Before Dawn
“Half a million in hidden loot caused ten crimes BEFORE DAWN!”
Synopsis
After the death of a gangster, those familiar with his million dollar stash start mysteriously dying. Police detectives with the help of a clairvoyant try to determine who, living or dead, is responsible.
Top Cast
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Stuart Erwin
Dwight Wilson
Dorothy Wilson
Patricia Merrick, also known as Mlle. Mystera
Warner Oland
Dr. Paul Cornelius
Dudley Digges
Horace Merrick
Gertrude Hoffmann
Mattie (as Gertrude W. Hoffman)
Oscar Apfel
Chief of Detectives John F. O'Hara
Frank Reicher
Joe Valerie
Jane Darwell
Mrs. Marble
Stanley Blystone
Police Car Driver (uncredited)
Ed Brady
Paddywagon Cop (uncredited)
Tom Brower
Detective Schultz (uncredited)
Pat O'Malley
Detective Brady (uncredited)
Ted Oliver
Police Desk Sergeant Hamilton (uncredited)
Irving Pichel
Police Radio Announcer (voice) (uncredited)
Max Wagner
Policeman in Car (uncredited)
Release History & Theatrical Window
August 4, 1933
Wide Cinema Exhibition
Key Information & Fast Facts
- Director
- Irving Pichel
- Screenplay & Story
- Marion Dix, Ralph Block, Garrett Fort
- Original Title
- Before Dawn
- Country of Origin
- United States of America
- Spoken Languages
- German, English
- Runtime
- 1h 0m
- Production Studios
- RKO Radio Pictures
Creative Leadership & Key Crew
Irving Pichel
Marion Dix, Ralph Block, Garrett Fort, Edgar Wallace
William Hamilton
Department Leadership Roster
William Hamilton
Editor
Marion Dix
Screenplay
Ralph Block
Screenplay
Irving Pichel
Director
Garrett Fort
Screenplay
Production Stills & Gallery
Official cinematic photography and background stills for Before Dawn.
Featured In Curated Collections
Editorial lists, community rankings, and cinematic collections featuring Before Dawn.
Ghost
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Pre-Code Hollywood
Pre-Code Hollywood films, 1929 to 1934.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Before Dawn
Quick factual answers about cast, synopsis, director, box office, and release information.
What is Before Dawn about?
After the death of a gangster, those familiar with his million dollar stash start mysteriously dying. Police detectives with the help of a clairvoyant try to determine who, living or dead, is responsible.
Who directed Before Dawn?
Before Dawn was directed by Irving Pichel.
Who stars in Before Dawn?
The principal cast of Before Dawn includes Stuart Erwin, Dorothy Wilson, Warner Oland, Dudley Digges, Gertrude Hoffmann.
When was Before Dawn released and how long is it?
Before Dawn was released in 1933 with a total runtime of 1h 0m.
Is Before Dawn based on a book or true story?
Before Dawn is adapted from the following source material: Novel: "Edgar Wallace".