THE RETURN OF BULLDOG DRUMMOND

UK, 1934, 73 minutes, Black and white.
Ralph Richardson, Ann Todd, Joyce Kennedy, Francis L. Sullivan, Claude Alister.
Directed by Walter Summers.

Ralph Richardson was an early Bulldog Drummond. He was younger than he looks – but has an air of authority about him, especially in his vocal delivery. A very young Ann Todd plays his wife. Francis L. Sullivan is the villain. Claude Alister portrays, as so often, Drummond’s friend Algy Longwirth.

The film is about armaments in the 1930s, anticipating the build-up to World War Two. Francis L. Sullivan uses a number of disguises in the film, abducts Drummond’s wife, confronts Drummond and attempts to kill him. However, all is well as Drummond is able to overcome every difficulty. Drummond also leads a group of somewhat vigilante types (not particularly well disguised so that anybody could recognise them), the Black Clan.

The film is one in a series of small-budget Bulldog Drummond films from the novels by Sapper.

1. The popularity of Bulldog Drummond in literature? On film? The variety of series? The actors portraying him? British, stiff upper lip, man of action, beside the law?

2. The production values, black and white photography, inexpensive sets? Musical score?

3. Drummond and his nonchalant attitude? His relationship with the British authorities, the broadcast of the Black Clan, going to sleep at meetings? His contacts? Reliance on Algy? His wife being abducted? His being tricked by Peterson, the paralysing drug? The crash into the water, his escape? His agility, leading the Black Clan, rescuing his wife?

4. Phyllis Drummond, supportive of her husband, abducted, using the birdcalls to indicate where she was, rescued?

5. Carl Peterson and his entourage, his disguises, his plans? Disguised as a clergyman? The meeting with Drummond, arranging the abduction of Phyllis, drugging Drummond? His finally being outwitted? Irma, his associate, her using her wits?

6. Algy, the humour, his coming to the rescue, part of the Black Clan?

7. Charles Latter, the politician, his dubious connections? Victim of the Black Clan? The film’s comment on the more fascist politicians of the time?

8. Films illustrating the styles of the 1930s? For film historians? Film buffs?