The Phone Call Review: Story, Cast, Rating & Final Verdict
Last updated: May 12, 2026
Movie Overview: The Phone Call
| Movie | The Phone Call |
| Release Year | 1977 |
| Director | Douglas G. Johnson |
| Genre | Comedy / Family |
| Runtime | 24 minutes (24m) |
| Language | EN |
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is The Phone Call (1977) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a HIT with a verified audience rating of 7.2/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Comedy.
Cast & Character Study
The performances in The Phone Call are led by Marc McClure . The supporting cast, including Michelle Patrick and David Sterago , provides the necessary layers to the central narrative.
movieMx Verdict: Is it Worth Your Time?
What Works in the Movie
The Phone Call stands out as a strong entry in the Comedy 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 Comedy narrative
- Satisfying emotional or dramatic payoff
What Doesn't Work
Despite its strengths, The Phone Call 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 Comedy fanbase
Story & Plot Summary: The Phone Call
Quick Plot Summary: Released in 1977, The Phone Call is a Comedy, Family film directed by Douglas G. Johnson, written by Jack Weyland. The narrative brings laughter through sharp writing and comedic timing, providing amusement while touching on deeper societal themes. It provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict involving Marc McClure as Scott.
Ending Explained: The Phone Call
The Phone Call Ending Explained: Scott starts work at a drive-in burger and ice cream restaurant when his paper route proves inadequate to raise the money he needs for a mail order karate course. Directed by Douglas G. Johnson, this 1977 comedy film stars Marc McClure (Scott), alongside Michelle Patrick as Becky, David Sterago as Joe, R. Irwin Goodman as Mr. Beamer. Rated 7.2/10 by audiences, the conclusion brings the story to a satisfying close.
What Happens at the End of The Phone Call?
Scott starts work at a drive-in burger and ice cream restaurant when his paper route proves inadequate to raise the money he needs for a mail order karate course. He has determined that this course will help him gain the self-confidence he needs to get up the courage to call and ask Pam out to see a movie. Although at first just commenting on his mistakes, Becky, a co-worker, offers to help him make the crucial phone call. In the process Scott offers insights about how Joe is abusive in his relationship with Becky.
Douglas G. Johnson's narrative builds toward a resolution centered on Marc McClure (Scott)'s journey. He has determined that this course will help him gain the self-confidence he needs to get up the courage to call and ask Pam out to see a movie.
How Does Marc McClure (Scott)'s Story End?
- Marc McClure: Marc McClure's arc reaches a definitive conclusion by the final act, with Douglas G. Johnson delivering a resolution that feels earned after the film's 0h 24m runtime.
- Michelle Patrick (Becky): Michelle Patrick's role in the climax proves pivotal to how the central conflict resolves.
- David Sterago (Joe): David Sterago's character undergoes a significant shift in the final act.
What Does the Ending of The Phone Call Mean?
The ending of The Phone Call ties together the narrative threads involving Marc McClure. Douglas G. Johnson chooses a conclusion that prioritizes thematic consistency over surprise, resulting in an ending that rewards viewers who engaged with the story's central themes.
The Phone Call Real vs. Reel: Is it Based on a True Story?
Is The Phone Call Based on a True Story?
No, The Phone Call is a work of fiction. While the comedy, family film directed by Douglas G. Johnson and starring Marc McClure may incorporate realistic themes, the characters and plot are original creations.
Who Should Watch The Phone Call?
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Comedy films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of Marc McClure or the director
- Want some laughs and light entertainment
At just 24 minutes, it's a quick watch.
The Phone Call Parents Guide & Age Rating
1977 AdvisoryWondering about The Phone Call age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of The Phone Call (1977) is 24 minutes (24m). Directed by Douglas G. Johnson, the film runs for 24 minutes in its complete theatrical version.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 7.2/10, and global performance metrics, The Phone Call is classified as a HIT. It remains an essential part of the 1977 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Phone Call worth watching?
The Phone Call is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Comedy movies. It has a verified rating of 7.2/10 and stands as a HIT in our box office analysis.
Where can I find The Phone Call parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for The Phone Call identifies it as NR. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the runtime of The Phone Call (1977)?
The runtime of The Phone Call (1977) is 24 minutes (approximately 0h 24m).
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.
