The Flame
Performance & Direction: The Flame Review
Last updated: February 17, 2026
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is The Flame (1947) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE with a verified audience rating of 5.7/10. 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 Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Drama is often anchored by its ensemble, and The Flame features a noteworthy lineup led by John Carroll . Supported by the likes of Vera Ralston and Robert Paige , the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.
Performance Analysis: While the cast delivers competent and professional performances, they are occasionally hampered by a script that leans into familiar archetypes.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?
Story & Plot Summary: The Flame
Quick Plot Summary: Released in 1947, The Flame is a Drama, Crime film directed by John H. Auer. The narrative explores complex human emotions and relationships through detailed character development. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict involving John Carroll.
Ending Explained: The Flame
Ending Breakdown: Directed by John H. Auer, The Flame attempts to tie together its various plot elements. The finale presents its approach to drama resolution.
The emotional climax centers on character transformation involving John Carroll, offering viewers material for post-viewing discussion.
Ending Analysis:
- Narrative Resolution: The story concludes by addressing its primary narrative threads, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
- Character Arcs: Character journeys reach their narrative endpoints, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
- Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the drama themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of The Flame reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
The Flame Real vs. Reel: Is it Based on a True Story?
The Flame incorporates elements from real criminal cases. As a drama, crime film directed by John H. Auer, it navigates the space between factual accuracy and narrative engagement for John Carroll's character.
Historical Context
The film takes creative liberties to enhance dramatic impact. Core events maintain connection to source material while adapting for theatrical presentation.
Creative interpretation shapes the final narrative, focusing on emotional truth over strict chronology.
Accuracy Assessment: The Flame adapts its source material for dramatic purposes. The film prioritizes thematic resonance over documentary precision.
Who Should Watch The Flame?
Consider Watching If:
- You're a completist for Drama films
- You're curious despite mixed reviews
- You have low expectations and want casual entertainment
Top Cast: The Flame
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Where to Watch The Flame Online?
Streaming Hub🎟️ Rent on
Amazon VideoThe Flame Parents Guide & Age Rating
1947 AdvisoryWondering about The Flame age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of The Flame is 97 minutes (1h 37m). Ensuring you have enough time for the full cinematic experience.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 5.7/10, and global performance metrics, The Flame is classified as a ABOVE AVERAGE. It remains an essential part of the 1947 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Flame worth watching?
The Flame is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Drama movies. It has a verified rating of 5.7/10 and stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE in our box office analysis.
Where can I find The Flame parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for The Flame identifies it as NR. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the total runtime of The Flame?
The total duration of The Flame is 97 minutes, which is approximately 1h 37m long.
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Critic Reviews for The Flame
This is told by way of the reading of a letter that explains the story of how "George" (John Carroll) has frittered away his family inheritance and is now dependent on his half-brother "Barry" (Robert Paige) - a situation which he bitterly resents. A solution to his predicament presents itself when he suggests that his girlfriend "Carlotta" (Vera Ralston) take up the position of nurse to the ailing "Barry". Their plan is quite simple, really. She befriends him, gets him to fall in love with her and then they marry. Once married, "Barry" will meet his end and she will be free to marry "George" and inherit the family fortune. It's not so much a flame this as a flicker. It's pretty obvious what's going to happen, and but for a few scenes with the scheming "Ernie" (Broderick Crawford) and Henry Travers as the well meaning "Dr. Mitchell" this story proves to not quite have the courage of it's convictions. It's all just a little too formulaic in the end. Blanche Yurka does her best impersonation of Queen Mary as his aunt "Blanche" - no fool, herself and Hattie McDaniel livens things up, sparingly, too - but sadly this all just goes the way of the damp squib after a promising start.
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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.
