Brute Force (1947): Cast, Ratings, Plot & Where to Watch
Brute Force is a 1947 drama thriller directed by Jules Dassin, starring Burt Lancaster, Charles Bickford and Hume Cronyn. It runs 1 hour 38 minutes. Critics gave it 95% on Rotten Tomatoes and 80 on Metacritic. Stream it on Artiflix and Fawesome, or rent or buy it on Amazon Video and Apple TV Store.
- Released
- Runtime
- 1h 38m (98 min)
- Director
- Jules Dassin
- Original language
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English - Studio
- Universal Pictures
- After the credits
- No No extra scene
What Is Brute Force About?
The premise of Brute Force without spoilers. The whole story is in the plot summary further down.
After being released from solitary confinement, Joe Collins finds his life irrevocably changed by the news of his wife’s terminal cancer and the urgent need for a surgery. Determined to be with her, he and fellow prisoner Gallagher plot a daring escape. Their plan is complicated by the prison’s strict security and the vigilance of the ruthless Captain Munsey, who thwarts their attempt during a chaotic incident in the machine shop.
Where to Watch Brute Force
Stream it on Artiflix and Fawesome, or rent or buy it from Amazon Video and Apple TV Store. US availability and prices from JustWatch.
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Brute Force Cast
Burt Lancaster leads the cast, with Charles Bickford and Hume Cronyn. Directed by Jules Dassin; 10 actors are credited in all.
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Director Jules Dassin
Also Starring in Brute Force
· 6 moreBrute Force Reviews & Ratings
Critics gave Brute Force 95% on Rotten Tomatoes and 80 on Metacritic.
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Rotten Tomatoes 95% Tomatometer
Popcornmeter 87%
See on Rotten Tomatoes -
Metacritic 80 Metascore
User score 6.0
See on Metacritic -
TMDB 73% User score
See on TMDB
Brute Force Plot Summary
What happens in Brute Force from start to finish, spoilers included, with a timeline of 14 key events. The opening is below; the full summary is a 2-minute read.
Spoilers ahead
On a dark, rainy morning at Westgate Prison, inmates cram into a cramped cell to watch through the window as Joe Collins, Burt Lancaster returns from his term in solitary. The beleaguered warden, Charles Bickford, is under immense pressure to restore discipline, while his chief of security, Capt. Munsey, Hume Cronyn, uses manipulative tactics to pit prisoners against one another so he can mete out punishment. The prison doctor is often drunk and loudly warns that the facility is a powder keg that could explode if caution is ignored; he denounces Munsey’s approach and argues that the public and officials misunderstand the need for rehabilitation.
Full summary
The whole story of Brute Force, scene by scene
Brute Force Trailers & Videos
2 videos: 1 trailer and 1 clip.
- Clip Nothing's okay
How Well Do You Know Brute Force?
10 questions about the story, each with a hint if you get stuck. Pick an answer to see whether you were right.
Question 1 of 10
- Question 1: not answered
- Question 2: not answered
- Question 3: not answered
- Question 4: not answered
- Question 5: not answered
- Question 6: not answered
- Question 7: not answered
- Question 8: not answered
- Question 9: not answered
- Question 10: not answered
Which actor portrays the warden of Westgate Prison?
Cars in Brute Force
9 cars on screen, including the 1942 Chevrolet BK and the 1941 Dodge WC 6.
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1942 Chevrolet BK Minor role -
1941 Dodge WC 6 Minor role -
1942 Ford Super De Luxe Minor role -
1946 Ford Super De Luxe Minor role
Seen Brute Force?
Brute Force FAQ: Where to Watch, Cast & Runtime
Runtime, release date, director, cast, where to watch, ratings and post-credit scenes of Brute Force, each answered in a sentence.
How long is Brute Force?
Brute Force runs 1 hour 38 minutes (98 minutes).
When was Brute Force released?
Brute Force was released on August 1, 1947.
Who directed Brute Force?
Brute Force was directed by Jules Dassin.
More films by Jules Dassin Who is in the cast of Brute Force?
Brute Force stars Burt Lancaster, Charles Bickford and Hume Cronyn, among 10 credited actors.
Where can I watch Brute Force?
In the US, Brute Force is streaming on Artiflix, Fawesome and FlixFling and available to rent or buy on Amazon Video, Apple TV Store and Fandango At Home (availability from JustWatch).
How is Brute Force rated?
Brute Force has 95% on Rotten Tomatoes, 80 on Metacritic and 73% on TMDB.
Does Brute Force have a post-credit scene?
No. Brute Force has no extra scene during or after the credits.
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