1st watched 6/4/2002 - 7 out of 10(Dir-Ernest Shoedsack): Whimsical, and interesting man being at the wrong place at the wrong time movie where an American in London becomes involved with some sort of spy thriller quite accidentally. Hard to find, forgotten film from the co-director of `King Kong.' is really played out well from beginning to end. Robert Armstrong plays the man in the wrong place with humor and bravado when needed, showing his ability to con even the cons on his own despite his anonymity. He was supposed to be taking in London for the excitement of the city but on his own he was bored, but he's dragged into an adventure that is carried on mostly in the fog-filled London streets which I'm sure helped give it the title. This is a quiet gem that should be brought out more into the open. Watch it if you can find it.
12 Reviews
An agreeable little adventure film...
planktonrules23 April 2011
"Blind Adventure" is an agreeable low-budget adventure film and while it won't change your life, it is worth your time.
"Blind Adventure" begins with an American (Robert Armstrong) stumbling into a London home and seeing what appears to be a dead man! He immediately leaves the flat and gets help, but when he returns only a moment later, the body is gone and everyone inside behaves as if nothing has happened and Armstrong is crazy. However, a woman staying there in the flat (Helen Mack) realizes SOMETHING is amiss and the rest of the film is like a jigsaw puzzle, as the two of them and a new friend (Roland Young) all worth together to figure out what's really going on--and with spies, blackmail and the sort, it's all pretty exciting.
While the film is easy enough to forget, it has an interesting plot, decent acting and some agreeable supporting actors. I could say more about the film but I don't want to ruin the mystery.
"Blind Adventure" begins with an American (Robert Armstrong) stumbling into a London home and seeing what appears to be a dead man! He immediately leaves the flat and gets help, but when he returns only a moment later, the body is gone and everyone inside behaves as if nothing has happened and Armstrong is crazy. However, a woman staying there in the flat (Helen Mack) realizes SOMETHING is amiss and the rest of the film is like a jigsaw puzzle, as the two of them and a new friend (Roland Young) all worth together to figure out what's really going on--and with spies, blackmail and the sort, it's all pretty exciting.
While the film is easy enough to forget, it has an interesting plot, decent acting and some agreeable supporting actors. I could say more about the film but I don't want to ruin the mystery.
A foggy night in London town
bkoganbing8 October 2017
People who ran the B picture and poverty row studios long realized that fog could mask a low budget on a film. And when you set a film in London it's a requirement.
Newly arrived American Robert Armstrong is itching for a bit of night life so he goes out on a foggy night in London town and hears some screams coming from a house. Finding the door open he walks in and finds a dead body. But when he summons the police they find no dead body and people thinking Armstrong is a bit balmy.
But he does make a friend in Helen Mack who decides the American stranger is one she can trust. Of course the whole thing is resolved by the end.
The whole thing is shot from Armstrong's point of view as he meets a lot of varying characters and tries to figure out who he can trust. Turns out he can't trust too many.
Although the leads are fine and would work together in Son Of Kong, the film is stolen by Roland Young who with cockney accent plays his own lower class version of the amateur cracksman replete with some really droll dialog.
Fans of Roland Young should not miss this one.
Newly arrived American Robert Armstrong is itching for a bit of night life so he goes out on a foggy night in London town and hears some screams coming from a house. Finding the door open he walks in and finds a dead body. But when he summons the police they find no dead body and people thinking Armstrong is a bit balmy.
But he does make a friend in Helen Mack who decides the American stranger is one she can trust. Of course the whole thing is resolved by the end.
The whole thing is shot from Armstrong's point of view as he meets a lot of varying characters and tries to figure out who he can trust. Turns out he can't trust too many.
Although the leads are fine and would work together in Son Of Kong, the film is stolen by Roland Young who with cockney accent plays his own lower class version of the amateur cracksman replete with some really droll dialog.
Fans of Roland Young should not miss this one.
Don't Try to Figure It Out!
malvernp13 November 2020
This little item was recently shown on TCM. It is not well known despite a strong cast and pedigree creative credits. Blind Adventure (like Most Dangerous Game) involves talent that derives from the King Kong franchise.
Blind Adventure is what some would call a "shaggy dog story." It involves characters in odd and often incomprehensible situations that defy logic. It really doesn't pay to over-analyse such movies. The better way to enjoy them is to sit back and just let them unfold. At a later time, you will recall such films for their fun value long after the baffling details fade from your memory. One of the best examples of this genre is the Humphrey Bogart classic Beat the Devil. Who remembers what that was all about? But we certainly remember the wacky principals and their mystifying and often humorous goings on and interactions.
