CALLING BULLDOG DRUMMOND

UK, 1951, 80 minutes, Black and white.
Walter Pidgeon, Margaret Leighton, Robert Beatty, David Tomlinson, Peggy Evans, Charles Victor, Bernard Lee, James Hayter.
Directed by Victor Saville.

Calling Bulldog Drummond is a small-budget MGM British feature of the early '50s. It is a star vehicle for Walter Pidgeon as Bulldog Drummond. He gets very interesting support from a British cast led by Margaret Leighton, Robert Beatty and David Tomlinson and includes such character actors as Bernard Lee and James Hayter.

There had been many Bulldog Drummond films and many Bulldog Drummonds, including Ronald Colman. The film is a usual investigation thriller - with a fair amount of action and suspense.

The film was directed by Victor Saville, who produced and directed a number of films ranging from the Rita Hayworth musical Cover Girl to the Mickey Spillane story I, The Jury.

1. Entertaining British crime investigation?

2. Black and white photography, English locations, editing and pace, special effects?

3. Bulldog Drummond as a popular character, investigator? Walter Pidgeon's interpretation?

4. The conventions of the gangster investigation film? The focus on Drummond, the activities of the gang (and their military organisation)? Drummond framed for cheating at cards, on the outer, becoming a member of the gang, the dangers of the infiltration, imprisonment, the escape? The showdown and the unmasking of the gang? The assistance of Helen Smith, her being in prison with him? Working together as a team?

5. The sketch of the gangster group, their activities, military precision? Personalities?

6. The presentation of the police, investigations, covers?

7. Routine action adventure - British style? 1950s style? But enjoyable of its kind?