The City Review: Story, Cast, Rating & Final Verdict
Last updated: May 14, 2026
Movie Overview: The City
| Movie | The City |
| Release Year | 1971 |
| Director | Daniel Petrie |
| Genre | Drama / TV Movie |
| Runtime | 100 minutes (1h 40m) |
| Language | EN |
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is The City (1971) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a AVERAGE with a verified audience rating of 4.5/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Drama.
Cast & Character Study
The performances in The City are led by Anthony Quinn . The supporting cast, including E.G. Marshall and Robert Reed , provides the necessary layers to the central narrative.
movieMx Verdict: Is it Worth Your Time?
What Works in the Movie
While The City does not fully realize its potential, it still contains moments that may appeal to viewers who enjoy Drama films.
- Interesting concept or premise
- Some entertaining scenes
- Supporting cast delivers occasional highlights
What Doesn't Work
Despite its strengths, The City 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 Drama fanbase
Story & Plot Summary: The City
Quick Plot Summary: Released in 1971, The City is a Drama, TV Movie film directed by Daniel Petrie, written by Howard Rodman. The narrative explores complex human emotions and relationships through detailed character development. It provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict involving Anthony Quinn as Mayor Thomas Jefferson Alcala.
Ending Explained: The City
The City Ending Explained: The trials and tribulations of the first Hispanic mayor of a major Southwestern city. Directed by Daniel Petrie, this 1971 drama film stars Anthony Quinn (Mayor Thomas Jefferson Alcala), alongside E.G. Marshall as Sheridan Hugotor, Robert Reed as Sealy Graham, Pat Hingle as Ira Groom. Rated 4.5/10, the conclusion has sparked discussion among viewers.
What Happens at the End of The City?
The trials and tribulations of the first Hispanic mayor of a major Southwestern city.
How Does Anthony Quinn (Mayor Thomas Jefferson Alcala)'s Story End?
- Anthony Quinn: Anthony Quinn's storyline wraps up in the final act, though some viewers have found the resolution more ambiguous than expected.
- E.G. Marshall (Sheridan Hugotor): E.G. Marshall's role in the climax proves pivotal to how the central conflict resolves.
- Robert Reed (Sealy Graham): Robert Reed's character undergoes a significant shift in the final act.
What Does the Ending of The City Mean?
The ending of The City brings the narrative to a close, though viewer reception has been mixed. The resolution of Anthony Quinn's story may not satisfy all audiences.
The City Real vs. Reel: Is it Based on a True Story?
Is The City Based on a True Story?
No, The City is a work of fiction. While the drama, tv movie film directed by Daniel Petrie and starring Anthony Quinn may incorporate realistic themes, the characters and plot are original creations.
Who Should Watch The City?
Age Advisory: Rated Not Rated.
Consider Watching If:
- You're a completist for Drama films
- You're curious despite mixed reviews
- You have low expectations and want casual entertainment
The City Parents Guide & Age Rating
1971 AdvisoryWondering about The City age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of The City (1971) is 100 minutes (1h 40m). Directed by Daniel Petrie, the film runs for 100 minutes in its complete theatrical version.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 4.5/10, and global performance metrics, The City is classified as a AVERAGE. It remains an essential part of the 1971 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The City worth watching?
The City is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Drama movies. It has a verified rating of 4.5/10 and stands as a AVERAGE in our box office analysis.
Where can I find The City parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for The City identifies it as Not Rated. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the runtime of The City (1971)?
The runtime of The City (1971) is 100 minutes (approximately 1h 40m).
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.
