The Wicked Lady
The Wicked Lady Review: Story, Cast, Rating & Final Verdict
Last updated: May 16, 2026
Movie Overview: The Wicked Lady
| Movie | The Wicked Lady |
| Release Year | 1983 |
| Director | Michael Winner |
| Genre | Drama / Adventure |
| Runtime | 98 minutes (1h 38m) |
| Language | EN |
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is The Wicked Lady (1983) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a AVERAGE with a verified audience rating of 5.0/10. 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 Wicked Lady are led by Faye Dunaway . The supporting cast, including Alan Bates and John Gielgud , provides the necessary layers to the central narrative.
movieMx Verdict: Is it Worth Your Time?
What Works in the Movie
While The Wicked Lady does not fully realize its potential, it still contains moments that may appeal to viewers who enjoy Drama films.
- Interesting concept or premise
- Some entertaining scenes
- Supporting cast delivers occasional highlights
What Doesn't Work
Despite its strengths, The Wicked Lady 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 Wicked Lady
Quick Plot Summary: Released in 1983, The Wicked Lady is a Drama, Adventure film directed by Michael Winner, written by Michael Winner. The narrative explores complex human emotions and relationships through detailed character development. It provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict involving Faye Dunaway as Lady Barbara Skelton.
Ending Explained: The Wicked Lady
The Wicked Lady Ending Explained: Caroline is to be wed to Sir Ralph and invites her sister Barbara to be her bridesmaid. Directed by Michael Winner, this 1983 drama film stars Faye Dunaway (Lady Barbara Skelton), alongside Alan Bates as Captain Jerry Jackson, John Gielgud as Hogarth, Denholm Elliott as Sir Ralph Skelton. Rated 5/10, the conclusion has sparked discussion among viewers.
What Happens at the End of The Wicked Lady?
Caroline is to be wed to Sir Ralph and invites her sister Barbara to be her bridesmaid. Barbara seduces Ralph, however, and she becomes the new Lady, but despite her new wealthy situation, she gets bored and turns to highway robbery for thrills. While on the road she meets a famous highwayman, and they continue as a team, but some people begin suspecting her identity, and she risks death if she continues her nefarious activities.
Michael Winner's narrative builds toward a resolution centered on Faye Dunaway (Lady Barbara Skelton)'s journey. Barbara seduces Ralph, however, and she becomes the new Lady, but despite her new wealthy situation, she gets bored and turns to highway robbery for thrills.
How Does Faye Dunaway (Lady Barbara Skelton)'s Story End?
- Faye Dunaway: Faye Dunaway's storyline wraps up in the final act, though some viewers have found the resolution more ambiguous than expected.
- Alan Bates (Captain Jerry Jackson): Alan Bates's role in the climax proves pivotal to how the central conflict resolves.
- John Gielgud (Hogarth): John Gielgud's character undergoes a significant shift in the final act.
What Does the Ending of The Wicked Lady Mean?
The ending of The Wicked Lady brings the narrative to a close, though viewer reception has been mixed. The resolution of Faye Dunaway's story may not satisfy all audiences.
The Wicked Lady Real vs. Reel: Is it Based on a True Story?
Is The Wicked Lady Based on a True Story?
No, The Wicked Lady is a work of fiction. While the drama, adventure film directed by Michael Winner and starring Faye Dunaway may incorporate realistic themes, the characters and plot are original creations.
Who Should Watch The Wicked Lady?
Age Advisory: Rated R — not suitable for younger viewers.
Consider Watching If:
- You're a completist for Drama films
- You're curious despite mixed reviews
- You have low expectations and want casual entertainment
Box Office Collection: The Wicked Lady
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $15.0M |
| Worldwide Gross | $724.9K |
| Trade Verdict | FINANCIAL DISAPPOINTMENT |
The Wicked Lady Budget
The estimated production budget for The Wicked Lady is $15.0M. This figure covers principal photography, talent acquisitions, and visual effects. When accounting for global marketing and distribution, the break-even point is typically 2x the base production cost.
Where to Watch The Wicked Lady Online?
Streaming Hub📺 Stream on
Amazon Prime Video
fuboTV
MGM+ Amazon Channel
MGM Plus Roku Premium Channel
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Philo
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Apple TV Store
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Apple TV StoreFandango At HomeThe Wicked Lady Parents Guide & Age Rating
1983 AdvisoryWondering about The Wicked Lady age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of The Wicked Lady (1983) is 98 minutes (1h 38m). Directed by Michael Winner, the film runs for 98 minutes in its complete theatrical version.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 5.0/10, and global performance metrics, The Wicked Lady is classified as a AVERAGE. It remains an essential part of the 1983 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Wicked Lady worth watching?
The Wicked Lady is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Drama movies. It has a verified rating of 5/10 and stands as a AVERAGE in our box office analysis.
Where can I find The Wicked Lady parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for The Wicked Lady identifies it as R. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the runtime of The Wicked Lady (1983)?
The runtime of The Wicked Lady (1983) is 98 minutes (approximately 1h 38m).
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.
