The City Review: Story, Cast, Rating & Final Verdict
Last updated: May 17, 2026
Movie Overview: The City
| Movie | The City |
| Release Year | 1977 |
| Director | Harvey Hart |
| Genre | Crime / Drama / TV Movie |
| Runtime | 78 minutes (1h 18m) |
| Language | EN |
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is The City (1977) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE with a verified audience rating of 6.1/10. 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 City are led by Robert Forster . The supporting cast, including Don Johnson and Ward Costello , 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 Crime 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 Crime fanbase
Story & Plot Summary: The City
Quick Plot Summary: Released in 1977, The City is a Crime, Drama, TV Movie film directed by Harvey Hart. 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 Robert Forster as Lt. Matt Lewis.
Ending Explained: The City
The City Ending Explained: Matt and Scott are two detectives trying to catch a crazy guy who has a beef with a country singer. Directed by Harvey Hart, this 1977 crime film stars Robert Forster (Lt. Matt Lewis), alongside Don Johnson as Sgt. Brian Scott, Ward Costello as Captain Lloyd Bryant, Jimmy Dean as Wes Collins. With a 6.1/10 rating, the ending has divided audiences.
What Happens at the End of The City?
Matt and Scott are two detectives trying to catch a crazy guy who has a beef with a country singer. Banks' problem with country singer, Wes Collins, is that Wes punched him in the face when he was a baby. Banks is now intent on getting revenge for this by killing Wes. Only Matt and Scott can stop him. Written by Josh Pasnak
Harvey Hart's narrative builds toward a resolution centered on Robert Forster (Lt. Matt Lewis)'s journey. Banks' problem with country singer, Wes Collins, is that Wes punched him in the face when he was a baby.
How Does Robert Forster (Lt. Matt Lewis)'s Story End?
- Robert Forster: Robert Forster's storyline wraps up in the final act, though some viewers have found the resolution more ambiguous than expected.
- Don Johnson (Sgt. Brian Scott): Don Johnson's role in the climax proves pivotal to how the central conflict resolves.
- Ward Costello (Captain Lloyd Bryant): Ward Costello's character undergoes a significant shift in the final act.
What Does the Ending of The City Mean?
The City's ending attempts to resolve the major plot threads, though some narrative elements involving Robert Forster may feel rushed. Harvey Hart's final act has been both praised for its ambition and criticized for its execution.
The City Real vs. Reel: Is it Based on a True Story?
Is The City Based on a True Story?
Yes, The City draws from real criminal cases and investigative records. Directed by Harvey Hart and starring Robert Forster, this crime, drama, tv movie film explores how real events have been adapted into a dramatic narrative.
Real Story vs Movie Version of The City
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 City uses real-life inspiration as the foundation for a dramatized narrative. The film prioritizes thematic storytelling over strict documentary accuracy.
Who Should Watch The City?
Age Advisory: Rated Not Rated.
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Crime films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of Robert Forster or the director
- Want solid genre entertainment
At just 78 minutes, it's a quick watch.
Where to Watch The City Online?
Streaming Hub🎟️ Rent on
Amazon Video🏷️ Buy on
Amazon VideoThe City Parents Guide & Age Rating
1977 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 (1977) is 78 minutes (1h 18m). Directed by Harvey Hart, the film runs for 78 minutes in its complete theatrical version.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 6.1/10, and global performance metrics, The City is classified as a ABOVE AVERAGE. It remains an essential part of the 1977 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The City worth watching?
The City is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Crime movies. It has a verified rating of 6.1/10 and stands as a ABOVE 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 (1977)?
The runtime of The City (1977) is 78 minutes (approximately 1h 18m).
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.