In a little over one hour, we have seen a story in Blind Adventure so convoluted and dense that it defies explanation as to exactly what it was all about. Certainly I will not attempt to clarify it. If The Big Sleep has a large following despite the fact that the narrative remains somewhat unfathomable, perhaps Blind Adventure is another classic-in-waiting yet to be discovered.
Because the Robert Armstrong, Helen Mack and Roland Young characters are so charming and delightful as they wander through the meandering plot of Blind Adventure--we should forgive whatever shortcomings it may otherwise pose for us.
Enjoy!
Blind Adventure is what some would call a "shaggy dog story." It involves characters in odd and often incomprehensible situations that defy logic. It really doesn't pay to over-analyse such movies. The better way to enjoy them is to sit back and just let them unfold. At a later time, you will recall such films for their fun value long after the baffling details fade from your memory. One of the best examples of this genre is the Humphrey Bogart classic Beat the Devil. Who remembers what that was all about? But we certainly remember the wacky principals and their mystifying and often humorous goings on and interactions.
In a little over one hour, we have seen a story in Blind Adventure so convoluted and dense that it defies explanation as to exactly what it was all about. Certainly I will not attempt to clarify it. If The Big Sleep has a large following despite the fact that the narrative remains somewhat unfathomable, perhaps Blind Adventure is another classic-in-waiting yet to be discovered.
Because the Robert Armstrong, Helen Mack and Roland Young characters are so charming and delightful as they wander through the meandering plot of Blind Adventure--we should forgive whatever shortcomings it may otherwise pose for us.
Enjoy!
Foggy Plot for a Foggy Set
boblipton10 October 2017
Noel Coward may have sung of the self-possession of an Englishman in New York, but Robert Armstrong is an American in London in this movie. Lost in a Pea-Souper, he wanders into a home to ask directions back to his hotel only to discover a corpse resting in an armchair.
This quickie is more interesting for its details than its overall effect. The fun of seeing Roland Young playing a soft-hearted Cockney burglar is offset a bit by Helen Mack's unsteady posh accent; the nice plot conceit of starting the movie out by having the whole thing appear to be a P.G. Wodehouse London populated by idiotic young Drones, only to finally reveal the John-Buchan machinations beneath is lessened by the limited number of jokes (mostly a fascination with English Trifles) and the inexplicable inability of people to overcome a copper armed with a whistle.
Still, what there is, is good, is mostly well performed and moves at a good clip. If the bits don't hang together perfectly, many of the bits are a lot of fun.
This quickie is more interesting for its details than its overall effect. The fun of seeing Roland Young playing a soft-hearted Cockney burglar is offset a bit by Helen Mack's unsteady posh accent; the nice plot conceit of starting the movie out by having the whole thing appear to be a P.G. Wodehouse London populated by idiotic young Drones, only to finally reveal the John-Buchan machinations beneath is lessened by the limited number of jokes (mostly a fascination with English Trifles) and the inexplicable inability of people to overcome a copper armed with a whistle.
Still, what there is, is good, is mostly well performed and moves at a good clip. If the bits don't hang together perfectly, many of the bits are a lot of fun.
was there a body or wasn't there?
ksf-214 November 2020
Robert Armstrong is Richard Bruce, tooting around London on vacation. when he gets lost in the thick fog, he goes into a house for directions, and finds a dead body. or did he? when he gets help and returns, the body is gone, and everyone denies that anything is amiss. some heavyweight co-stars... Roland Young (the thief! and Topper.) and Ralph Bellamy, Henry Stephenson (played everyone's grandfather, uncle, or wise lawyer). The beginning and the end move right along. Bruce is way out of his element, after complaining about how boring London is. Who can he get to help him? story by Ruth Rose, who also worked on the King Kong films. and.. she was married to the director Ernie Schoedsack! pretty good. mostly good sound and picture quality, although its a little rough in some parts. of course, its coming up on 100 years old!
silly convoluted mystery
SnoopyStyle16 November 2020
In London, businessman Richard Bruce (Robert Armstrong) is a stranger to the city. He gets lost in the London fog and stumbles into the wrong house where he discovers a dead body. A man runs out and disappears into the fog. Richard gives chase and bumps into a seemingly different person. They go back together to the house but the body is gone and the people there are incensed.
