The Secret Review: Story, Cast, Rating & Final Verdict
Last updated: May 12, 2026
Movie Overview: The Secret
| Movie | The Secret |
| Release Year | 1992 |
| Director | Karen Arthur |
| Genre | Drama / TV Movie |
| Runtime | 120 minutes (2h 0m) |
| Language | EN |
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is The Secret (1992) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a SUPER HIT with a verified audience rating of 9.0/10. 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 & Character Study
The performances in The Secret are led by Kirk Douglas . The supporting cast, including Bruce Boxleitner and Laura Harrington , provides the necessary layers to the central narrative.
movieMx Verdict: Is it Worth Your Time?
What Works in the Movie
The Secret stands out as a strong entry in the Drama 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 Drama narrative
- Satisfying emotional or dramatic payoff
What Doesn't Work
Despite its strengths, The Secret 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 Drama fanbase
Story & Plot Summary: The Secret
Quick Plot Summary: Released in 1992, The Secret is a Drama, TV Movie film directed by Karen Arthur, written by Cynthia A. Cherbak. The narrative explores complex human emotions and relationships through detailed character development. It provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict involving Kirk Douglas as Grandpa Mike Dunmore.
Ending Explained: The Secret
The Secret Ending Explained: Mostly on account of a pride struggle, Mike Dunmore has lived his whole life keeping a secret which he believed would only cause shame if it came to light. Directed by Karen Arthur, this 1992 drama film stars Kirk Douglas (Grandpa Mike Dunmore), alongside Bruce Boxleitner as Patrick Dunmore, Laura Harrington as Meredith Dunmore, Brock Peters as Thurgood 'Uncle T.' Carver III. With a 9/10 audience rating, the ending has been widely praised.
What Happens at the End of The Secret?
Mostly on account of a pride struggle, Mike Dunmore has lived his whole life keeping a secret which he believed would only cause shame if it came to light. Personal relationships with his son Patrick have been strained as a result. The only ones who ever knew anything about it were his deceased wife and his best friend, Thurgood who he works with, who both agreed to help keep it covered up for him as long as they could. However, when his treasured grandson begins experiencing the same problems, Mike realizes that he can't hide his secret any longer, or if he tried to, it would be most difficult. Even more so when he is endorsed and volunteers to run as a candidate for local election.
Karen Arthur's narrative builds toward a resolution centered on Kirk Douglas (Grandpa Mike Dunmore)'s journey. Personal relationships with his son Patrick have been strained as a result.
How Does Kirk Douglas (Grandpa Mike Dunmore)'s Story End?
- Kirk Douglas: Kirk Douglas's arc reaches a definitive conclusion by the final act, with Karen Arthur delivering a resolution that feels earned after the film's 2h 0m runtime.
- Bruce Boxleitner (Patrick Dunmore): Bruce Boxleitner's role in the climax proves pivotal to how the central conflict resolves.
- Laura Harrington (Meredith Dunmore): Laura Harrington's character undergoes a significant shift in the final act.
What Does the Ending of The Secret Mean?
The Secret concludes with Karen Arthur reinforcing the drama themes established throughout the film. The final moments with Kirk Douglas leave a lasting impression — the ending is both a resolution and a statement about the story's central questions.
The Secret Real vs. Reel: Is it Based on a True Story?
Is The Secret Based on a True Story?
No, The Secret is a work of fiction. While the drama, tv movie film directed by Karen Arthur and starring Kirk Douglas may incorporate realistic themes, the characters and plot are original creations.
Who Should Watch The Secret?
Age Advisory: Rated Not Rated.
Highly Recommended For:
- Fans of Drama cinema looking for quality storytelling
- Viewers who appreciate emotionally resonant character studies and meaningful themes
- Anyone seeking a well-crafted film that delivers on its promises
Where to Watch The Secret Online?
Streaming HubThe Secret Parents Guide & Age Rating
1992 AdvisoryWondering about The Secret age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of The Secret (1992) is 120 minutes (2h 0m). Directed by Karen Arthur, the film runs for 120 minutes in its complete theatrical version.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 9.0/10, and global performance metrics, The Secret is classified as a SUPER HIT. It remains an essential part of the 1992 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Secret worth watching?
The Secret is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Drama movies. It has a verified rating of 9/10 and stands as a SUPER HIT in our box office analysis.
Where can I find The Secret parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for The Secret identifies it as Not Rated. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the runtime of The Secret (1992)?
The runtime of The Secret (1992) is 120 minutes (approximately 2h 0m).
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.
