The Salamander

  • 1981
  • NR
  • 103m
movieMx RATING
5.3/1025
VERDICT
AVERAGE
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Performance & Direction: The Salamander Review

Last updated: February 16, 2026

movieMx Editorial Team
REVIEWED BY

movieMx Editorial Team

🔍 Cinematic Analysis Expert

Leading cinematic analysis expert with over 10 years of experience in Bollywood and Hollywood box office tracking. Reviewed 500+ films with a focus on narrative structure and commercial profitability.

📅 Updated: February 16, 2026 🎟️ Verified Viewing

🎬 Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?

Is The Salamander (1981) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a AVERAGE with a verified audience rating of 5.3/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Thriller.

🎭 Cast Performances: A Masterclass

The success of any Thriller is often anchored by its ensemble, and The Salamander features a noteworthy lineup led by Franco Nero . Supported by the likes of Anthony Quinn and Martin Balsam , 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?

In summary, our editorial assessment of The Salamander (1981) is mixed. With an audience rating of 5.3/10, it stands as a decent one-time watch.
Result: AVERAGE
Based on verified audience sentiment and box office trajectory, The Salamander stands as a AVERAGE.

Story & Plot Summary: The Salamander

Quick Plot Summary: Released in 1981, The Salamander is a Thriller, Mystery film directed by Peter Zinner. The narrative builds tension through unpredictable twists and keeps audiences guessing until the final reveal. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict involving Franco Nero.

Ending Explained: The Salamander

Ending Breakdown: Directed by Peter Zinner, The Salamander attempts to tie together its various plot elements. The finale presents its approach to thriller resolution.

The final reveal recontextualizes earlier scenes involving Franco Nero, 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 thriller themes established throughout the runtime.

The final moments of The Salamander reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.

Who Should Watch The Salamander?

Consider Watching If:

  • You're a completist for Thriller films
  • You're curious despite mixed reviews
  • You have low expectations and want casual entertainment
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Top Cast: The Salamander

All Cast & Crew →
Franco Nero
Franco NeroCarabinieri Colonel Dante Matucci
Anthony Quinn
Anthony QuinnBruno Manzini
Martin Balsam
Martin BalsamCaptain Steffanelli
Claudia Cardinale
Claudia CardinaleElena Leporello
Sybil Danning
Sybil DanningLili Anders
Christopher Lee
Christopher LeePrince Baldasar, the Director of Counterintelligence
Cleavon Little
Cleavon LittleMajor Carl Malinowski, USMC
Paul L. Smith
Paul L. SmithThe Surgeon
John Steiner
John SteinerCaptain Roditi
Eli Wallach
Eli WallachGeneral Leporello
Renzo Palmer
Renzo PalmerCarabinieri Major Giorgione
Anita Strindberg
Anita StrindbergPrincess Faubiani
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Where to Watch The Salamander Online?

Streaming Hub

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🎟️ Rent on

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The Salamander Parents Guide & Age Rating

1981 Advisory
NR

Official Age Rating

Wondering about The Salamander age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:

The Salamander is rated NR. Parents should be aware that it contains mature themes, violence.

⏱️ Runtime & Duration

The total runtime of The Salamander is 103 minutes (1h 43m). Ensuring you have enough time for the full cinematic experience.

Verdict Summary

Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 5.3/10, and global performance metrics, The Salamander is classified as a AVERAGE. It remains an essential part of the 1981 cinematic calendar.

AVERAGE
Official movieMx status for The Salamander. Rating: 5.3/10

Frequently Asked Questions

Is The Salamander worth watching?

The Salamander is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Thriller movies. It has a verified rating of 5.3/10 and stands as a AVERAGE in our box office analysis.

Where can I find The Salamander parents guide and age rating?

The official parents guide for The Salamander identifies it as NR. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.

What is the total runtime of The Salamander?

The total duration of The Salamander is 103 minutes, which is approximately 1h 43m long.

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How The Salamander Compares & Where it Ranks

Critic Reviews for The Salamander

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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.

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Expert Consensus
Live Rating
MOVIEMX
★ 5.3
The Salamander
<a href="https://moviemx.in/review/the-salamander-157286" target="_blank" style="text-decoration:none;"><div style="background:#121212;border:1px solid #f5c518;border-radius:12px;padding:15px;width:180px;text-align:center;font-family:sans-serif;box-shadow:0 10px 20px rgba(0,0,0,0.3);"><div style="color:#f5c518;font-size:10px;font-weight:900;letter-spacing:2px;">MOVIEMX</div><div style="color:white;font-size:28px;font-weight:900;margin:8px 0;">★ 5.3</div><div style="color:#888;font-size:12px;font-weight:500;">The Salamander</div></div></a>

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