The situation is convoluted but a little fun in the way of a manufactured mystery. I think the fog really helps. It's a big part of the plot and gives a nice spooky tone to the movie. Running around the chimney is just silly. It's a mystery with its tongue fully in cheek. Every once in awhile, there is a silly line that comes out of nowhere. I do wonder if the dead man should stay dead. By being alive, the dead man just adds more to the complications.
The situation is convoluted but a little fun in the way of a manufactured mystery. I think the fog really helps. It's a big part of the plot and gives a nice spooky tone to the movie. Running around the chimney is just silly. It's a mystery with its tongue fully in cheek. Every once in awhile, there is a silly line that comes out of nowhere. I do wonder if the dead man should stay dead. By being alive, the dead man just adds more to the complications.
Creaky but amiable effort
Dennisc66626 April 2004
Never quite imagined Robert Armstrong as the romantic male lead -- he's best as Carl Denham in KING KONG. This is from KONG's director, Ernest Schoesdack, but is not nearly as memorable. Some rather talky scenes seem static and dull. Some of the 'cute' bits have dated very badly. But there's one good plot twist in it. And it's always good to see Ralph Bellamy at work. The cast works hard and makes it passable. So I'd say it's a minor work but worth seeing for the cast. Schoesdack has done better. On a smaller palette, he doesn't quite know what to do. The foggy exteriors of "London" (all a backlot) look pretty good. But the villains are overcome rather tamely.
Decent RKO Drama
Michael_Elliott11 May 2011
Blind Adventure (1933)
** 1/2 (out of 4)
Director Schoedsack and star Robert Armstrong made this film right after KING KONG and right before THE SON OF KONG so needless to say it's understandable why it's been forgotten over the years. In the film Armstrong plays an American visiting London for the first time and he accidentally walks into a house and finds a dead body. Before long he, a woman (Helen Mack) and a burglars (Roland Young) are involved with a gang of criminals trying to blackmail an important figure. This certainly isn't in the same league as other Schoedsack titles but it's a decent little mystery that will appeal to those who enjoy this type of low-budget thriller, which RKO was an expert at back in the day. For the most part the story is a rather interesting one even though the screenplay never gets too deep into any sort of details. We're pretty much introduced to our characters, the conspiracy and then we see it play out with a few twists and turns but for the most part everything is played straight and quick. At just 63-minutes there's really not too many details about anything but this isn't a bad thing because I'm sure had they added more time then the thing would have started to drag. Armstong is pretty good in his part as the story gives him plenty of attempts at playing the strong, tough guy but it also has fun with his comic timing. This is easy to spot during a scene where he's trying to get out of a party so that he can get a bit of information to the Secret Service. The story really doesn't do Mack much justice but she's certainly easy on the eyes and mixes well with Armstrong. Young doesn't get much to do either but he's fine in the role as is a young Ralph Bellamy. There's some running gags about Americans in London and we even get some nice atmosphere thanks to what appears to be the best fog machine in Hollywood history. The amount of fog that is constantly going is rather fun and makes for a few interesting scenes including one on top of a building where our three leads are trying to get down. BLIND ADVENTURE isn't going to make anyone forget that giant ape but if you've got some time to kill you should be entertained.
** 1/2 (out of 4)
Director Schoedsack and star Robert Armstrong made this film right after KING KONG and right before THE SON OF KONG so needless to say it's understandable why it's been forgotten over the years. In the film Armstrong plays an American visiting London for the first time and he accidentally walks into a house and finds a dead body. Before long he, a woman (Helen Mack) and a burglars (Roland Young) are involved with a gang of criminals trying to blackmail an important figure. This certainly isn't in the same league as other Schoedsack titles but it's a decent little mystery that will appeal to those who enjoy this type of low-budget thriller, which RKO was an expert at back in the day. For the most part the story is a rather interesting one even though the screenplay never gets too deep into any sort of details. We're pretty much introduced to our characters, the conspiracy and then we see it play out with a few twists and turns but for the most part everything is played straight and quick. At just 63-minutes there's really not too many details about anything but this isn't a bad thing because I'm sure had they added more time then the thing would have started to drag. Armstong is pretty good in his part as the story gives him plenty of attempts at playing the strong, tough guy but it also has fun with his comic timing. This is easy to spot during a scene where he's trying to get out of a party so that he can get a bit of information to the Secret Service. The story really doesn't do Mack much justice but she's certainly easy on the eyes and mixes well with Armstrong. Young doesn't get much to do either but he's fine in the role as is a young Ralph Bellamy. There's some running gags about Americans in London and we even get some nice atmosphere thanks to what appears to be the best fog machine in Hollywood history. The amount of fog that is constantly going is rather fun and makes for a few interesting scenes including one on top of a building where our three leads are trying to get down. BLIND ADVENTURE isn't going to make anyone forget that giant ape but if you've got some time to kill you should be entertained.
