Bulldog Drummond in Africa

The Gang's All Back
Though H.C. Snapper McNeil's Bulldog Drummond can be traced all the way back to nitrate film of the silent era, certainly the most fun is derived from the "B" series, of which, "Bulldog Drummond in Africa" offers plenty. All the regulars fans of this series love return in this one, and it has tons of atmosphere augmented by humor and some nice pacing from director Louis King.

This incredibly entertaining outing has Bulldog (John Howard) once again being sidetracked on the eve of his wedding to Phyllis Clavering. Heather Angel gets ample screen time as Hugh's cute and fabulous girlfriend and shines like the African sun during midsummer.

The solid and stalwart Tenny (E.E. Clive) is at Bulldog's side while bumbling but loyal pal Algy (Reginald Denny) runs last second errands, desperately hoping no new adventure will arise to interfere with the nuptials. When Phyllis sees Colonel Nielson being kidnapped from Greystoke Manor by spy Richard Lane (J. Carrol Naish),...

Okay entry in this series!
This one is okay for it's genre. Nothing special but a good supporting cast including J. Carrol Naish, H.B. Warner and Anthony Quinn helps. A short running time of 58 minutes won't put you to sleep either. Originally a Paramount release, this is a Congress Films reissue or TV print (probably a dupe at that!) and like most of Alpha's product, it leaves something to be desired. At least it looks like the source material was film rather than VHS tape. If you like the Bulldog Drummond series, you'll probably find this one entertaining.

Preserving a Military Secret
Bulldog Drummond in Africa, 1938 film

The story begins with a view of Parliament and Big Ben in London at night. Hugh Drummond inspects a stamp. Hugh and Tenny are confined to their home to keep them out of trouble. Hugh calls Algy about the tickets and trousers. "What'll I do?" No telephone calls either. Richard Lane visits Colonel Neilson, he asks for secret information about a radio wave disintegrator. Phyllis Clavering sees Neilson carried out to a car! The butler gives a name: Richard Lane. Can they get to Hampton Heath to stop the airplane? No. The police order Hugh against flying. Will there be a trick? Yes. "Welcome to Arbi" in Spanish Morocco.

Recognize those people at the British Embassy? Mistaken identification? No, we see the villains. Will they plant a bomb on Hugh's airplane? Hugh returns to land, after this the bomb explodes! Tenny has a hidden pistol. "Be careful!" Lane questions Neilson. Is Neilson lying? Can he trust Lane? Hugh and Algy prowl...

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