The Hot Rock
The Hot Rock Review: Story, Cast, Rating & Final Verdict
Last updated: May 18, 2026
Movie Overview: The Hot Rock
| Movie | The Hot Rock |
| Release Year | 1972 |
| Director | Peter Yates |
| Genre | Crime / Comedy |
| Runtime | 101 minutes (1h 41m) |
| Language | EN |
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is The Hot Rock (1972) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a HIT with a verified audience rating of 6.6/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Crime.
Cast & Character Study
The performances in The Hot Rock are led by Robert Redford . The supporting cast, including George Segal and Ron Leibman , provides the necessary layers to the central narrative.
movieMx Verdict: Is it Worth Your Time?
What Works in the Movie
The Hot Rock stands out as a strong entry in the Crime 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 Crime narrative
- Satisfying emotional or dramatic payoff
What Doesn't Work
Despite its strengths, The Hot Rock 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 Crime fanbase
Story & Plot Summary: The Hot Rock
Quick Plot Summary: Released in 1972, The Hot Rock is a Crime, Comedy film directed by Peter Yates, written by William Goldman. The narrative dives into the criminal underworld with a grounded sense of realism and complex morality. It provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict involving Robert Redford as John Dortmunder.
Ending Explained: The Hot Rock
The Hot Rock Ending Explained: Dortmunder and his pals plan to steal a huge diamond from a museum. Directed by Peter Yates, this 1972 crime film stars Robert Redford (John Dortmunder), alongside George Segal as Andrew Kelp, Ron Leibman as Stanley Murch, Paul Sand as Alan Greenburg. With a 6.6/10 rating, the ending has divided audiences.
What Happens at the End of The Hot Rock?
Dortmunder and his pals plan to steal a huge diamond from a museum. But this turns out to be only the first time they have to steal it...
Peter Yates's narrative builds toward a resolution centered on Robert Redford (John Dortmunder)'s journey. But this turns out to be only the first time they have to steal it.
How Does Robert Redford (John Dortmunder)'s Story End?
- Robert Redford: Robert Redford's storyline wraps up in the final act, though some viewers have found the resolution more ambiguous than expected.
- George Segal (Andrew Kelp): George Segal's role in the climax proves pivotal to how the central conflict resolves.
- Ron Leibman (Stanley Murch): Ron Leibman's character undergoes a significant shift in the final act.
What Does the Ending of The Hot Rock Mean?
The Hot Rock's ending attempts to resolve the major plot threads, though some narrative elements involving Robert Redford may feel rushed. Peter Yates's final act has been both praised for its ambition and criticized for its execution.
The Hot Rock Real vs. Reel: Is it Based on a True Story?
Is The Hot Rock Based on a True Story?
Yes, The Hot Rock draws from real criminal cases and investigative records. Directed by Peter Yates and starring Robert Redford, this crime, comedy film explores how real events have been adapted into a dramatic narrative.
Real Story vs Movie Version of The Hot Rock
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 Hot Rock uses real-life inspiration as the foundation for a dramatized narrative. The film prioritizes thematic storytelling over strict documentary accuracy.
Who Should Watch The Hot Rock?
Age Advisory: Rated PG.
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Crime films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of Robert Redford or the director
- Want solid genre entertainment
Box Office Collection: The Hot Rock
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $4.9M |
| Worldwide Gross | $3.5M |
| Trade Verdict | CLEAN HIT |
The Hot Rock Budget
The estimated production budget for The Hot Rock is $4.9M. This figure covers principal photography, talent acquisitions, and visual effects. When accounting for global marketing and distribution, the break-even point is typically 2x the base production cost.
Where to Watch The Hot Rock Online?
Streaming Hub📺 Stream on
fuboTVThe Hot Rock Parents Guide & Age Rating
1972 AdvisoryWondering about The Hot Rock age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of The Hot Rock (1972) is 101 minutes (1h 41m). Directed by Peter Yates, the film runs for 101 minutes in its complete theatrical version.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 6.6/10, and global performance metrics, The Hot Rock is classified as a HIT. It remains an essential part of the 1972 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Hot Rock worth watching?
The Hot Rock is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Crime movies. It has a verified rating of 6.6/10 and stands as a HIT in our box office analysis.
Where can I find The Hot Rock parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for The Hot Rock identifies it as PG. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the runtime of The Hot Rock (1972)?
The runtime of The Hot Rock (1972) is 101 minutes (approximately 1h 41m).
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.
