A Criminal Is Born

  • 1938
  • Not Rated
  • 21m
movieMx RATING
8.0/103
VERDICT
SUPER HIT
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Performance & Direction: A Criminal Is Born Review

Last updated: January 26, 2026

movieMx Editorial Team
REVIEWED BY

movieMx Editorial Team

🔍 Cinematic Analysis Expert

Leading cinematic analysis expert with over 10 years of experience in Bollywood and Hollywood box office tracking. Reviewed 500+ films with a focus on narrative structure and commercial profitability.

📅 Updated: January 26, 2026 🎟️ Verified Viewing

🎬 Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?

Is A Criminal Is Born (1938) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a SUPER HIT with a verified audience rating of 8.0/10. 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 Performances: A Masterclass

The success of any Crime is often anchored by its ensemble, and A Criminal Is Born features a noteworthy lineup led by George P. Breakston . Supported by the likes of David Durand and Norman Phillips Jr. , the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.

Performance Analysis: The lead actors exhibit a remarkable range, navigating the emotional peaks and valleys of their respective characters with a precision that makes every motivation feel earned.

💡 Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?

In summary, our editorial assessment of A Criminal Is Born (1938) is overwhelmingly positive. With an audience rating of 8.0/10, it stands as a mandatory watch for any serious cinema lover.

Result: SUPER HIT
Based on verified audience sentiment and box office trajectory, A Criminal Is Born stands as a SUPER HIT.

Story & Plot Summary: A Criminal Is Born

Quick Plot Summary: A Criminal Is Born is a Crime, Drama film that dives into the criminal underworld with a grounded sense of realism and complex morality. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.

Ending Explained: A Criminal Is Born

Ending Breakdown: A Criminal Is Born brings together its narrative threads in a way that feels both earned and emotionally resonant. The finale has been praised for its approach to crime resolution.

The emotional climax centers on character transformation, creating a memorable conclusion that audiences have responded to positively.

Ending Analysis:

  • Narrative Resolution: The story concludes with clear resolution of its central conflicts, leaving audiences satisfied.
  • Character Arcs: Main characters complete meaningful transformations, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
  • Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the crime themes in a way that feels organic to the story.

The final moments of A Criminal Is Born demonstrate careful narrative planning, resulting in a conclusion that enhances the overall experience.

A Criminal Is Born Real vs. Reel: Is it Based on a True Story?

A Criminal Is Born incorporates elements from real criminal cases. As a crime, drama film, it navigates the space between factual accuracy and narrative engagement.

Historical Context

The film balances historical fidelity with cinematic storytelling. Core events maintain connection to source material while adapting for theatrical presentation.

The production demonstrates respect for its source material, focusing on emotional truth over strict chronology.

Accuracy Assessment: A Criminal Is Born successfully translates real events into compelling cinema. The film prioritizes thematic resonance over documentary precision.

Who Should Watch A Criminal Is Born?

Highly Recommended For:

  • Fans of Crime cinema looking for quality storytelling
  • Viewers who appreciate well-executed genre filmmaking
  • Anyone seeking a well-crafted film that delivers on its promises
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Top Cast: A Criminal Is Born

All Cast & Crew →
David Durand
David DurandRodney 'Rod'
Warren McCollum
Warren McCollumJimmy Wheeler
Joseph Crehan
Joseph CrehanFrank Wheeler
Dorothy Vaughan
Dorothy VaughanMartha Wheeler
Eddy Waller
Eddy WallerCafe Owner Joe
Ben Taggart
Ben TaggartFirst Shooting Victim
Harry C. Bradley
Harry C. BradleyDruggist (uncredited)
Eddy Chandler
Eddy ChandlerRod's Father (uncredited)
William Stack
William StackJudge Charles Edwin Marshall (uncredited)
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A Criminal Is Born Parents Guide & Age Rating

1938 Advisory
Not Rated

Official Age Rating

Wondering about A Criminal Is Born age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:

A Criminal Is Born has not been officially rated yet. Based on its genres (Crime, Drama), it contains mature themes, violence.

⏱️ Runtime & Duration

The total runtime of A Criminal Is Born is 21 minutes (21m). Ensuring you have enough time for the full cinematic experience.

Verdict Summary

Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 8.0/10, and global performance metrics, A Criminal Is Born is classified as a SUPER HIT. It remains an essential part of the 1938 cinematic calendar.

SUPER HIT
Official movieMx status for A Criminal Is Born. Rating: 8.0/10

Frequently Asked Questions

Is A Criminal Is Born worth watching?

A Criminal Is Born is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Crime movies. It has a verified rating of 8/10 and stands as a SUPER HIT in our box office analysis.

Where can I find A Criminal Is Born parents guide and age rating?

The official parents guide for A Criminal Is Born identifies it as Not Rated. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.

What is the total runtime of A Criminal Is Born?

The total duration of A Criminal Is Born is 21 minutes, which is approximately 0h 21m long.

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Critic Reviews for A Criminal Is Born

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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.

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Expert Consensus
Live Rating
MOVIEMX
★ 8.0
A Criminal Is Born
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