The Straw Man Review: Story, Cast, Rating & Final Verdict
Last updated: May 11, 2026
Movie Overview: The Straw Man
| Movie | The Straw Man |
| Release Year | 1953 |
| Director | Donald Taylor |
| Genre | Thriller |
| Runtime | 74 minutes (1h 14m) |
| Language | EN |
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is The Straw Man (1953) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE with a verified audience rating of 6.3/10. 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 & Character Study
The performances in The Straw Man are led by Dermot Walsh . The supporting cast, including Clifford Evans and Lana Morris , provides the necessary layers to the central narrative.
movieMx Verdict: Is it Worth Your Time?
What Works in the Movie
While The Straw Man does not fully realize its potential, it still contains moments that may appeal to viewers who enjoy Thriller films.
- Interesting concept or premise
- Some entertaining scenes
- Supporting cast delivers occasional highlights
What Doesn't Work
Despite its strengths, The Straw Man 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 Thriller fanbase
Story & Plot Summary: The Straw Man
Quick Plot Summary: Released in 1953, The Straw Man is a Thriller film directed by Donald Taylor, written by Donald Taylor. The narrative builds tension through unpredictable twists and keeps audiences guessing until the final reveal. It provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict involving Dermot Walsh as Malcolm "Mal" Farris.
Ending Explained: The Straw Man
The Straw Man Ending Explained: Directed by Donald Taylor, The Straw Man wraps up the main storyline while leaving some interpretation to viewers. The ending highlights the core thriller themes developed throughout the film.
The final twist encourages viewers to reconsider earlier moments in the story, particularly in scenes involving Dermot Walsh. The interpretation of the ending may vary among viewers.
Key Elements of the Ending
- Narrative Resolution: The story resolves its primary conflict while leaving room for interpretation.
- Character Development: Character motivations become clearer by the final scenes.
- Thematic Message: The ending reinforces the thriller themes introduced earlier in the film.
The final moments of The Straw Man reflect the creative choices of the filmmakers and align with the tone of the narrative.
Who Should Watch The Straw Man?
Age Advisory: Rated Not Rated.
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Thriller films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of Dermot Walsh or the director
- Want suspenseful moments and mystery
At just 74 minutes, it's a quick watch.
The Straw Man Parents Guide & Age Rating
1953 AdvisoryWondering about The Straw Man age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of The Straw Man (1953) is 74 minutes (1h 14m). Directed by Donald Taylor, the film runs for 74 minutes in its complete theatrical version.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 6.3/10, and global performance metrics, The Straw Man is classified as a ABOVE AVERAGE. It remains an essential part of the 1953 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Straw Man worth watching?
The Straw Man is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Thriller movies. It has a verified rating of 6.3/10 and stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE in our box office analysis.
Where can I find The Straw Man parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for The Straw Man identifies it as Not Rated. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the runtime of The Straw Man (1953)?
The runtime of The Straw Man (1953) is 74 minutes (approximately 1h 14m).
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.



