Kidnapped

In 1751 Scotland, freshly orphaned teenager Roddy McDowall (as David Balfour) prepares to collect his estate, but a nasty uncle has other ideas. Although he survives a murder attempt, young McDowall is disposed of in another manner. He is "Kidnapped" and put aboard a ship bound for America, where he is to be sold into slavery. Luckily, McDowall meets rascally Dan O'Herlihy (as Alan Breck) and jumps ship. Back on dry land, they share danger, adventure and romance. The latter occurs when pretty brunette Sue England (as Aileen Fairlie) enters the picture, wearing a dress worn tight in the top...

For his second "Monogram" picture, McDowall keenly opted for Robert Louis Stevenson's classic "Kidnapped" adventure story. McDowall is fine as the young hero, but he is often left poised by a crew unable to go anywhere with their young star. The direction appears disengaged. For a low-budget studio, this "Kidnapped" was likely an enjoyable Saturday matinée. However, there is clearly a need for finer action and adventure on the screen. The addition of a timid romantic "love interest" isn't recommended, if you consider the original novel - but an additional pretty face helps a relatively dull adaptation.

***** Kidnapped (11/28/48) William Beaudine ~ Roddy McDowall, Dan O'Herlihy, Sue England, Roland Winters