"Thick as thieves" is an expression originating in England . . .
oscaralbert6 November 2020
Warning: Spoilers
. . . where every other person is a pick-pocket, cat burglar, smuggler, dope pusher, shoplifter, kidnapper, body-snatcher, gangster, serial killer, jay walker, extortionist, litterer, bigamist, blackmailer, thug, vandal, fence, numbers runner, counterfeit bit coin dealer, espionage agent, frenzied silk tie strangler, bus bomber, peeping Tom, war criminal, impostor, con artist, regicide, paparazzi or all of the above. BLIND ADVENTURE is populated with this entire criminal omnibus, just waiting for the incipient Fuhrer's Crown Prince to jump from his House of Hanover onto the nefarious Prussian bandwagon. Jack the Ripper does not make so much as a cameo appearance here. He was too scared to come out and play with this pernicious pack from Lucifer's London Legion.
This is a good flick!
grafxman29 April 2011
If you like old mystery/comedies then this tasty morsel is for you. You'll be watching action and comedy with equal doses of each. The story line is pretty original and unique which is rather surprising. The cast has a bunch of eccentric English folk as well as an American guy and a good looking Canadian chick.
It is set in foggy London. It's that kind of fog that you can't see ten feet in front of you. There's bad guys, a burglar, a general, a very eccentric English dowager, a murder, a party full of typical upper crust English odd balls, and, well by now you get the idea. I strongly recommend it. It's excellent.
It is set in foggy London. It's that kind of fog that you can't see ten feet in front of you. There's bad guys, a burglar, a general, a very eccentric English dowager, a murder, a party full of typical upper crust English odd balls, and, well by now you get the idea. I strongly recommend it. It's excellent.
London Fog? Check. Murder Mystery? No Problem. Nutty Characters? Oh, Man...
davidcarniglia13 November 2020
Warning: Spoilers
Loaded with funny stuff and nutty characters; by the same director who did King Kong. In fact, it's so foggy that we can't even see out a hotel window
Richard (Robert Armstrong) putters around his room, and goes out; he tries to get acclimated to the all-embracing fog. Somewhat naively, he lets himself into a house to ask the way.
The owner more or less sizes him up, then Rose (Helen Mack) comes in. So, they gives him a drink and discuss the alleged crime. Rose starts chatting up Richard. He overheard the Major (Henry Stevenson) talk about a body. Then, the 'corpse', Jim (Ralph Bellamy), who's indeed injured, pops in. He tells them that he Major isn't her real uncle--plausible, since she never met him before--and that guy's actually involved in a criminal gang.
Anyway, Jim gives them an address to look up; so, Richard and Rose are on their way, collecting a Burglar (Roland Young) on the way. They're really in search of Regan (John Milgan). Meanwhile, back at the Major's, Jim, who's an American agent, attempts to blackmail the old man. Apparently, he has dirt on the Major. Back with the amateur sleuths, they enter a swanky party. It's Lady Rockingham's (Laura Hope Crews) place. Cool fish-out-of-water bit as Richard has to pretend to be a servant.
And again, in his next conversation, he has to put on. The burglar is waiting on the roof, as Rose retrieves him for an undercover assignment. Its easy to forget that there's a purpose behind all of this...not really. Finally, all three of them leave. Then there's the usual problem--no one can find their way. That whole party scene was a distraction; they still need to find Regan. They almost lose Jim's cigarette case with the secret message.
At Regan's, they ask him what's going on, and tell him about what happened to Jim. Turns out that they're crooks too. Now Regan has the letters; he's a "double-crossing, dirty, blackmailer" that's because they take Rose away, and tie up Richard. Luckily, the burglar's just outside. He frees Richard, but now Rose is tossed in a sack. Conveniently, the unsuspecting Regan goes to look in on Richard, and gets ambushed.
The two good guys escape. The crooks make off with the sack, but it's not Rose. She and Richard skulk about while Regan discovers that it's the The Burglar in the sack. Now, Richard confronts Jim, who's just showed up. Then Richard insinuates that Regan's double-crossing him. Everyone shows up at Regan's place. After matching wits with the crooks, Richard gets the only gun. He's the big man now.
