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See our full critical analysis and audience score for Harlow.

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WORTH WATCHING: MIXED
Editorial Verified

Is Harlow Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (1965)

Loosely based biography of 1930s star Jean Harlow as she begins her climb to stardom. One of two "Harlow" film biographies that appeared in 1965, this one stars Carol Lynley in the...

✨ The Quick Verdict

SKIP IT

If you are a fan of Drama cinema, then Harlow offers a standard experience that justifies its existence in the 1965 landscape.

👥 Target Audience

Fans of Drama films
casual viewers seeking light entertainment

📔 Detailed Analysis

📖 The Core Premise

With the release of Harlow (1965), audiences are invited back into the world of Drama. At its heart, the film explores complex themes wrapped in a compelling storyline. As the plot unfolds, we see characters navigating a world where stakes are high. "Loosely based biography of 1930s star Jean Harlow as she begins her climb to stardom. One of two "Harlow" film biographies that appeared in 1965, this one stars Carol Lynley in the title role that begins as Jean Harlow, a bit player in Laurel and Hardy comedies, is invited to test for director Jonathan Martin for the lead in Howard Hughes's "Hell's Angels." She is an instantaneous sensation, and in a series of films devoted more to her body than her talent, she becomes Hollywood's "Platinum Blonde.""

🎬 Performance & Direction

A movie's success often hinges on its execution. In Harlow, even the presence of Carol Lynley struggles to save a script that feels disjointed. The direction aims to balance pacing with character development, a hallmark of good Drama. While there are moments of brilliance, the pacing occasionally dips.

🤔 Why You Should Watch (or Skip)

Is Harlow worth your time? If you appreciate Drama films that take risks, this is likely a decent one-time watch. However, if you are looking for a flawless masterpiece, you might find some plot points predictable.

🏆 Final Verdict

Ultimately, Harlow misses the mark on several fronts. With a runtime of 109 minutes, it asks for a significant time investment, but for the right audience, it pays off.

Our recommendation: Skip It.

⏳ Time Investment

109MIN

At approximately 1.8 hours, the film requires a standard time commitment.