The Sunset Derby Review: Story, Cast, Rating & Final Verdict
Last updated: May 12, 2026
Movie Overview: The Sunset Derby
| Movie | The Sunset Derby |
| Release Year | 1927 |
| Director | Albert S. Rogell |
| Genre | Drama |
| Runtime | 90 minutes (1h 30m) |
| Language | EN |
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is The Sunset Derby (1927) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a SUPER HIT with a verified audience rating of 8.0/10. 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 Sunset Derby are led by Mary Astor . The supporting cast, including William Collier Jr. and Ralph Lewis , provides the necessary layers to the central narrative.
movieMx Verdict: Is it Worth Your Time?
What Works in the Movie
The Sunset Derby 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 Sunset Derby 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 Sunset Derby
Quick Plot Summary: Released in 1927, The Sunset Derby is a Drama film directed by Albert S. Rogell, written by Curtis Benton. The narrative explores complex human emotions and relationships through detailed character development. It provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict involving Mary Astor as Molly Gibson.
Ending Explained: The Sunset Derby
The Sunset Derby Ending Explained: After suffering a fall during a race, rider Jimmy Burke loses his nerve. Directed by Albert S. Rogell, this 1927 drama film stars Mary Astor (Molly Gibson), alongside William Collier Jr. as Jimmy Burke, Ralph Lewis as Sam Gibson, David Kirby as Mike Donovan. With a 8/10 audience rating, the ending has been widely praised.
What Happens at the End of The Sunset Derby?
After suffering a fall during a race, rider Jimmy Burke loses his nerve. But with the help of his girlfriend Molly Gibson, Jimmy regains his confidence just in time to achieve victory during the Big Race.
Albert S. Rogell's narrative builds toward a resolution centered on Mary Astor (Molly Gibson)'s journey. But with the help of his girlfriend Molly Gibson, Jimmy regains his confidence just in time to achieve victory during the Big Race.
How Does Mary Astor (Molly Gibson)'s Story End?
- Mary Astor: Mary Astor's arc reaches a definitive conclusion by the final act, with Albert S. Rogell delivering a resolution that feels earned after the film's 1h 30m runtime.
- William Collier Jr. (Jimmy Burke): William Collier Jr.'s role in the climax proves pivotal to how the central conflict resolves.
- Ralph Lewis (Sam Gibson): Ralph Lewis's character undergoes a significant shift in the final act.
What Does the Ending of The Sunset Derby Mean?
The Sunset Derby concludes with Albert S. Rogell reinforcing the drama themes established throughout the film. The final moments with Mary Astor leave a lasting impression — the ending is both a resolution and a statement about the story's central questions.
The Sunset Derby Real vs. Reel: Is it Based on a True Story?
Is The Sunset Derby Based on a True Story?
No, The Sunset Derby is a work of fiction. While the drama film directed by Albert S. Rogell and starring Mary Astor may incorporate realistic themes, the characters and plot are original creations.
Who Should Watch The Sunset Derby?
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
The Sunset Derby Parents Guide & Age Rating
1927 AdvisoryWondering about The Sunset Derby age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of The Sunset Derby (1927) is 90 minutes (1h 30m). Directed by Albert S. Rogell, the film runs for 90 minutes in its complete theatrical version.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 8.0/10, and global performance metrics, The Sunset Derby is classified as a SUPER HIT. It remains an essential part of the 1927 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Sunset Derby worth watching?
The Sunset Derby is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Drama movies. It has a verified rating of 8/10 and stands as a SUPER HIT in our box office analysis.
Where can I find The Sunset Derby parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for The Sunset Derby identifies it as Not Rated. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the runtime of The Sunset Derby (1927)?
The runtime of The Sunset Derby (1927) is 90 minutes (approximately 1h 30m).
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.
