Parents' Guide to Crossfire

Movie NR 1947 86 minutes
Crossfire movie poster: Illustration of a fedora-wearing man with a gun, a smoking blond woman in a red dress, and headshots of two other men

Common Sense Media Review

Stefan Pape By Stefan Pape , based on child development research. How do we rate?

age 12+

Noir whodunit examines antisemitism in post-WWII America.

Parents Need to Know

Why Age 12+?

Any Positive Content?

  • Crossfire Trailer
  • Crossfire: A detective questions a woman about a case
  • Crossfire: A soldier in uniform
  • Crossfire: Detectives question a suspect in a murder case

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What's the Story?

In CROSSFIRE, Captain Finlay (Robert Young) is called in to investigate the murder of a man at a hotel. Initially it appears that a soldier named Mitchell (George Cooper) is the prime suspect, but as the events of the previous night unfold, and with the help of Mitchell's friend and fellow soldier Keeley (Robert Mitchum), Finlay broadens the search, believing the murder to have been a hate crime, given that the victim was Jewish.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say : Not yet rated
Kids say : Not yet rated

This 1940s noir classic delivers on all the genre expectations, featuring exceptional acting and an impressively tight script. Crossfire also draws power from its meaningful monologues that carry significant moral weight. The film's anti-hate message feels especially potent given its post-World War II release, and it notably addresses prejudice from perspectives beyond those of the victims themselves. It effectively reminds viewers that minority groups shouldn't have to fight discrimination alone, emphasizing the importance of allies who demonstrate courage and responsibility by standing up against hatred. Beyond its social commentary, the film functions as an engaging whodunit thriller that keeps audiences guessing. The beautiful lighting creates atmospheric tension, while the brisk 86-minute run time manages to move quickly without sacrificing narrative depth, giving important story elements the time they deserve.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about how prejudice and hate are portrayed in Crossfire. How does the film show hatred spreading from person to person? Do you think these messages about the dangers of prejudice are still relevant today?

  • Did the film successfully show that non-Jewish people need to stand up against antisemitism? Why is allyship important when confronting prejudice? What are some ways people can be allies to marginalized groups today?

  • Though the plot is about the murder of a Jewish man, there is not a great Jewish presence within the film. Is that a problem, or do you believe this story can and should be told from the perspective of non-Jewish people?

  • How was smoking and drinking depicted in the film? Was it glamorized? Do you think our behavior when it comes to smoking and drinking has changed from when the movie was set and filmed?

Movie Details

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Crossfire movie poster: Illustration of a fedora-wearing man with a gun, a smoking blond woman in a red dress, and headshots of two other men

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