I've only seen this a few times in the last 20 years or so, I confess that it was the highlight for me of the BBC's Christmas films showing, and it was probably the cheapest one they bought. Undeservedly, because they were also showing Blazing Saddles - I wonder how much of the license fee went on that??
For me the only other UK film this artistically satisfying over its entire length from '33 was The Ghoul, I know there are other worthies, but apart from a few lapses GC has more of a sense of purpose and a consciousness that its plot is different from others - a confidence - that I like. Although, I have a sneaking feeling there was a similar Sexton Blake story in the '20's, but with no love interest however.
I agree with both of the other comments, but really I'm glad that no one has thought of a remake as yet. It would be made "better" with mind boggling technology, plenty of sex and violence - and with digital cameras!
The British stereotypes are out in force - everyone is either sullen or unhelpful, or as hairy Felix Aylmer playing coroner plain eccentric. I bet Ida Lupino was glad to escape to more normal America! John Mills as first a jewel thief then accused murderer on the run is refreshing - but what was the point of his direct lies to the coroner on the witness stand though? Henry Kendall is good, and as verbose as usual - maybe he was the reason Ida left!
Well worth watching, but to the unwary remember it's primitive.