The Tarnished Angels
The Tarnished Angels Review: Story, Cast, Rating & Final Verdict
Last updated: May 18, 2026
Movie Overview: The Tarnished Angels
| Movie | The Tarnished Angels |
| Release Year | 1957 |
| Director | Douglas Sirk |
| Genre | Drama |
| Runtime | 91 minutes (1h 31m) |
| Language | EN |
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is The Tarnished Angels (1957) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a HIT with a verified audience rating of 6.8/10. 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 Tarnished Angels are led by Rock Hudson . The supporting cast, including Robert Stack and Dorothy Malone , provides the necessary layers to the central narrative.
movieMx Verdict: Is it Worth Your Time?
What Works in the Movie
The Tarnished Angels 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 Tarnished Angels 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 Tarnished Angels
Quick Plot Summary: Released in 1957, The Tarnished Angels is a Drama film directed by Douglas Sirk, written by George Zuckerman. The narrative explores complex human emotions and relationships through detailed character development. It provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict involving Rock Hudson as Burke Devlin.
Ending Explained: The Tarnished Angels
The Tarnished Angels Ending Explained: In the 1930s, once-great World War I pilot Roger Shumann performs as a daredevil barnstorming pilot at aerial stunt shows while his wife, LaVerne, works as a parachutist. Directed by Douglas Sirk, this 1957 drama film stars Rock Hudson (Burke Devlin), alongside Robert Stack as Roger Shumann, Dorothy Malone as LaVerne Shumann, Jack Carson as Jiggs. With a 6.8/10 rating, the ending has divided audiences.
What Happens at the End of The Tarnished Angels?
In the 1930s, once-great World War I pilot Roger Shumann performs as a daredevil barnstorming pilot at aerial stunt shows while his wife, LaVerne, works as a parachutist. When newspaper reporter Burke Devlin arrives to do a story on the Shumanns’ act, he quickly falls in love with the beautiful--and neglected--LaVerne.
Douglas Sirk's narrative builds toward a resolution centered on Rock Hudson (Burke Devlin)'s journey. When newspaper reporter Burke Devlin arrives to do a story on the Shumanns’ act, he quickly falls in love with the beautiful--and neglected--LaVerne.
How Does Rock Hudson (Burke Devlin)'s Story End?
- Rock Hudson: Rock Hudson's storyline wraps up in the final act, though some viewers have found the resolution more ambiguous than expected.
- Robert Stack (Roger Shumann): Robert Stack's role in the climax proves pivotal to how the central conflict resolves.
- Dorothy Malone (LaVerne Shumann): Dorothy Malone's character undergoes a significant shift in the final act.
What Does the Ending of The Tarnished Angels Mean?
The Tarnished Angels's ending attempts to resolve the major plot threads, though some narrative elements involving Rock Hudson may feel rushed. Douglas Sirk's final act has been both praised for its ambition and criticized for its execution.
The Tarnished Angels Real vs. Reel: Is it Based on a True Story?
Is The Tarnished Angels Based on a True Story?
No, The Tarnished Angels is a work of fiction. While the drama film directed by Douglas Sirk and starring Rock Hudson may incorporate realistic themes, the characters and plot are original creations.
Who Should Watch The Tarnished Angels?
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Drama films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of Rock Hudson or the director
- Want a character-driven story with emotional moments
Box Office Collection: The Tarnished Angels
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Worldwide Gross | $1.5M |
| Trade Verdict | CLEAN HIT |
Where to Watch The Tarnished Angels Online?
Streaming Hub🎟️ Rent on
Amazon VideoThe Tarnished Angels Parents Guide & Age Rating
1957 AdvisoryWondering about The Tarnished Angels age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of The Tarnished Angels (1957) is 91 minutes (1h 31m). Directed by Douglas Sirk, the film runs for 91 minutes in its complete theatrical version.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 6.8/10, and global performance metrics, The Tarnished Angels is classified as a HIT. It remains an essential part of the 1957 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Tarnished Angels worth watching?
The Tarnished Angels is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Drama movies. It has a verified rating of 6.8/10 and stands as a HIT in our box office analysis.
Where can I find The Tarnished Angels parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for The Tarnished Angels identifies it as NR. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the runtime of The Tarnished Angels (1957)?
The runtime of The Tarnished Angels (1957) is 91 minutes (approximately 1h 31m).
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.
