There Were Thirteen Review: Story, Cast, Rating & Final Verdict
Last updated: May 11, 2026
Movie Overview: There Were Thirteen
| Movie | There Were Thirteen |
| Release Year | 1931 |
| Director | David Howard |
| Genre | Crime / Mystery |
| Runtime | 79 minutes (1h 19m) |
| Language | ES |
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is There Were Thirteen (1931) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a HIT with a verified audience rating of 7.1/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Crime.
Cast & Character Study
The performances in There Were Thirteen are led by Manuel Arbó . The supporting cast, including Juan Torena and Ana María Custodio , provides the necessary layers to the central narrative.
movieMx Verdict: Is it Worth Your Time?
What Works in the Movie
There Were Thirteen stands out as a strong entry in the Crime genre. The film benefits from engaging storytelling, memorable performances, and solid production values that help keep viewers invested.
- Compelling performances from the main cast
- Strong visual storytelling and direction
- Well-structured Crime narrative
- Satisfying emotional or dramatic payoff
What Doesn't Work
Despite its strengths, There Were Thirteen has a few issues that may affect the overall viewing experience, particularly in terms of pacing and narrative consistency.
- Uneven pacing in certain parts of the film
- Some predictable plot developments
- May not appeal to audiences outside the Crime fanbase
Story & Plot Summary: There Were Thirteen
Quick Plot Summary: Released in 1931, There Were Thirteen is a Crime, Mystery film directed by David Howard, written by Barry Conners. The narrative dives into the criminal underworld with a grounded sense of realism and complex morality. It provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict involving Manuel Arbó as Charlie Chan.
Ending Explained: There Were Thirteen
There Were Thirteen Ending Explained: Directed by David Howard, There Were Thirteen resolves its central conflicts in a coherent and engaging way. The ending highlights the core crime themes developed throughout the film.
The final twist encourages viewers to reconsider earlier moments in the story, particularly in scenes involving Manuel Arbó. The interpretation of the ending may vary among viewers.
Key Elements of the Ending
- Narrative Resolution: The main storyline reaches a clear conclusion.
- Character Development: The central characters complete meaningful arcs.
- Thematic Message: The ending reinforces the crime themes introduced earlier in the film.
The final moments of There Were Thirteen reflect the creative choices of the filmmakers and align with the tone of the narrative.
There Were Thirteen Real vs. Reel: Is it Based on a True Story?
Is There Were Thirteen Based on a True Story?
There Were Thirteen draws from real criminal cases and investigative records. As a crime, mystery film directed by David Howard, the production explores how real events can be adapted into a dramatic narrative.
Real Story vs Movie Version
The film balances factual inspiration with cinematic storytelling. Certain scenes are likely dramatized to enhance emotional impact.
Many viewers have praised the film for respecting the spirit of the real events.
Accuracy Assessment: There Were Thirteen uses real-life inspiration as the foundation for a dramatized narrative. The film prioritizes thematic storytelling over strict documentary accuracy.
Who Should Watch There Were Thirteen?
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Crime films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of Manuel Arbó or the director
- Want solid genre entertainment
At just 79 minutes, it's a quick watch.
There Were Thirteen Parents Guide & Age Rating
1931 AdvisoryWondering about There Were Thirteen age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of There Were Thirteen (1931) is 79 minutes (1h 19m). Directed by David Howard, the film runs for 79 minutes in its complete theatrical version.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 7.1/10, and global performance metrics, There Were Thirteen is classified as a HIT. It remains an essential part of the 1931 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is There Were Thirteen worth watching?
There Were Thirteen is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Crime movies. It has a verified rating of 7.1/10 and stands as a HIT in our box office analysis.
Where can I find There Were Thirteen parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for There Were Thirteen identifies it as NR. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the runtime of There Were Thirteen (1931)?
The runtime of There Were Thirteen (1931) is 79 minutes (approximately 1h 19m).
movieMx Verified
This review has been verified for accuracy and editorial quality by our senior cinematic analysts.
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
