The Great Lie
The Great Lie Review: Story, Cast, Rating & Final Verdict
Last updated: May 17, 2026
Movie Overview: The Great Lie
| Movie | The Great Lie |
| Release Year | 1941 |
| Director | Edmund Goulding |
| Genre | Drama |
| Runtime | 108 minutes (1h 48m) |
| Language | EN |
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is The Great Lie (1941) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a HIT with a verified audience rating of 7.0/10. 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 Great Lie are led by Bette Davis . The supporting cast, including Mary Astor and George Brent , provides the necessary layers to the central narrative.
movieMx Verdict: Is it Worth Your Time?
What Works in the Movie
The Great Lie 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 Great Lie 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 Great Lie
Quick Plot Summary: Released in 1941, The Great Lie is a Drama film directed by Edmund Goulding, written by Lenore J. Coffee. The narrative explores complex human emotions and relationships through detailed character development. It provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict involving Bette Davis as Maggie Patterson Van Allen.
Ending Explained: The Great Lie
The Great Lie Ending Explained: After a newlywed's husband apparently dies in a plane crash, she discovers that her rival for his affections is pregnant with his child. Directed by Edmund Goulding, this 1941 drama film stars Bette Davis (Maggie Patterson Van Allen), alongside Mary Astor as Sandra Kovak, George Brent as Peter 'Pete' Van Allen, Lucile Watson as Aunt Ada Greenfield. Rated 7/10 by audiences, the conclusion brings the story to a satisfying close.
What Happens at the End of The Great Lie?
After a newlywed's husband apparently dies in a plane crash, she discovers that her rival for his affections is pregnant with his child.
How Does Bette Davis (Maggie Patterson Van Allen)'s Story End?
- Bette Davis: Bette Davis's arc reaches a definitive conclusion by the final act, with Edmund Goulding delivering a resolution that feels earned after the film's 1h 48m runtime.
- Mary Astor (Sandra Kovak): Mary Astor's role in the climax proves pivotal to how the central conflict resolves.
- George Brent (Peter 'Pete' Van Allen): George Brent's character undergoes a significant shift in the final act.
What Does the Ending of The Great Lie Mean?
The ending of The Great Lie ties together the narrative threads involving Bette Davis. Edmund Goulding chooses a conclusion that prioritizes thematic consistency over surprise, resulting in an ending that rewards viewers who engaged with the story's central themes.
The Great Lie Real vs. Reel: Is it Based on a True Story?
Is The Great Lie Based on a True Story?
No, The Great Lie is a work of fiction. While the drama film directed by Edmund Goulding and starring Bette Davis may incorporate realistic themes, the characters and plot are original creations.
Who Should Watch The Great Lie?
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Drama films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of Bette Davis or the director
- Want a character-driven story with emotional moments
Box Office Collection: The Great Lie
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Worldwide Gross | $689.3K |
| Trade Verdict | CLEAN HIT |
Where to Watch The Great Lie 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 Lie Parents Guide & Age Rating
1941 AdvisoryWondering about The Great Lie age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of The Great Lie (1941) is 108 minutes (1h 48m). Directed by Edmund Goulding, the film runs for 108 minutes in its complete theatrical version.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 7.0/10, and global performance metrics, The Great Lie is classified as a HIT. It remains an essential part of the 1941 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Great Lie worth watching?
The Great Lie is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Drama movies. It has a verified rating of 7/10 and stands as a HIT in our box office analysis.
Where can I find The Great Lie parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for The Great Lie identifies it as NR. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the runtime of The Great Lie (1941)?
The runtime of The Great Lie (1941) is 108 minutes (approximately 1h 48m).
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.
