Is The Crystal Ball Worth Watching?
Answer: Maybe not, The Crystal Ball is likely a skip if you enjoy Comedy movies.
It features a runtime of 81 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to general audiences.
The Crystal Ball Review
Last updated: January 9, 2026
The Premise
Released in 1943, The Crystal Ball enters the Comedy genre with a narrative focused on A young woman pretends to be a fortune teller in order to find romance. Under the direction of Elliott Nugent, the film attempts to weave detailed character arcs with visual storytelling.
Cast & Performance
The film is anchored by performances from Paulette Goddard, Ray Milland, Gladys George. While the cast delivers competent performances, the script occasionally limits their range.
Technical Aspects & Direction
From a technical standpoint, The Crystal Ball offers a competent presentation. The cinematography aligns well with the tone, keeping the narrative moving at a brisk pace.
Where to Watch
As of January 2026, The Crystal Ball is available in theaters worldwide. For streaming audiences in the US and UK, look for availability on major platforms roughly 45 days after the theatrical release. Check your local listings for specific showtimes.
Final Thoughts
With an audience rating of 5.8/10, the reception has been divisive. For fans of Comedy, Romance, it serves as a skippable entry unless you go in with lowered expectations.
Cast of The Crystal Ball
- Paulette Goddard – Toni Gerard
- Ray Milland – Brad Cavanaugh
- Gladys George – Madame Zenobia
- Cecil Kellaway – Pop Tibbets
- Virginia Field – Jo Ainsley
Top Highlights
Paulette GoddardToni Gerard
Ray MillandBrad Cavanaugh
Gladys GeorgeMadame Zenobia
Cecil KellawayPop Tibbets
Virginia FieldJo Ainsley
William BendixBiff Carter
Yvonne De CarloSecretary
Iris AdrianMrs. Angela Martin
Hazel DohlmanParty Guest (uncredited)
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 5.8/10, and global collection metrics, The Crystal Ball stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 1943 cinematic year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Crystal Ball movie hit or flop?
The Crystal Ball has received mixed reviews with a 5.8/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.
Is The Crystal Ball worth watching?
The Crystal Ball is a mixed bag. It might be worth watching if you're a fan of Comedy, Romance movies, but read reviews first.
What genre is The Crystal Ball?
The Crystal Ball is a Comedy, Romance movie that A young woman pretends to be a fortune teller in order to find romance....
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Critic Reviews
Paulette Goddard is good in this daft mystic caper. Down on her luck, she arrives in New York with just 38 cents. She decides to learn her future by consulting the fortune-telling "Madame Zenobia" (Gladys George) who is quite clearly making it all up as she goes along; but on discovering that "Toni" is quite a decent sort, gives her a job trying to lure some more gullible folks to her booth. Meantime, another of her suppliers manages to send her the wealthy "Mrs. Ainsley" (Virginia Field) who is on the lookout for a missing emerald ring which low and behold the medium tells her to look for in the bathroom drain pipe... When "Zenobia" has a slight mishap, "Toni" takes her place and also sets her sights on Ray Milland - the dapper "Brad" who is the lawyer and would-be beau of the wealthy woman. Add to this a dodgy property scam and we have quite a fun mix of stories that allows Milland and the three quite characterful women to do their jobs quite well. Sadly, the humour is very predictable and the dialogue a bit too lightweight to sustain much interest once the original scenario thins out, but it is still a workmanlike vehicle for the stars that is enjoyable enough.