Is The Man in the Net Worth Watching?
Answer: Maybe not, The Man in the Net is likely a skip if you enjoy Drama movies.
It features a runtime of 98 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to general audiences.
The Man in the Net Review
Last updated: January 10, 2026
The Premise
Released in 1959, The Man in the Net enters the Drama genre with a narrative focused on An artist living in a quiet Connecticut town is the main suspect in the disappearance of his shrew wife. Under the direction of Michael Curtiz, the film attempts to weave detailed character arcs with visual storytelling.
Cast & Performance
The film is anchored by performances from Alan Ladd, Carolyn Jones, Diane Brewster. While the cast delivers competent performances, the script occasionally limits their range.
Technical Mastery & Style
From a technical standpoint, The Man in the Net offers a competent presentation. The cinematography uses a distinct visual palette that aligns well with the tone. The sharp editing keeps the narrative moving at a brisk pace, maximizing the impact of the key sequences.
Social Impact & Cultural Context
Beyond the narrative, The Man in the Net resonates with current cultural themes in the Drama space. It stays within the established boundaries of its genre, providing exactly what core fans expect without reinventing the wheel.
Where to Watch & Streaming Info
As of January 2026, The Man in the Net is available in theaters worldwide. For streaming audiences in the US, UK, and India, look for availability on major platforms roughly 45-60 days after the theatrical release. Don't miss the high-definition experience provided by premium large format (PLF) screenings.
Narrative Arc & Plot Breakdown
The plot of The Man in the Net centers on a unique premise within the Drama landscape. An artist living in a quiet Connecticut town is the main suspect in the disappearance of his shrew wife. Things turn ugly when the townsfolk attempt to take the law into their own hands. The second act serves as a major turning point, leading to a climax that fans of 1959 cinema will find fairly predictable.
Ending Explained & Sequel Potential
The ending of The Man in the Net has sparked significant debate on social media. It signifies the ambiguous resolution of the main plot thread. Given the current box office momentum, discussions of a The Man in the Net sequel or a wider cinematic universe are already gaining traction.
Final Editorial Verdict
Final verdict for The Man in the Net (1959): with an audience rating of 4.9/10, the reception has been negative. It is a recommended for fans of Drama, Thriller, Mystery cinema who appreciate attention to detail.
Parents Guide & Age Rating
The Man in the Net is rated NR. Parents should be aware that it contains mature themes, violence.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 4.9/10, and global collection metrics, The Man in the Net stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 1959 cinematic year.
Official Trailer
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Man in the Net movie hit or flop?
The Man in the Net is considered a flop based on audience ratings of 4.9/10 and lower collections.
Is The Man in the Net worth watching?
Based on the low rating of 4.9/10, The Man in the Net may not be worth watching unless you are a die-hard fan.
What genre is The Man in the Net?
The Man in the Net is a Drama, Thriller, Mystery movie that An artist living in a quiet Connecticut town is the main suspect in the disappearance of his shrew wife. Things turn ugly when the townsfolk attempt t...
Explore More Verdicts
More with Alan Ladd
View full filmography
People Also Ask (FAQs)
Is The Man in the Net movie hit or flop?
The Man in the Net is considered a flop based on audience ratings of 4.9/10 and lower collections.
Is The Man in the Net worth watching?
Based on the low rating of 4.9/10, The Man in the Net may not be worth watching unless you are a die-hard fan.
What genre is The Man in the Net?
The Man in the Net is a Drama, Thriller, Mystery movie that An artist living in a quiet Connecticut town is the main suspect in the disappearance of his shrew wife. Things turn ugly when the townsfolk attempt t...
Is The Man in the Net family friendly?
The Man in the Net may not be suitable for all family members as it contains Drama, Thriller, Mystery elements. Parental guidance is recommended.
Where can I watch The Man in the Net?
You can find streaming options and availability for The Man in the Net on popular platforms. Check movieMx for the latest updates and reviews.
Who is the main cast of The Man in the Net?
The Man in the Net features a talented cast. Check our "Top Cast" section to see the full list of actors and the characters they play in this film.
How long is the movie The Man in the Net?
The runtime and duration of The Man in the Net are available in the movie details section. It's a gripping story that keeps you engaged from start to finish.
Critic Reviews
I always found Alan Ladd a rather soporific actor and sadly here he isn't any different. He was a successful graphic designer and is now an artist who is down on his luck and his marriage to "Linda" (Carolyn Jones) is looking distinctly rocky. She hankers for her previous life in the big city, has taken to the bottle and is making it clear to all she can tell that he is a brute of an husband. When she leaves a letter on his typewriter saying she has had enough and left, he sets out to find her - only to discover that something far more sinister is afoot. Self-preservation becomes the order of the day, and luckily he has the friendship of some local children who prove very effective at being his eyes and his ears! Can he get to the bottom of things before his neighbours come to the conclusion that he is the culprit of an heinous crime and take the law into their own hands? It's a bit on the slow side at the start and it does take a while to build up any sort of head of steam, but once we are clear of the structure of the mystery it develops well enough. Ladd is proficient, he lacks any spark, but Diane Brewster ("Vickie") adds a little character to what is otherwise a rather flat crime drama. The story has it's moments and maybe a bit less dialogue and a bit more characterisation would have helped it, but it's still fine to watch - you just won't remember it.