The Zero Hour (1939): cast, story & where to watch

1939 · Film · ★ 4.5

The Zero Hour poster

Released in 1939, The Zero Hour is a drama and romance film directed by Sidney Salkow, running about 53 minutes. “TIME OF BITTER RECKONING When Fate turns the book of Life to a new page of happiness or doom!” — that tagline sets the tone.

What it’s about. A celebrated Broadway actress and a wealthy widowed businessman are brought together through their shared affection for a young orphan.

Who’s in it. The Zero Hour stars Frieda Inescort as Linda Marsh, Otto Kruger as Julian Forbes, Adrienne Ames as Susan Pendleton and Donald Douglas as Stewart Brewster, among others.

How it landed. With an audience score of 4.5/10, The Zero Hour has proved divisive with audiences.

Where to watch. Streaming options change often. See the full, country-by-country breakdown on our where to watch The Zero Hour page.

If you liked it. Fans of The Zero Hour tend to enjoy The Shawshank Redemption, The Godfather, Schindler's List and The Godfather Part II.

Frequently asked

Where can I watch The Zero Hour (1939)?
Streaming, rental and purchase options for The Zero Hour change frequently. Check our where-to-watch page for the latest availability in your country.
Is The Zero Hour worth watching?
The Zero Hour holds an audience score of 4.5 out of 10, and is a strong pick if you enjoy drama and romance. Reactions are mixed, so it may depend on taste.
Who stars in The Zero Hour?
The Zero Hour stars Frieda Inescort, Otto Kruger, Adrienne Ames, Donald Douglas and Jane Darwell.
When was The Zero Hour released?
The Zero Hour was released in 1939, with a runtime of about 53 minutes.