Is They Knew What They Wanted Worth Watching?
Answer: Maybe not, They Knew What They Wanted is likely a skip if you enjoy Drama movies.
It features a runtime of 96 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to general audiences.
They Knew What They Wanted Review
Last updated: January 12, 2026
The Premise
Released in 1940, They Knew What They Wanted enters the Drama genre with a narrative focused on While courting a young woman by mail, a rich farmer sends a photograph of his foreman instead of his own, which leads to complications when she accepts his marriage proposal. Under the direction of Garson Kanin, the film attempts to weave detailed character arcs with visual storytelling.
Cast & Performance
The film is anchored by performances from Carole Lombard. While the cast delivers competent performances, the script occasionally limits their range.
Technical Mastery & Style
From a technical standpoint, They Knew What They Wanted offers a competent presentation. The cinematography uses a distinct visual palette that aligns well with the tone. The sharp editing keeps the narrative moving at a brisk pace, maximizing the impact of the key sequences.
Social Impact & Cultural Context
Beyond the narrative, They Knew What They Wanted resonates with current cultural themes in the Drama space. It stays within the established boundaries of its genre, providing exactly what core fans expect without reinventing the wheel.
Where to Watch & Streaming Info
As of early 2026, They Knew What They Wanted is available in theaters worldwide. For audiences in the US, UK, and India, digital rentals are typically available on platforms like Amazon Prime and Apple TV roughly 45-60 days after the theatrical release.
Narrative Arc & Plot Breakdown
The plot of They Knew What They Wanted centers on a unique premise within the Drama landscape. While courting a young woman by mail, a rich farmer sends a photograph of his foreman instead of his own, which leads to complications when she accepts his marriage proposal. The second act serves as a major turning point, leading to a climax that fans of 1940 cinema will find fairly predictable.
Ending Explained & Sequel Potential
The ending of They Knew What They Wanted has sparked significant debate on social media. It signifies the ambiguous resolution of the main plot thread. Given the current box office momentum, discussions of a They Knew What They Wanted sequel or a wider cinematic universe are already gaining traction.
Final Editorial Verdict
Final verdict for They Knew What They Wanted (1940): with an audience rating of 5.8/10, the reception has been divisive. It is a recommended for fans of Drama, Romance cinema who appreciate attention to detail.
Parents Guide & Age Rating
They Knew What They Wanted is rated NR. Parents should be aware that it contains romantic content.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 5.8/10, and global collection metrics, They Knew What They Wanted stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 1940 cinematic year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is They Knew What They Wanted movie hit or flop?
They Knew What They Wanted has received mixed reviews with a 5.8/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.
Is They Knew What They Wanted worth watching?
They Knew What They Wanted is a mixed bag. It might be worth watching if you're a fan of Drama, Romance movies, but read reviews first.
Where can I watch They Knew What They Wanted online?
They Knew What They Wanted may be available for rent or purchase on digital platforms like Apple TV, Google Play, or Amazon Prime Video. Specific streaming availability can vary by country.
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People Also Ask (FAQs)
Is They Knew What They Wanted movie hit or flop?
They Knew What They Wanted has received mixed reviews with a 5.8/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.
Is They Knew What They Wanted worth watching?
They Knew What They Wanted is a mixed bag. It might be worth watching if you're a fan of Drama, Romance movies, but read reviews first.
Where can I watch They Knew What They Wanted online?
They Knew What They Wanted may be available for rent or purchase on digital platforms like Apple TV, Google Play, or Amazon Prime Video. Specific streaming availability can vary by country.
What is the story of They Knew What They Wanted?
They Knew What They Wanted is a Drama, Romance movie that follows: While courting a young woman by mail, a rich farmer sends a photograph of his foreman instead of his own, which leads to complications when she accepts his marriage proposal....
Is They Knew What They Wanted family friendly?
They Knew What They Wanted is classified as Drama, Romance. We recommend checking the official age rating before watching with children.
What language is They Knew What They Wanted available in?
They Knew What They Wanted is primarily available in its original language, with subtitles and dubbed versions available on various streaming services and digital stores.
Synopsis
While courting a young woman by mail, a rich farmer sends a photograph of his foreman instead of his own, which leads to complications when she accepts his marriage proposal.
Critic Reviews
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