There Was a Crooked Man backdrop
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Expert Review & Ratings

See our full critical analysis and audience score for There Was a Crooked Man.

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WORTH WATCHING: MIXED
Editorial Verified

Is There Was a Crooked Man Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (1960)

When a law-abiding demolition expert is duped by a gang of criminals into helping them he is caught and jailed. When he is released he goes straight and then notices a leading citi...

✨ The Quick Verdict

ONE-TIME WATCH

If you are a fan of Comedy cinema, then There Was a Crooked Man offers a standard experience that justifies its existence in the 1960 landscape.

👥 Target Audience

Fans of Comedy films

📔 Detailed Analysis

📖 The Core Premise

With the release of There Was a Crooked Man (1960), 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. "When a law-abiding demolition expert is duped by a gang of criminals into helping them he is caught and jailed. When he is released he goes straight and then notices a leading citizen in his town is cheating his neighbours."

🎬 Performance & Direction

A movie's success often hinges on its execution. In There Was a Crooked Man, Norman Wisdom delivers a serviceable performance that keeps the narrative moving. 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 There Was a Crooked Man worth your time? If you appreciate Comedy 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, There Was a Crooked Man is a mixed bag with some redeeming qualities. With a runtime of 107 minutes, it asks for a significant time investment, but for the right audience, it pays off.

Our recommendation: Watch on OTT.

⏳ Time Investment

107MIN

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