Except that we get the old ambush in the dark thing. That alerts two cops. While they attempt to sort things out, the good guys escape to the roof. after the fight scene denouement, all's well. And so, Richard proposes to Rose. The end.
This is about as face-paced as they come; truly a B-picture, but nicely-done. The tone is very light; nonetheless, there's actual danger lurking not far away at almost every moment. That gives the snappy dialogue and goofy characters something to play against. so. to the extent that we slide toward the edge of our seats, it's both because of the mystery as well as the comedy.
This all works because of the good performances from top to bottom. In fact, there's so much going on, and so quickly, that the ultimate amusement might be that we really don't know what the criminals are up to, and what everyone's risking their necks for . There's sketchy references to 'government secrets', but the emphasis lies in unfolding the drama, not explaining it.
It's almost too absurd that the long party scene is completely irrelevant. It does set up the improvisational skills of all three heroes, has some great situations and lines, and helps Rose and Richard get together. But what's the point? After all, they only 'dropped in' accidentally.
On the other hand, this might be the best scene in the movie; we might as well say what's the point of all the business at Regan's. That stuff is more or less conventional the serial escape from peril and turn the tables on the bad guys action.
A fine way to spend an hour, in what is nearly a sub-genre, the London After Dark mystery.
The owner more or less sizes him up, then Rose (Helen Mack) comes in. So, they gives him a drink and discuss the alleged crime. Rose starts chatting up Richard. He overheard the Major (Henry Stevenson) talk about a body. Then, the 'corpse', Jim (Ralph Bellamy), who's indeed injured, pops in. He tells them that he Major isn't her real uncle--plausible, since she never met him before--and that guy's actually involved in a criminal gang.
Anyway, Jim gives them an address to look up; so, Richard and Rose are on their way, collecting a Burglar (Roland Young) on the way. They're really in search of Regan (John Milgan). Meanwhile, back at the Major's, Jim, who's an American agent, attempts to blackmail the old man. Apparently, he has dirt on the Major. Back with the amateur sleuths, they enter a swanky party. It's Lady Rockingham's (Laura Hope Crews) place. Cool fish-out-of-water bit as Richard has to pretend to be a servant.
And again, in his next conversation, he has to put on. The burglar is waiting on the roof, as Rose retrieves him for an undercover assignment. Its easy to forget that there's a purpose behind all of this...not really. Finally, all three of them leave. Then there's the usual problem--no one can find their way. That whole party scene was a distraction; they still need to find Regan. They almost lose Jim's cigarette case with the secret message.
At Regan's, they ask him what's going on, and tell him about what happened to Jim. Turns out that they're crooks too. Now Regan has the letters; he's a "double-crossing, dirty, blackmailer" that's because they take Rose away, and tie up Richard. Luckily, the burglar's just outside. He frees Richard, but now Rose is tossed in a sack. Conveniently, the unsuspecting Regan goes to look in on Richard, and gets ambushed.
The two good guys escape. The crooks make off with the sack, but it's not Rose. She and Richard skulk about while Regan discovers that it's the The Burglar in the sack. Now, Richard confronts Jim, who's just showed up. Then Richard insinuates that Regan's double-crossing him. Everyone shows up at Regan's place. After matching wits with the crooks, Richard gets the only gun. He's the big man now.
Except that we get the old ambush in the dark thing. That alerts two cops. While they attempt to sort things out, the good guys escape to the roof. after the fight scene denouement, all's well. And so, Richard proposes to Rose. The end.
This is about as face-paced as they come; truly a B-picture, but nicely-done. The tone is very light; nonetheless, there's actual danger lurking not far away at almost every moment. That gives the snappy dialogue and goofy characters something to play against. so. to the extent that we slide toward the edge of our seats, it's both because of the mystery as well as the comedy.
This all works because of the good performances from top to bottom. In fact, there's so much going on, and so quickly, that the ultimate amusement might be that we really don't know what the criminals are up to, and what everyone's risking their necks for . There's sketchy references to 'government secrets', but the emphasis lies in unfolding the drama, not explaining it.
It's almost too absurd that the long party scene is completely irrelevant. It does set up the improvisational skills of all three heroes, has some great situations and lines, and helps Rose and Richard get together. But what's the point? After all, they only 'dropped in' accidentally.
On the other hand, this might be the best scene in the movie; we might as well say what's the point of all the business at Regan's. That stuff is more or less conventional the serial escape from peril and turn the tables on the bad guys action.
A fine way to spend an hour, in what is nearly a sub-genre, the London After Dark mystery.
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