The Kingfisher Review: Story, Cast, Rating & Final Verdict
Last updated: May 12, 2026
Movie Overview: The Kingfisher
| Movie | The Kingfisher |
| Release Year | 1983 |
| Director | James Cellan Jones |
| Genre | TV Movie / Comedy |
| Runtime | 80 minutes (1h 20m) |
| Language | EN |
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is The Kingfisher (1983) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a SUPER HIT with a verified audience rating of 8.0/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this TV Movie.
Cast & Character Study
The performances in The Kingfisher are led by Rex Harrison . The supporting cast, including Wendy Hiller and Cyril Cusack , provides the necessary layers to the central narrative.
movieMx Verdict: Is it Worth Your Time?
What Works in the Movie
The Kingfisher stands out as a strong entry in the TV Movie 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 TV Movie narrative
- Satisfying emotional or dramatic payoff
What Doesn't Work
Despite its strengths, The Kingfisher 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 TV Movie fanbase
Story & Plot Summary: The Kingfisher
Quick Plot Summary: Released in 1983, The Kingfisher is a TV Movie, Comedy film directed by James Cellan Jones, written by William Douglas-Home. The narrative presents a compelling narrative that engages viewers from start to finish. It provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict involving Rex Harrison as Cecil.
Ending Explained: The Kingfisher
The Kingfisher Ending Explained: An elderly couple are reunited after fifty years. Directed by James Cellan Jones, this 1983 tv movie film stars Rex Harrison (Cecil), alongside Wendy Hiller as Evelyn, Cyril Cusack as Hawkins, Gary Owen as Chauffeur. With a 8/10 audience rating, the ending has been widely praised.
What Happens at the End of The Kingfisher?
An elderly couple are reunited after fifty years.
How Does Rex Harrison (Cecil)'s Story End?
- Rex Harrison: Rex Harrison's arc reaches a definitive conclusion by the final act, with James Cellan Jones delivering a resolution that feels earned after the film's 1h 20m runtime.
- Wendy Hiller (Evelyn): Wendy Hiller's role in the climax proves pivotal to how the central conflict resolves.
- Cyril Cusack (Hawkins): Cyril Cusack's character undergoes a significant shift in the final act.
What Does the Ending of The Kingfisher Mean?
The Kingfisher concludes with James Cellan Jones reinforcing the tv movie themes established throughout the film. The final moments with Rex Harrison leave a lasting impression — the ending is both a resolution and a statement about the story's central questions.
The Kingfisher Real vs. Reel: Is it Based on a True Story?
Is The Kingfisher Based on a True Story?
No, The Kingfisher is a work of fiction. While the tv movie, comedy film directed by James Cellan Jones and starring Rex Harrison may incorporate realistic themes, the characters and plot are original creations.
Who Should Watch The Kingfisher?
Age Advisory: Rated Not Rated.
Highly Recommended For:
- Fans of TV Movies cinema looking for quality storytelling
- Viewers who appreciate well-executed genre storytelling
- Anyone seeking a well-crafted film that delivers on its promises
At just 80 minutes, it's a quick watch.
The Kingfisher Parents Guide & Age Rating
1983 AdvisoryWondering about The Kingfisher age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of The Kingfisher (1983) is 80 minutes (1h 20m). Directed by James Cellan Jones, the film runs for 80 minutes in its complete theatrical version.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 8.0/10, and global performance metrics, The Kingfisher is classified as a SUPER HIT. It remains an essential part of the 1983 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Kingfisher worth watching?
The Kingfisher is definitely worth watching if you enjoy TV Movie movies. It has a verified rating of 8/10 and stands as a SUPER HIT in our box office analysis.
Where can I find The Kingfisher parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for The Kingfisher identifies it as Not Rated. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the runtime of The Kingfisher (1983)?
The runtime of The Kingfisher (1983) is 80 minutes (approximately 1h 20m).
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.

