The Return of Bulldog Drummond

This film is surprisingly satisfying. The cool and bravado of Ralph Richardson, in word and deed, appear in his every scene. The action is vigorous, and the dominance of opposing forces carries to and fro at a fast pace. The evil Carl Peterson (compare Blowfeld in Bond, Moriarty or Colonel Moran in Sherlock Holmes) is well oiled as a diabolical villain. Cruel as he and his devoted wife or mistress are, each is given a bit of humanity and empathy (blink and you'll miss it) for contrast. As outlandish as The (good) Black Clan is, its members come off as everyday citizens deeply loyal to decency and their country. Richardson as Captain Hugh Drummond is no Commander James Bond, but he matches him for sureness and quickness to act. Though showing its age, this film holds up well in the entertaining age-old battle of good and bad wits and fists.

The most interesting thing about this movie is the eccentric turn of Ralph Richardson as Bulldog Drummond and Francis L. Sullivan as His nemesis Carl Peterson. Plus an early look at the young Ann Todd as Phyllis Drummond. The film reflects some of the crudity of British Film production outside of the films of Alexander Korda. Exhibiting the same level of competence as the 'Poverty Row' studios in Hollywood, like Mascot, Monogram or P.R.C, etc.

Drummond leads a group of armed x-officers (The Black Clan) on a crusade against what is a perceived a threat to World peace led by Mr. Peterson. It was a popular theory that the GREAT WAR (WWI) was caused or manipulated into by Arms Cartels. Peterson's character being based on Basil Zaharoff. A international arms dealer affiliated with VICKERS with a more then suspect past of corruption, shady dealings, possible murder and sabotage too obtain His ends. Make a lot of money at other People's expense.

Well our Hero's accomplish there goals and Peterson meets his deserved end. Is peace brought to the World, well no. Imperial Japan would initiated the fun with the start of the 2nd Sino-Japanese war in 1937. Nazi Germany and Soviet Russia would use the Spanish-Civil War as a testing ground and Italy would trash Ethiopia, wanting too create a new Roman Empire. Then in 1939 things really got going with a BANG, enter WWII! A reality far beyond what was imagined by THE RETURN OF BULLDOG DRUMMOND.

In the 1920s and 30s, there were quite a few Bulldog Drummond films but the series suffered because they never seemed to keep a leading man for long and the style of the various films varied so much. The strangest of these is "The Return of Bulldog Drummond", as Drummond and his friends are less super-heroes and more super-vigilantes...and violent ones at that.

The context for this film is VERY important and might get lost on some viewers. So, I'll try to explain. In the 1930s, Europeans and Americans (apart from those in Nazi Germany) were sick of war. WWI had left many millions dead and the people thought that perhaps this god-awful war would be their last because it was so terrible and destructive. As a result, many anti-war films came out during this era, such as "All Quiet on the Western Front" and "J'Accuse" were popular and reflected these sentiments. And, in many ways, this Drummond film fits in with this pattern.

When the story begins, some sickos have been murdering various folks campaigning for disarmament and peace. You can only assume that these unknown people are working for the armaments industries...the same profiteers who benefited from the carnage of WWI.

Bulldog Drummond (Ralph Richardson) and his gang of vigilantes (referred to as either 'the Black Gang' or 'the Black Clan' in the film) want to stop these murderers and profiteers....and you assume much of it is because they are all WWI veterans. They are willing to do just about anything to stop these schmucks...even kill them if necessary!

The story is more taut and violent that other Drummond films. This also makes it one of the better Bulldog Drummond flicks...which is a shame, since this more British version is the only one Ralph Richardson made. Well made and well worth seeing.

I am working my way through the Bulldog Drummond films, and Ralph Richardson does a great job as Drummond. Now is he Ronald Colman? No but Colman was one of the All-Time greats ( especially his speaking voice). One thing I never considered Drummond was a tough guy in the Alan Ladd mode, but that is how Richardson played him. They also played down the romance angle ( he was already married to Phyllis) and he did not have much of a sense of humor, again like Ladd and unlike Colman and the later Drummonds like Russell Johnson. I am someone who likes the tough guys giving it to the baddies and I have a high opinion of this movie. See it in HBO Max. 9/10 stsrs.

Wonder why all of the other Drummond films are easily available and this one is scarce. No I don't. This one actually displays the political left in a SOMEWHAT unfavorable light (now think of it: would anyone complain if Nazis were displayed unfavorably - of course not - but the extreme left has murdered millions more and should be subject to the same level of scorn). Anyway the film is a take on Sapper's The Black Gang and actually is otherwise a typical Drummond entry. Think of it as the James Bond of its day. Richardson not the best Drummond but none were (are). Technically the bad guy is not a leftist and the movie lets the true hard leftists get away with just being dupes.

Enjoyable for its non-conformist politics. Entertaining B movie.