MovieChat Forums > From Headquarters (1933) Discussion > Warner Bros. re-made this as 'When Were ...

Warner Bros. re-made this as 'When Were You Born'

posted 13 years ago by cinema_universe
2 replies | jump to latest

I tried to let IMDb know that Warner Brothers remade this film as "When Were You Born," (1938), but they did an "automatic" reject, saying that "When Were You Born" is NOT in their database.

It is in their database, of course, and here is the URL:
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0030968/

It just goes to show how even a smug automated system can (and often does) bury the truth, unintentional, as it may be.

[–] thunderwing13 10 years ago

This is the original of "When You Were Born (1938)" also coincidentally starring Margaret Lindsay.
A few of the characters have changed but 95% of the film, script and storyline remains. What I don't understand is how the 1933 version is by Robert N. Lee (from the story by) whereas the 1938 version is by Manley P. Hall (original story).
Are these two people one and the same or is one guilty of plagiarism?

I came here to address this but you beat me to it. LOL

I was walking down the skyway my way...

[–] mdonln 8 years ago

thunderwing13 says > Are these two people one and the same or is one guilty of plagiarism?

I think we find it hard to believe but very few stories are truly unique and original. As humans we tend to have similar experiences and often similar thoughts. We may have a different reaction to what happens in our lives; that's what makes our experiences our own even though the actual events may be similar.

In the past that may have been harder to see because we didn't have much contact with as many people especially those far away from us and who may be outwardly very different. It's possible even a story like this can originate independently from different sources.

Woman, man! That's the way it should be Tarzan. [Tarzan and his mate]