When Were You Born Review: Story, Cast, Rating & Final Verdict
Last updated: May 12, 2026
Movie Overview: When Were You Born
| Movie | When Were You Born |
| Release Year | 1938 |
| Director | William C. McGann |
| Genre | Mystery / Romance |
| Runtime | 65 minutes (1h 5m) |
| Language | EN |
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is When Were You Born (1938) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a AVERAGE with a verified audience rating of 5.2/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Mystery.
Cast & Character Study
The performances in When Were You Born are led by Margaret Lindsay . The supporting cast, including James Stephenson and Lola Lane , provides the necessary layers to the central narrative.
movieMx Verdict: Is it Worth Your Time?
What Works in the Movie
While When Were You Born does not fully realize its potential, it still contains moments that may appeal to viewers who enjoy Mystery films.
- Interesting concept or premise
- Some entertaining scenes
- Supporting cast delivers occasional highlights
What Doesn't Work
Despite its strengths, When Were You Born 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 Mystery fanbase
Story & Plot Summary: When Were You Born
Quick Plot Summary: Released in 1938, When Were You Born is a Mystery, Romance film directed by William C. McGann, written by Anthony Coldeway. The narrative presents a compelling narrative that engages viewers from start to finish. It provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict involving Margaret Lindsay as Doris Kane.
Ending Explained: When Were You Born
When Were You Born Ending Explained: A San Francisco astrologer correctly predicts a ship passenger's death and then helps the police look for the murderer. Directed by William C. McGann, this 1938 mystery film stars Margaret Lindsay (Doris Kane), alongside James Stephenson as Phillip Corey, Lola Lane as Nita Kenton, Anna May Wong as Mei Lei Ming. Rated 5.2/10, the conclusion has sparked discussion among viewers.
What Happens at the End of When Were You Born?
A San Francisco astrologer correctly predicts a ship passenger's death and then helps the police look for the murderer.
How Does Margaret Lindsay (Doris Kane)'s Story End?
- Margaret Lindsay: Margaret Lindsay's storyline wraps up in the final act, though some viewers have found the resolution more ambiguous than expected.
- James Stephenson (Phillip Corey): James Stephenson's role in the climax proves pivotal to how the central conflict resolves.
- Lola Lane (Nita Kenton): Lola Lane's character undergoes a significant shift in the final act.
What Does the Ending of When Were You Born Mean?
The ending of When Were You Born brings the narrative to a close, though viewer reception has been mixed. The resolution of Margaret Lindsay's story may not satisfy all audiences.
When Were You Born Real vs. Reel: Is it Based on a True Story?
Is When Were You Born Based on a True Story?
No, When Were You Born is a work of fiction. While the mystery, romance film directed by William C. McGann and starring Margaret Lindsay may incorporate realistic themes, the characters and plot are original creations.
Who Should Watch When Were You Born?
Consider Watching If:
- You're a completist for Mystery films
- You're curious despite mixed reviews
- You have low expectations and want casual entertainment
At just 65 minutes, it's a quick watch.
When Were You Born Parents Guide & Age Rating
1938 AdvisoryWondering about When Were You Born age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of When Were You Born (1938) is 65 minutes (1h 5m). Directed by William C. McGann, the film runs for 65 minutes in its complete theatrical version.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 5.2/10, and global performance metrics, When Were You Born is classified as a AVERAGE. It remains an essential part of the 1938 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is When Were You Born worth watching?
When Were You Born is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Mystery movies. It has a verified rating of 5.2/10 and stands as a AVERAGE in our box office analysis.
Where can I find When Were You Born parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for When Were You Born identifies it as NR. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the runtime of When Were You Born (1938)?
The runtime of When Were You Born (1938) is 65 minutes (approximately 1h 5m).
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.
