The Criminal Hypnotist Review: Story, Cast, Rating & Final Verdict
Last updated: May 18, 2026
Movie Overview: The Criminal Hypnotist
| Movie | The Criminal Hypnotist |
| Release Year | 1909 |
| Director | D.W. Griffith |
| Genre | Crime |
| Runtime | 10 minutes (10m) |
| Language | EN |
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is The Criminal Hypnotist (1909) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a FLOP with a verified audience rating of 2.0/10. 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 Criminal Hypnotist are led by Owen Moore . The supporting cast, including Marion Leonard and Arthur V. Johnson , provides the necessary layers to the central narrative.
movieMx Verdict: Is it Worth Your Time?
What Works in the Movie
While The Criminal Hypnotist 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 Criminal Hypnotist 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 Criminal Hypnotist
Quick Plot Summary: Released in 1909, The Criminal Hypnotist is a Crime film directed by D.W. Griffith, written by D.W. Griffith. 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 Owen Moore as The Man.
Ending Explained: The Criminal Hypnotist
The Criminal Hypnotist Ending Explained: To a reception there is invited a celebrated professor of hypnotism, and during the evening he obliges with an exhibition of his wonderful powers. Directed by D.W. Griffith, this 1909 crime film stars Owen Moore (The Man), alongside Marion Leonard as The Man's Fiancee, Arthur V. Johnson as The Criminal Hypnotist, David Miles as The Robbery Victim / Party Guest. Rated 2/10, the conclusion has sparked discussion among viewers.
What Happens at the End of The Criminal Hypnotist?
To a reception there is invited a celebrated professor of hypnotism, and during the evening he obliges with an exhibition of his wonderful powers. Several of the guests are put under the influence and made to perform most ridiculous antics, to their embarrassment upon reviving. The daughter of the host is the last to be subjected to the professor's power, and she proves to be such a good subject that the professor at once resolves to make her his unconscious agent in a dastardly plot he at once evolves.
D.W. Griffith's narrative builds toward a resolution centered on Owen Moore (The Man)'s journey. Several of the guests are put under the influence and made to perform most ridiculous antics, to their embarrassment upon reviving.
How Does Owen Moore (The Man)'s Story End?
- Owen Moore: Owen Moore's storyline wraps up in the final act, though some viewers have found the resolution more ambiguous than expected.
- Marion Leonard (The Man's Fiancee): Marion Leonard's role in the climax proves pivotal to how the central conflict resolves.
- Arthur V. Johnson (The Criminal Hypnotist): Arthur V. Johnson's character undergoes a significant shift in the final act.
What Does the Ending of The Criminal Hypnotist Mean?
The ending of The Criminal Hypnotist brings the narrative to a close, though viewer reception has been mixed. The resolution of Owen Moore's story may not satisfy all audiences.
The Criminal Hypnotist Real vs. Reel: Is it Based on a True Story?
Is The Criminal Hypnotist Based on a True Story?
Yes, The Criminal Hypnotist draws from real criminal cases and investigative records. Directed by D.W. Griffith and starring Owen Moore, this crime film explores how real events have been adapted into a dramatic narrative.
Real Story vs Movie Version of The Criminal Hypnotist
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 Criminal Hypnotist uses real-life inspiration as the foundation for a dramatized narrative. The film prioritizes thematic storytelling over strict documentary accuracy.
Who Should Watch The Criminal Hypnotist?
Age Advisory: Rated Not Rated.
Consider Watching If:
- You're a completist for Crime films
- You're curious despite mixed reviews
- You have low expectations and want casual entertainment
At just 10 minutes, it's a quick watch.
The Criminal Hypnotist Parents Guide & Age Rating
1909 AdvisoryWondering about The Criminal Hypnotist age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of The Criminal Hypnotist (1909) is 10 minutes (10m). Directed by D.W. Griffith, the film runs for 10 minutes in its complete theatrical version.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 2.0/10, and global performance metrics, The Criminal Hypnotist is classified as a FLOP. It remains an essential part of the 1909 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Criminal Hypnotist worth watching?
The Criminal Hypnotist is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Crime movies. It has a verified rating of 2/10 and stands as a FLOP in our box office analysis.
Where can I find The Criminal Hypnotist parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for The Criminal Hypnotist identifies it as Not Rated. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the runtime of The Criminal Hypnotist (1909)?
The runtime of The Criminal Hypnotist (1909) is 10 minutes (approximately 0h 10m).
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.
