
- Interesting concept or premise
- Some entertaining scenes
- Supporting cast delivers occasional highlights
What Doesn't Work
Despite its strengths, The Charlatan 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 Thriller fanbase
Story & Plot Summary: The Charlatan
Quick Plot Summary: Released in 1929, The Charlatan is a Thriller film directed by George Melford. The narrative builds tension through unpredictable twists and keeps audiences guessing until the final reveal. It provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict involving Holmes Herbert as Peter "Count Merlin" Dwight.
Ending Explained: The Charlatan
The Charlatan Ending Explained: A woman goes to a sideshow fortune-teller to have her fortune told, and is astonished when the man looks into his crystal ball and goes into great detail about events in her past that few people ever knew about. Directed by George Melford, this 1929 thriller film stars Holmes Herbert (Peter "Count Merlin" Dwight), alongside Margaret Livingston as Florence Talbot, Rockliffe Fellowes as Richard Talbot, Philo McCullough as Walter Paynter. Rated 4.6/10, the conclusion has sparked discussion among viewers.
What Happens at the End of The Charlatan?
A woman goes to a sideshow fortune-teller to have her fortune told, and is astonished when the man looks into his crystal ball and goes into great detail about events in her past that few people ever knew about. Shaken, she leaves and later tells her girlfriend about the incident. The girlfriend insists that she invite the fortune-teller to a party they're having at her house. What the woman doesn't realize is that the "fortune-teller" is actually the ex-husband she abandoned years ago, when she took their daughter and ran off with her lover. When the "charlatan" is invited to the party, he sees an opportunity to take his revenge on his faithless ex-wife.
George Melford's narrative builds toward a resolution centered on Holmes Herbert (Peter "Count Merlin" Dwight)'s journey. Shaken, she leaves and later tells her girlfriend about the incident.
How Does Holmes Herbert (Peter "Count Merlin" Dwight)'s Story End?
- Holmes Herbert: Holmes Herbert's storyline wraps up in the final act, though some viewers have found the resolution more ambiguous than expected.
- Margaret Livingston (Florence Talbot): Margaret Livingston's role in the climax proves pivotal to how the central conflict resolves.
- Rockliffe Fellowes (Richard Talbot): Rockliffe Fellowes's character undergoes a significant shift in the final act.
What Does the Ending of The Charlatan Mean?
The ending of The Charlatan brings the narrative to a close, though viewer reception has been mixed. The resolution of Holmes Herbert's story may not satisfy all audiences.
The Charlatan Real vs. Reel: Is it Based on a True Story?
Is The Charlatan Based on a True Story?
No, The Charlatan is a work of fiction. While the thriller film directed by George Melford and starring Holmes Herbert may incorporate realistic themes, the characters and plot are original creations.
Who Should Watch The Charlatan?
Age Advisory: Rated Not Rated.
Consider Watching If:
- You're a completist for Thriller films
- You're curious despite mixed reviews
- You have low expectations and want casual entertainment
At just 63 minutes, it's a quick watch.
Where to Watch The Charlatan Online?
Streaming HubThe Charlatan Parents Guide & Age Rating
1929 AdvisoryWondering about The Charlatan age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of The Charlatan (1929) is 63 minutes (1h 3m). Directed by George Melford, the film runs for 63 minutes in its complete theatrical version.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 4.6/10, and global performance metrics, The Charlatan is classified as a AVERAGE. It remains an essential part of the 1929 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Charlatan worth watching?
The Charlatan is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Thriller movies. It has a verified rating of 4.6/10 and stands as a AVERAGE in our box office analysis.
Where can I find The Charlatan parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for The Charlatan identifies it as Not Rated. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the runtime of The Charlatan (1929)?
The runtime of The Charlatan (1929) is 63 minutes (approximately 1h 3m).
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.
