Dark Streets of Cairo

In the 1940s, one of the most prolific B-movie villains was George Zucco. Again and again, he appeared as one diabolical genius madman after another. So, when I saw he was in "Dark Streets of Cairo", I pretty much assumed he'd be his usual self.

The story begins with Abadi (Zucco) murdering a minion because he's no longer important to his schemes. This would be repeated quite a few times in this film...which makes you wonder why all the Egyptians are so darn devoted to him and his quest to get the legendary Seven Jewels. The only ones who seem capable of stopping him are a couple Americans...Denny (Ralph Byrd) and his goofy sidekick, Jerry (Eddie Quillan). Can they manage to thwart this evil genius...especially since they don't seem altogether bright...especially Jerry.

In many ways, this plays like a 1940s film about some mummy cult...though this one actually has no mummies. This does make you wonder why such a cult-like following surrounds Abadi...and it makes you wonder how long his followers will put up with his disposing of them right and left.

This film is pretty much what I expected. Zucco is menacing and evil and the story is just a good excuse to provide a variety of thrills and action. Well made for what it is...just pure undemanding Saturday morning entertainment.