Is Stop the Massacre Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (1959)

📖 The Core Premise

With the release of Stop the Massacre (1959), audiences are invited back into the world of Comedy, 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. "Promoted to wrestling champion by chance, Tonin, known as le Bourreau de l'Ardèche, moves to Paris. He is quickly snapped up by Monsieur Bob, a self-styled manager who, in reality, hides his dealings under the cover of a nightclub, but who is also Tonin's regimental buddy. So Tonin acts as a front man, while Bob provides him with fake victories. The beautiful Wanda, the gangster's mistress, appeals to Tonin; she's charitable and sets him on the right path. He returns to the Ardèche and marries the daughter of the village mayor, after learning what a dangerous protector Bob is."

🎬 Performance & Direction

A movie's success often hinges on its execution. Jean Richard attempts to elevate the material, but the direction leaves them with little to work with. The direction aims to balance pacing with character development, a hallmark of good Comedy. While there are moments of brilliance, the pacing occasionally dips.

🤔 Why You Should Watch (or Skip)

Is Stop the Massacre worth your time? If you appreciate Comedy, 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, Stop the Massacre misses the mark on several fronts. With a runtime of 83 minutes, it asks for a significant time investment, but for the right audience, it pays off.

Our recommendation: Skip It.