Performance & Direction: The Mad Genius Review
Last updated: February 23, 2026
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is The Mad Genius (1931) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE with a verified audience rating of 6.3/10. 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 Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Drama is often anchored by its ensemble, and The Mad Genius features a noteworthy lineup led by John Barrymore . Supported by the likes of Marian Marsh and Charles Butterworth , the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.
Performance Analysis: While the cast delivers competent and professional performances, they are occasionally hampered by a script that leans into familiar archetypes.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?
Story & Plot Summary: The Mad Genius
Quick Plot Summary: Released in 1931, The Mad Genius is a Drama, Horror, Romance film directed by Michael Curtiz. The narrative explores complex human emotions and relationships through detailed character development. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict involving John Barrymore.
Ending Explained: The Mad Genius
Ending Breakdown: Directed by Michael Curtiz, The Mad Genius concludes its story with a mix of closure and open interpretation. The finale presents its approach to drama resolution.
The emotional climax centers on character transformation involving John Barrymore, offering viewers material for post-viewing discussion.
Ending Analysis:
- Narrative Resolution: The story concludes by addressing its primary narrative threads, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
- Character Arcs: Character journeys reach their narrative endpoints, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
- Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the drama themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of The Mad Genius reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch The Mad Genius?
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Drama films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of John Barrymore or the director
- Want a character-driven story with emotional moments
Top Cast: The Mad Genius
All Cast & Crew →
The Mad Genius Parents Guide & Age Rating
1931 AdvisoryWondering about The Mad Genius age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of The Mad Genius is 81 minutes (1h 21m). Ensuring you have enough time for the full cinematic experience.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 6.3/10, and global performance metrics, The Mad Genius is classified as a ABOVE AVERAGE. It remains an essential part of the 1931 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Mad Genius worth watching?
The Mad Genius is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Drama movies. It has a verified rating of 6.3/10 and stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE in our box office analysis.
Where can I find The Mad Genius parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for The Mad Genius identifies it as NR. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the total runtime of The Mad Genius?
The total duration of The Mad Genius is 81 minutes, which is approximately 1h 21m long.
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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.
