When Were You Born Poster

When Were You Born 1938

★ 5.010 votes65 min📅 1938-06-18

"Do the stars control the future?"

In the foggy alleys of 1930s San Francisco, a sharp-eyed astrologer predicts a passenger's untimely demise on a luxury liner—and the eerie accuracy of her horoscope sets the stage for a gripping mystery. Directed by William C.

Director: William C. McGann

Cast

Margaret Lindsay
Margaret Lindsay
Doris Kane
James Stephenson
James Stephenson
Phillip Corey
Lola Lane
Lola Lane
Nita Kenton
Anna May Wong
Anna May Wong
Mei Lei Ming
Anthony Averill
Anthony Averill
Larry Camp
Charles C. Wilson
Charles C. Wilson
Inspector Jim C. Gregg
Jeffrey Lynn
Jeffrey Lynn
Davis
Eric Stanley
Shields
Leonard Mudie
Leonard Mudie
Frederick Gow
Olin Howland
Olin Howland
Peter Finlay

Frequently Asked Questions

What is When Were You Born (1938) about?

*When Were You Born* follows an astrologer in San Francisco who shockingly predicts a ship passenger's murder before it happens. Teaming up with police, she hunts for clues in a case that blurs the line between fate and foul play. The story races from docks to drawing rooms, uncovering secrets tied to the victim's past.

Who directed When Were You Born?

The film was directed by William C. McGann, a versatile filmmaker known for his work in the 1930s and 1940s.

Who stars in When Were You Born?

The cast includes Margaret Lindsay, James Stephenson, Lola Lane, Anna May Wong, and Anthony Averill, with Charles C. Wilson rounding out the ensemble.

Is When Were You Born (1938) worth watching?

As a short, snappy mystery with a dash of romance and a noir-tinged San Francisco setting, *When Were You Born* offers a fun diversion for fans of pre-war cinema. While not a blockbuster, its tight runtime and intriguing premise make it a solid pick for genre enthusiasts looking for a hidden gem.

How long is When Were You Born?

The film runs for 65 minutes, making it a perfect quick watch for a rainy afternoon or a themed movie night.

About When Were You Born (1938) — Astrology, Murder, and 1930s San Francisco Mystery

In the foggy alleys of 1930s San Francisco, a sharp-eyed astrologer predicts a passenger's untimely demise on a luxury liner—and the eerie accuracy of her horoscope sets the stage for a gripping mystery. Directed by William C. McGann, *When Were You Born (1938)* blends romance with suspense as the astrologer teams up with police to unravel a murder before the next victim falls under the stars. The film drips with noir atmosphere, weaving fate, clues, and human emotion into a compact 65-minute thriller that lingers like the scent of salt air after a ship's departure.

Margaret Lindsay stars as the astrologer with a knack for reading futures, while James Stephenson and Anna May Wong deliver standout performances that anchor the mystery's emotional core. Set against the city's glittering waterfront and shadowy backrooms, this lesser-known gem from the pre-war era asks whether destiny is written in the stars—or if some hands forge their own tragic scripts. It's a compact yet vivid puzzle that rewards curiosity with a dash of romance and a healthy dose of intrigue.