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Expert Review & Ratings

See our full critical analysis and audience score for The Horse's Mouth.

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WORTH WATCHING: MIXED
Editorial Verified

Is The Horse's Mouth Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (1958)

Gulley Jimson is a boorish aging artist recently released from prison. A swindler in search of his next art project, he hunkers down in the penthouse of would-be patrons the Beeder...

✨ The Quick Verdict

ONE-TIME WATCH

If you are a fan of Comedy cinema, then The Horse's Mouth offers a standard experience that justifies its existence in the 1958 landscape.

👥 Target Audience

Fans of Comedy films

📔 Detailed Analysis

📖 The Core Premise

With the release of The Horse's Mouth (1958), audiences are invited back into the world of Comedy. 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. "Gulley Jimson is a boorish aging artist recently released from prison. A swindler in search of his next art project, he hunkers down in the penthouse of would-be patrons the Beeders while they go on an extended vacation; he paints a mural on their wall, pawns their valuables and, along with the sculptor Abel, inadvertently smashes a large hole in their floor. Jimson's next project is an even larger wall in an abandoned church."

🎬 Performance & Direction

A movie's success often hinges on its execution. While not a career-best, Alec Guinness's presence adds a necessary stability to the proceedings. 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 The Horse's Mouth worth your time? If you appreciate Comedy films that take risks, this is likely a must-watch. However, if you are looking for a flawless masterpiece, you might find some plot points predictable.

🏆 Final Verdict

Ultimately, The Horse's Mouth is a mixed bag with some redeeming qualities. With a runtime of 95 minutes, it asks for a significant time investment, but for the right audience, it pays off.

Our recommendation: Watch on OTT.

⏳ Time Investment

95MIN

At approximately 1.6 hours, the film requires a standard time commitment.