Zero Hour!
Performance & Direction: Zero Hour! Review
Last updated: February 18, 2026
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is Zero Hour! (1957) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a HIT with a verified audience rating of 6.7/10. 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 Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Drama is often anchored by its ensemble, and Zero Hour! features a noteworthy lineup led by Dana Andrews . Supported by the likes of Linda Darnell and Sterling Hayden , the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.
Performance Analysis: While the cast delivers competent and professional performances, they are occasionally hampered by a script that leans into familiar archetypes.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?
Story & Plot Summary: Zero Hour!
Quick Plot Summary: Released in 1957, Zero Hour! is a Drama, Thriller film directed by Hall Bartlett. The narrative explores complex human emotions and relationships through detailed character development. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict involving Dana Andrews.
Ending Explained: Zero Hour!
Ending Breakdown: Directed by Hall Bartlett, Zero Hour! concludes its story with a mix of closure and open interpretation. The finale presents its approach to drama resolution.
The final reveal recontextualizes earlier scenes involving Dana Andrews, offering viewers material for post-viewing discussion.
Ending Analysis:
- Narrative Resolution: The story concludes by addressing its primary narrative threads, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
- Character Arcs: Character journeys reach their narrative endpoints, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
- Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the drama themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of Zero Hour! reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch Zero Hour!?
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Drama films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of Dana Andrews or the director
- Want a character-driven story with emotional moments
Top Cast: Zero Hour!
All Cast & Crew →
Where to Watch Zero Hour! Online?
Streaming Hub🎟️ Rent on
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Apple TV Store
Google Play Movies
YouTube
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Amazon VideoApple TV StoreGoogle Play MoviesYouTubeFandango At HomeZero Hour! Parents Guide & Age Rating
1957 AdvisoryWondering about Zero Hour! age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of Zero Hour! is 81 minutes (1h 21m). Ensuring you have enough time for the full cinematic experience.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 6.7/10, and global performance metrics, Zero Hour! is classified as a HIT. It remains an essential part of the 1957 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Zero Hour! worth watching?
Zero Hour! is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Drama movies. It has a verified rating of 6.7/10 and stands as a HIT in our box office analysis.
Where can I find Zero Hour! parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for Zero Hour! identifies it as NR. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the total runtime of Zero Hour!?
The total duration of Zero Hour! is 81 minutes, which is approximately 1h 21m long.
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How Zero Hour! Compares & Where it Ranks
Critic Reviews for Zero Hour!
Tension and Terror in the Skies! Famously parodied as Airplane in 1980, it gets forgotten just what a rollicking good thriller Zero Hour! is. Dana Andrews is the airman scarred by an incident during the war who has to battle his demons when the crew and passengers of the jumbo jet he is aboard fall victim to food poisoning. Sterling Hayden is down on the ground smoking loads of ciggies and having no faith in trying to talk Andrews down safely. One of the first disaster aeroplane movies, it follows what we now regard as the staples of the genre. Troubled protagonist, family strife, calm characters, panic characters, lovely ladies, square jawed men, raging weather conditions and an aeroplane in serious danger of plummeting from the sky and killing all on board. It's sometimes hokey and one dimensional in terms of plot developments, but it commits to the drama and grinds out a suspenseful last half hour that can have you edging towards the edge of your seat. A must see for fans of such fare. It's ok to love Airplane! and prefer its comedy smartness, but it's also ok to doff a respectful pilot cap towards Zero Hour! as well. 7.5/10
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.
