The Dismissal Review: Story, Cast, Rating & Final Verdict
Last updated: May 19, 2026
Movie Overview: The Dismissal
| Movie | The Dismissal |
| Release Year | 1942 |
| Director | Wolfgang Liebeneiner |
| Genre | Drama / History |
| Runtime | 109 minutes (1h 49m) |
| Language | DE |
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is The Dismissal (1942) 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 Drama.
Cast & Character Study
The performances in The Dismissal are led by Emil Jannings . The supporting cast, including Margarete Schön and Werner Hinz , provides the necessary layers to the central narrative.
movieMx Verdict: Is it Worth Your Time?
What Works in the Movie
While The Dismissal 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 Dismissal 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 Dismissal
Quick Plot Summary: Released in 1942, The Dismissal is a Drama, History film directed by Wolfgang Liebeneiner, written by Curt J. Braun. The narrative explores complex human emotions and relationships through detailed character development. It provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict involving Emil Jannings as Fürst Otto von Bismarck.
Ending Explained: The Dismissal
The Dismissal Ending Explained: German chancellor Otto von Bismarck promises the dying emperor Wilhelm I. Directed by Wolfgang Liebeneiner, this 1942 drama film stars Emil Jannings (Fürst Otto von Bismarck), alongside Margarete Schön as Johanna von Bismarck, Werner Hinz as Kaiser Wilhelm II., Werner Krauss as Geheimrat von Holstein. With a 6.1/10 rating, the ending has divided audiences.
What Happens at the End of The Dismissal?
German chancellor Otto von Bismarck promises the dying emperor Wilhelm I. to be loyal to his grandson. But the gap between young Kaiser Wilhelm II. and old Bismarck is rapidly widening. It soon appears that an era is coming to an end.
Wolfgang Liebeneiner's narrative builds toward a resolution centered on Emil Jannings (Fürst Otto von Bismarck)'s journey. to be loyal to his grandson.
How Does Emil Jannings (Fürst Otto von Bismarck)'s Story End?
- Emil Jannings: Emil Jannings's storyline wraps up in the final act, though some viewers have found the resolution more ambiguous than expected.
- Margarete Schön (Johanna von Bismarck): Margarete Schön's role in the climax proves pivotal to how the central conflict resolves.
- Werner Hinz (Kaiser Wilhelm II.): Werner Hinz's character undergoes a significant shift in the final act.
Is The Dismissal Based on a True Story?
Yes — The Dismissal draws from real events. The ending reflects documented outcomes, though Wolfgang Liebeneiner has taken creative liberties in dramatizing specific scenes for cinematic impact.
What Does the Ending of The Dismissal Mean?
The Dismissal's ending attempts to resolve the major plot threads, though some narrative elements involving Emil Jannings may feel rushed. Wolfgang Liebeneiner's final act has been both praised for its ambition and criticized for its execution.
The Dismissal Real vs. Reel: Is it Based on a True Story?
Is The Dismissal Based on a True Story?
Yes, The Dismissal is inspired by documented historical events. Directed by Wolfgang Liebeneiner and starring Emil Jannings, this drama, history film explores how real events have been adapted into a dramatic narrative.
Real Story vs Movie Version of The Dismissal
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 Dismissal uses real-life inspiration as the foundation for a dramatized narrative. Viewers interested in the real history may want to explore historical sources alongside the film.
Who Should Watch The Dismissal?
Age Advisory: Rated Not Rated.
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Drama films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of Emil Jannings or the director
- Want a character-driven story with emotional moments
The Dismissal Parents Guide & Age Rating
1942 AdvisoryWondering about The Dismissal age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of The Dismissal (1942) is 109 minutes (1h 49m). Directed by Wolfgang Liebeneiner, the film runs for 109 minutes in its complete theatrical version.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 6.1/10, and global performance metrics, The Dismissal is classified as a ABOVE AVERAGE. It remains an essential part of the 1942 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Dismissal worth watching?
The Dismissal is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Drama 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 Dismissal parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for The Dismissal identifies it as Not Rated. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the runtime of The Dismissal (1942)?
The runtime of The Dismissal (1942) is 109 minutes (approximately 1h 49m).
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.
