The Great Impostor
The Great Impostor Review: Story, Cast, Rating & Final Verdict
Last updated: May 16, 2026
Movie Overview: The Great Impostor
| Movie | The Great Impostor |
| Release Year | 1960 |
| Director | Robert Mulligan |
| Genre | Comedy / Drama |
| Runtime | 112 minutes (1h 52m) |
| Language | EN |
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is The Great Impostor (1960) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a HIT with a verified audience rating of 6.9/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Comedy.
Cast & Character Study
The performances in The Great Impostor are led by Tony Curtis . The supporting cast, including Karl Malden and Edmond O'Brien , provides the necessary layers to the central narrative.
movieMx Verdict: Is it Worth Your Time?
What Works in the Movie
The Great Impostor stands out as a strong entry in the Comedy 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 Comedy narrative
- Satisfying emotional or dramatic payoff
What Doesn't Work
Despite its strengths, The Great Impostor 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 Comedy fanbase
Story & Plot Summary: The Great Impostor
Quick Plot Summary: Released in 1960, The Great Impostor is a Comedy, Drama film directed by Robert Mulligan, written by Liam O'Brien. The narrative brings laughter through sharp writing and comedic timing, providing amusement while touching on deeper societal themes. It provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict involving Tony Curtis as Ferdinand Waldo Demara Jr. / Martin Donner / Dr. Gilbert / Ben. W. Stone / Dr. Joseph Mornay / Robert Boyd Hammnd.
Ending Explained: The Great Impostor
The Great Impostor Ending Explained: Fictionalized account of Ferdinand Waldo Demara Jr. Directed by Robert Mulligan, this 1960 comedy film stars Tony Curtis (Ferdinand Waldo Demara Jr. / Martin Donner / Dr. Gilbert / Ben. W. Stone / Dr. Joseph Mornay / Robert Boyd Hammnd), alongside Karl Malden as Father Devlin, Edmond O'Brien as Capt. Glover - HMCS Cayuga, Arthur O'Connell as Warden J.B. Chandler. With a 6.9/10 rating, the ending has divided audiences.
What Happens at the End of The Great Impostor?
Fictionalized account of Ferdinand Waldo Demara Jr., who stole or created fictional identities and worked in a variety of occupations, most quite successfully.
Robert Mulligan's narrative builds toward a resolution centered on Tony Curtis (Ferdinand Waldo Demara Jr. / Martin Donner / Dr. Gilbert / Ben. W. Stone / Dr. Joseph Mornay / Robert Boyd Hammnd)'s journey. , who stole or created fictional identities and worked in a variety of occupations, most quite successfully.
How Does Tony Curtis (Ferdinand Waldo Demara Jr. / Martin Donner / Dr. Gilbert / Ben. W. Stone / Dr. Joseph Mornay / Robert Boyd Hammnd)'s Story End?
- Tony Curtis: Tony Curtis's storyline wraps up in the final act, though some viewers have found the resolution more ambiguous than expected.
- Karl Malden (Father Devlin): Karl Malden's role in the climax proves pivotal to how the central conflict resolves.
- Edmond O'Brien (Capt. Glover - HMCS Cayuga): Edmond O'Brien's character undergoes a significant shift in the final act.
What Does the Ending of The Great Impostor Mean?
The Great Impostor's ending attempts to resolve the major plot threads, though some narrative elements involving Tony Curtis may feel rushed. Robert Mulligan's final act has been both praised for its ambition and criticized for its execution.
The Great Impostor Real vs. Reel: Is it Based on a True Story?
Is The Great Impostor Based on a True Story?
No, The Great Impostor is a work of fiction. While the comedy, drama film directed by Robert Mulligan and starring Tony Curtis may incorporate realistic themes, the characters and plot are original creations.
Who Should Watch The Great Impostor?
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Comedy films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of Tony Curtis or the director
- Want some laughs and light entertainment
Where to Watch The Great Impostor Online?
Streaming Hub🎟️ Rent on
Amazon Video
Apple TV Store
Google Play Movies
YouTube
Fandango At Home🏷️ Buy on
Amazon VideoApple TV StoreGoogle Play MoviesYouTubeFandango At HomeThe Great Impostor Parents Guide & Age Rating
1960 AdvisoryWondering about The Great Impostor age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of The Great Impostor (1960) is 112 minutes (1h 52m). Directed by Robert Mulligan, the film runs for 112 minutes in its complete theatrical version.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 6.9/10, and global performance metrics, The Great Impostor is classified as a HIT. It remains an essential part of the 1960 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Great Impostor worth watching?
The Great Impostor is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Comedy movies. It has a verified rating of 6.9/10 and stands as a HIT in our box office analysis.
Where can I find The Great Impostor parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for The Great Impostor identifies it as NR. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the runtime of The Great Impostor (1960)?
The runtime of The Great Impostor (1960) is 112 minutes (approximately 1h 52m).
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.
