The Investigation Review: Story, Cast, Rating & Final Verdict
Last updated: May 18, 2026
Movie Overview: The Investigation
| Movie | The Investigation |
| Release Year | 1966 |
| Director | Peter Schulze-Rohr |
| Genre | Crime / Drama |
| Runtime | 150 minutes (2h 30m) |
| Language | DE |
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is The Investigation (1966) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a SUPER HIT with a verified audience rating of 10.0/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Crime.
Cast & Character Study
The performances in The Investigation are led by Horst Beck . The supporting cast, including Karl Bockx and Viktor Stefan Görtz , provides the necessary layers to the central narrative.
movieMx Verdict: Is it Worth Your Time?
What Works in the Movie
The Investigation 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 Investigation 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 Investigation
Quick Plot Summary: Released in 1966, The Investigation is a Crime, Drama film directed by Peter Schulze-Rohr, written by Peter Weiss. 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 Horst Beck as Angeklagter Baretzky.
Ending Explained: The Investigation
The Investigation Ending Explained: The Investigation (1965) is TV version of a play by German playwright Peter Weiss that depicts the Frankfurt Auschwitz Trials of 1963–1965. Directed by Peter Schulze-Rohr, this 1966 crime film stars Horst Beck (Angeklagter Baretzky), alongside Karl Bockx as Angeklagter Dr. Schatz, Viktor Stefan Görtz as Angeklagter Dr. Lucas, Hanns Gosslar as Angeklagter Bischof. With a 10/10 audience rating, the ending has been widely praised.
What Happens at the End of The Investigation?
The Investigation (1965) is TV version of a play by German playwright Peter Weiss that depicts the Frankfurt Auschwitz Trials of 1963–1965.
How Does Horst Beck (Angeklagter Baretzky)'s Story End?
- Horst Beck: Horst Beck's arc reaches a definitive conclusion by the final act, with Peter Schulze-Rohr delivering a resolution that feels earned after the film's 2h 30m runtime.
- Karl Bockx (Angeklagter Dr. Schatz): Karl Bockx's role in the climax proves pivotal to how the central conflict resolves.
- Viktor Stefan Görtz (Angeklagter Dr. Lucas): Viktor Stefan Görtz's character undergoes a significant shift in the final act.
What Does the Ending of The Investigation Mean?
The Investigation concludes with Peter Schulze-Rohr reinforcing the crime themes established throughout the film. The final moments with Horst Beck leave a lasting impression — the ending is both a resolution and a statement about the story's central questions.
The Investigation Real vs. Reel: Is it Based on a True Story?
Is The Investigation Based on a True Story?
Yes, The Investigation draws from real criminal cases and investigative records. Directed by Peter Schulze-Rohr and starring Horst Beck, this crime, drama film explores how real events have been adapted into a dramatic narrative.
Real Story vs Movie Version of The Investigation
The film balances factual inspiration with cinematic storytelling. Certain scenes are likely dramatized to enhance emotional impact.
Many viewers have praised the film for respecting the spirit of the real events.
Accuracy Assessment: The Investigation successfully adapts real-world inspiration into a compelling cinematic story. The film prioritizes thematic storytelling over strict documentary accuracy.
Who Should Watch The Investigation?
Age Advisory: Rated Not Rated.
Highly Recommended For:
- Fans of Crime cinema looking for quality storytelling
- Viewers who appreciate well-executed genre storytelling
- Anyone seeking a well-crafted film that delivers on its promises
The Investigation Parents Guide & Age Rating
1966 AdvisoryWondering about The Investigation age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of The Investigation (1966) is 150 minutes (2h 30m). Directed by Peter Schulze-Rohr, the film runs for 150 minutes in its complete theatrical version.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 10.0/10, and global performance metrics, The Investigation is classified as a SUPER HIT. It remains an essential part of the 1966 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Investigation worth watching?
The Investigation is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Crime movies. It has a verified rating of 10/10 and stands as a SUPER HIT in our box office analysis.
Where can I find The Investigation parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for The Investigation identifies it as Not Rated. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the runtime of The Investigation (1966)?
The runtime of The Investigation (1966) is 150 minutes (approximately 2h 30m).
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.
