Bulldog Drummond in Africa (1938)

User Rating:

6.0/10   

Director:

Louis King

Writers:

Herman C. McNeile (novel)
Garnett Weston (writer)

Release Date:

1938 (Germany)

Genre:

Adventure | Mystery

Tagline:

TRAILING A TRAITOR on DANGEROUS PATHS THROUGH THE DARK CONTINENT! (original print ad - mostly caps)

Plot:

Drummond, his girlfriend and his butler try to free an high post of Scotland Yard who has been kidnapped.

Plot Keywords:

Colonel | Bulldog Drummond | Sequel | Adventurer | Based On Novel

Cast

John Howard	...	Capt. Hugh Chesterton 'Bulldog' Drummond
Heather Angel	...	Phyllis Clavering
H.B. Warner	...	Col. J.A. Nielsen
J. Carrol Naish	...	Richard Lane
Reginald Denny	...	Algernon 'Algy' Longworth
E.E. Clive	...	'Tenny' Tennison
Anthony Quinn	...	Fordine (henchman)
Michael Brooke	...	Baron Nevsky
Matthew Boulton	...	Maj. Grey
Neil Fitzgerald	...	McTurk (British spy)
rest of cast listed alphabetically:
Fortunio Bonanova	...	African police corporal
Leonard Carey	...	Phillips (butler)
Forrester Harvey	...	Const. Jenkins
Rudolf Myzet	...	Plane saboteur
Paul Porcasi	...	Tuxedoed man in hotel room
Konstantin Shayne	...	Plane saboteur
Michael Vallon	...	Mr. Acris
Wilhelm von Brincken	...	Dr. Stern

Runtime:

58 min

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Color:

Black and White

Aspect Ratio:

1.37 : 1

Sound Mix:

Mono (Western Electric Mirrophonic Recording)

Certification:

USA:Unrated | USA:Approved (PCA #4434) | Finland:K-16

Company:

Paramount Pictures

Movie Connections:

Followed by Bulldog Drummond at Bay (1947)

A rather more dangerous Road to Morocco, with the delightful Howard and Clive

Here we go again, but it isn't 'Africa', it's just Morocco. However, I guess they thought 'Africa' sounded more glamorous for a title. This is a superior entry into the Bulldog Drummond series, and is the thirteenth Drummond film to be made. John Howard is a terrific Drummond, compares well with Ronald Colman, and is superior to Ray Milland and Walter Pidgeon. (I do hate to say anything against Walter Pidgeon, but I am only referring to the role of Drummond, whom he played on one occasion, the 21st Drummond film, 'Calling Bulldog Drummond' in 1951.) E. E. Clive is once again the butler, and what a time he has! (As do we, just watching him.) Heather Angel is the gal this time, due to be married to Drummond of course the next morning, but then we knew that would never be allowed, didn't we? She is a great kisser, doubtless smells of heather, has a fresh face and one wants her around. And she won't leave her man alone, but insists on sharing his danger. That's a good sport, then! Nothing like a love interest who contributes to the action plot as well! J. Carroll Naish is a particularly sinister baddie in this film, with his ultra-calm demeanour and suave, reassuring ways. He out-Sanders George Sanders sometimes and out-Conways Tom Conway. A pity, as a villain, he is not allowed to get a girl after all that sophisticated behaviour and under-playing of his dialogue to insidious effect. Yes, this is a good one. And the escape from the exploding plane is worthy of Batman.