Is The Quare Fellow Worth Watching?
Answer: Maybe not, The Quare Fellow is likely a skip if you enjoy Drama movies.
It features a runtime of 85 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to general audiences.
The Quare Fellow Review
Last updated: January 11, 2026
The Premise
Released in 1962, The Quare Fellow enters the Drama genre with a narrative focused on Thomas Crimmins is a new warder, or guard, in an Irish prison. Under the direction of Arthur Dreifuss, the film attempts to weave detailed character arcs with visual storytelling.
Cast & Performance
The film is anchored by performances from Patrick McGoohan, Sylvia Syms, Walter Macken. While the cast delivers competent performances, the script occasionally limits their range.
Technical Mastery & Style
From a technical standpoint, The Quare Fellow 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 Quare Fellow 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 Quare Fellow 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 Quare Fellow centers on a unique premise within the Drama landscape. Thomas Crimmins is a new warder, or guard, in an Irish prison. He is young, naive, and idealistic, determined to serve his country by his part in meting out justice to criminals. His superior, Regan, however, realizes that even prisoners are human beings, and Regan is sick of the eye-for-an-eye attitude that leads the state to execute condemned men, or "quare fellows." Crimmins begins to see that not all is black and white in his new world, and when he becomes involved with Kathleen, the wife of one of the condemned men, his attitude begins to change. When new evidence arises to suggest that Kathleen's husband may not deserve his fate, Crimmins is torn between his duty and his humanity. The second act serves as a major turning point, leading to a climax that fans of 1962 cinema will find fairly predictable.
Ending Explained & Sequel Potential
The ending of The Quare Fellow 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 Quare Fellow sequel or a wider cinematic universe are already gaining traction.
Final Editorial Verdict
Final verdict for The Quare Fellow (1962): with an audience rating of 5.4/10, the reception has been divisive. It is a recommended for fans of Drama cinema who appreciate attention to detail.
Parents Guide & Age Rating
The Quare Fellow has not been officially rated yet.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 5.4/10, and global collection metrics, The Quare Fellow stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 1962 cinematic year.
Official Trailer
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Quare Fellow movie hit or flop?
The Quare Fellow has received mixed reviews with a 5.4/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.
Is The Quare Fellow worth watching?
The Quare Fellow is a mixed bag. It might be worth watching if you're a fan of Drama movies, but read reviews first.
What genre is The Quare Fellow?
The Quare Fellow is a Drama movie that Thomas Crimmins is a new warder, or guard, in an Irish prison. He is young, naive, and idealistic, determined to serve his country by his part in meti...
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People Also Ask (FAQs)
Is The Quare Fellow movie hit or flop?
The Quare Fellow has received mixed reviews with a 5.4/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.
Is The Quare Fellow worth watching?
The Quare Fellow is a mixed bag. It might be worth watching if you're a fan of Drama movies, but read reviews first.
What genre is The Quare Fellow?
The Quare Fellow is a Drama movie that Thomas Crimmins is a new warder, or guard, in an Irish prison. He is young, naive, and idealistic, determined to serve his country by his part in meti...
Is The Quare Fellow family friendly?
The Quare Fellow is a Drama movie. Please check the content rating before watching with family.
Where can I watch The Quare Fellow?
You can find streaming options and availability for The Quare Fellow on popular platforms. Check movieMx for the latest updates and reviews.
Who is the main cast of The Quare Fellow?
The Quare Fellow 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 Quare Fellow?
The runtime and duration of The Quare Fellow are available in the movie details section. It's a gripping story that keeps you engaged from start to finish.
Critic Reviews
Condemned men, strange? The Quare Fellow is directed by Arthur Dreifuss who along with Jacqueline Sundstrom co-adapts the screenplay from the Brendan Behan play. It stars Patrick McGoohan, Sylvia Syms, Walter Macken and Dermot Kelly. Music is by Alexander Faris and cinematography by Peter Hennessy. Thomas Crimmin (McGoohan) begins new employment at a Dublin jail firmly believing in the benefits of the death penalty. Not everyone of his colleagues feels the same, though, and as Crimmin works through his time and gets close to the wife of a condemned man, his beliefs are splintered. The play by all accounts was awash with humour, something which this filmic version considerably lacks. Dreifuss prefers to make the film bleak, both in surroundings and via the characterisations. The prison is perpetually cold and grey, smiles are hard to find within these walls, cynicism and fatalism drip from the wrought iron doors, and of course moral compasses are all over the place. This doesn't make it a bad film, not a bit of it, it's a tough drama acted superbly, with some brains and brawn injected into the script. Yet it ultimately plays its hand as a straight forward anti-capital punishment peace, missing opportunities to expand upon hinted at themes, particularly where Syms' fraught wife character is concerned. Still, it's a must for McGoohan and Syms fans and for those who like gritty pics set in prisons. 6.5/10