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Poster for Thunder Rock

Thunder Rock

Seen it?

1942 | 112 min | Drama, Fantasy, War

Weeknight Watchearly rating

Why it’s a Weeknight Watch

With mixed reviews and soft box office, it's a mixed bag. Fine if it's on; don't plan your night around it.

Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.

Is it for you?

Who'll love it
One for anyone who likes a world with its own rules and anyone interested in what war does to ordinary people. Leaves you with something to think about. Fans of Lifeboat or The Guns of Navarone should feel right at home.
The mood
Intense.
The pace
Lets scenes breathe, at 1 hr 52 min.
What might put you off
  • Made in 1942: an older pace and style.
  • Skip it if you need something light and fast tonight.

David Charleston, once a world renowned journalist, now lives alone maintaining the Thunder Rock lighthouse in Lake Michigan. He doesn't cash his paychecks and has no contact other than the monthly inspector's visit. When alone, he imagines conversations with those who died when a 19th century packet ship with some 60 passengers sank. He imagines their lives, their problems, their fears and their hopes. In one of these conversations, he recalls his own efforts in the 1930s when he desperately tried to convince first his editors, and later the public, of the dangers of fascism and the inevitability of war. Few would listen. One of the passengers, a spinster, tells her story of seeking independence from a world dominated by men. There's also the case of a doctor who is banished for using unacceptable methods. David has given up on life, but the imaginary passengers give him hope for the future.

How it earned its rating

  • CriticsBelow par

    Mixed reviews

  • AudiencesNot counted

    Not measured yet: not enough ratings

  • AwardsBelow par

    1 win and 0 nominations from smaller awards and festivals

  • Reach & staying powerBelow par

    Streaming release that reached a small audience so far; still draws a steady audience long after release

  • Buzz & cultural impactBelow par

    About 8K people sought it out in the past year, and interest is climbing

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Cast & crew

Directed by Roy Boulting

  • Michael RedgraveDavid Charleston
  • Barbara MullenEllen Kirby
  • James MasonStreeter
  • Lilli PalmerMelanie Kurtz
  • Finlay CurrieCapt. Joshua Stuart
  • Frederick ValkDr. Kurtz
  • Sybille BinderAnne Marie
  • Frederick CooperBriggs
  • Jean ShepeardMrs. Briggs
  • Barry MorseRobert