I have just seen two Bulldog Drummond movies, BULLDOG DRUMMOND STRIKES AGAIN (1934) and BULLDOG JACK (1935).
BULLDOG DRUMMOND STRIKES AGAIN features Warner Oland as an Indian Prince, Prince Rashib, who is trying to get his hands on a message from a girl's uncle which was sent prior to their return to England. The message tells of the death of a seaman due to cholera on the trip prior to a certain vessel's arrival in England bearing furs that are infected with the disease. In the end, Bulldog Drummond, played by Ronald Colman, sets fire to the cargo and Rashib commits suicide.
BULLDOG JACK was a British production made with the full consent and participation of Sapper - Bulldog Drummond's creator - as well as Jack Fairlie, the man who took over the series after Sapper's death in 1937.
In this film, Bulldog Drummond is injured in a crash after the brakes on his car are tampered with, and he asks the occupant of the car with whom he has collided to get information from a girl who has called him from London earlier. This individual takes the place of Bulldog Drummond and it is he who foils the theft of a set of jewels on an idol from India in the British Museum.
Nice! I saw the first Bulldog Drummond movie from 1929 and Bulldog Jack both on Netflix. But never saw Bulldog Drummond Strikes Back. I hope to see that one someday! I didn't know Oland was in it!
Bulldog Drummond Strikes Back (1937) is available on You Tube and DVD. Warner Oland plays yet another mysterious "Oriental" - Prince Achmed. He's marvelous as he alternates between charming and menacing to Ronald Colman and a very young Loretta Young.
Last night I viewed "Bulldog Drummond Strikes Back" (1934, 20th Century Films) via YouTube.com. I was expecting a slow, dull, stagey melodrama. But it was not to be. I was delighted for view a fast-paced mystery starring Ronald Colman and Warner Oland. It kept me glued to the screen.
For a fan of film mysteries, this film has it all. There are fine performances by the entire cast. There are beautiful sets with atmospheric photography. Low-key background music add to the suspense in the early scenes. Nice.
This film reminded me of the original "Thin Man" (1934) in many ways. A sophicated detective, clever dialogue, a funny side-kick, women falling into the detective's arms, etc.
This film keeps moving forward with colorful characters saying witty and clever dialogue. Never a dull moment.
Mr. Colman and Mr. Oland are the perfect match as "good guy" vs. "bad guy."
As a fan of his films outside of the Charlie Chan series, Mr. Oland makes a fine "heavy" in this film. One can see why producers continued to cast him in dark sinister roles.
Mr. Durrant, thanks for the heads up regarding "Bulldog Drummond Strikes Back" (1934), but next time, please don't give away the ending in your posting. Rating: ***1/2.
The two Colemans are two of the best Bulldog Drummond films, and Oland is excellent.
Bulldog Jack is a nice "one off" semi-comedic but not a great addition to the Drummond canon
I say this as a Drummond afficienado (whose nom-de-internet is Bdogdrummond)
