The Glass Key
The Glass Key Review: Story, Cast, Rating & Final Verdict
Last updated: May 17, 2026
Movie Overview: The Glass Key
| Movie | The Glass Key |
| Release Year | 1935 |
| Director | Frank Tuttle |
| Genre | Drama / Thriller |
| Runtime | 78 minutes (1h 18m) |
| Language | EN |
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is The Glass Key (1935) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a HIT with a verified audience rating of 6.5/10. 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 Glass Key are led by George Raft . The supporting cast, including Edward Arnold and Claire Dodd , provides the necessary layers to the central narrative.
movieMx Verdict: Is it Worth Your Time?
What Works in the Movie
The Glass Key stands out as a strong entry in the Drama genre. The film benefits from engaging storytelling, memorable performances, and solid production values that help keep viewers invested.
- Compelling performances from the main cast
- Strong visual storytelling and direction
- Well-structured Drama narrative
- Satisfying emotional or dramatic payoff
What Doesn't Work
Despite its strengths, The Glass Key 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 Glass Key
Quick Plot Summary: Released in 1935, The Glass Key is a Drama, Thriller film directed by Frank Tuttle, written by Kubec Glasmon. The narrative explores complex human emotions and relationships through detailed character development. It provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict involving George Raft as Ed Beaumont.
Ending Explained: The Glass Key
The Glass Key Ending Explained: When Paul Madvig, a successful politician who fights his rivals to seize the city, becomes implicated in a murder, Ed Beaumont, his friend and right-hand man, must decide which side he is on. Directed by Frank Tuttle, this 1935 drama film stars George Raft (Ed Beaumont), alongside Edward Arnold as Paul Madvig, Claire Dodd as Janet Henry, Ray Milland as Taylor Henry. With a 6.5/10 rating, the ending has divided audiences.
What Happens at the End of The Glass Key?
When Paul Madvig, a successful politician who fights his rivals to seize the city, becomes implicated in a murder, Ed Beaumont, his friend and right-hand man, must decide which side he is on.
How Does George Raft (Ed Beaumont)'s Story End?
- George Raft: George Raft's storyline wraps up in the final act, though some viewers have found the resolution more ambiguous than expected.
- Edward Arnold (Paul Madvig): Edward Arnold's role in the climax proves pivotal to how the central conflict resolves.
- Claire Dodd (Janet Henry): Claire Dodd's character undergoes a significant shift in the final act.
What Does the Ending of The Glass Key Mean?
The Glass Key's ending attempts to resolve the major plot threads, though some narrative elements involving George Raft may feel rushed. Frank Tuttle's final act has been both praised for its ambition and criticized for its execution.
The Glass Key Real vs. Reel: Is it Based on a True Story?
Is The Glass Key Based on a True Story?
No, The Glass Key is a work of fiction. While the drama, thriller film directed by Frank Tuttle and starring George Raft may incorporate realistic themes, the characters and plot are original creations.
Who Should Watch The Glass Key?
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Drama films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of George Raft or the director
- Want a character-driven story with emotional moments
At just 78 minutes, it's a quick watch.
The Glass Key Parents Guide & Age Rating
1935 AdvisoryWondering about The Glass Key age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of The Glass Key (1935) is 78 minutes (1h 18m). Directed by Frank Tuttle, the film runs for 78 minutes in its complete theatrical version.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 6.5/10, and global performance metrics, The Glass Key is classified as a HIT. It remains an essential part of the 1935 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Glass Key worth watching?
The Glass Key is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Drama movies. It has a verified rating of 6.5/10 and stands as a HIT in our box office analysis.
Where can I find The Glass Key parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for The Glass Key identifies it as NR. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the runtime of The Glass Key (1935)?
The runtime of The Glass Key (1935) 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.



