source: Calling Bulldog Drummond

Trailer—Calling Bulldog Drummond

Calling Bulldog Drummond

There really is very little positive that can be said about this film. Walter Pidgeon is a truly unconvincing hero and even moreso when he tries to go "undercover" as a villain who, we're meant to believe, drinks too much and knocks his wife about a bit. Margaret Leighton, as the wife/undercover sergeant is a little more convincing but it's still difficult to believe that any hood worth their salt would not have seen through their charade in less than a minute. The plot, about a bullion heist, is silly, and the action drags rather than grips. David Tomlinson, who plays Algy in the same way that David Tomlinson seems to play all his roles, is the only glimmer of light in a wholly dull affair.

This Bulldog Drummond is actually pretty darn good. It could be any detective vs bad guys but that's irrelevant. The story makes sense, is mostly well lighted, the girl is pretty and doesn't faint or scream, Walter Pigeon makes for a good Bulldog brought out of retirement (which he spends raising prize pigs) and annoying Algy is not quite as annoying this time. Recommended by someone who has only three more to go in their Bulldog Drummond Binge... plus a couple not available !

And one only, in my opinion. That reason is Margaret Leighton. She is a wonderful actress, on-stage as well as on the screen. We have few chances to see her, though. I think that's especially true in the United States. Here she plays a sympathetic role. Not only that but she is also very pretty and meant to be something of a bombshell. Walter Pigeon does not hold up the tradition of Drummond performers. He is always reliable but he's not much fun. He's not a rascal or a knave. Consequently, this seemed to me a talky endeavor with little action or suspense. But check it out for Leighton.

A very well-plotted and well-written entry, though, as noted before, it doesn't have the usual cast of characters we know and love. No E. E. Clive. No Heather Angel. BUT, it is a really well shot and directed movie. It moves along briskly. No wasted scenes or moments. The big treat for me is the performance of Leighton. She doesn't just hold her own alongside Pigeon, I think she outshines him. She has a subtle touch and has no problem shifting from tart to Scotland Yard operative within the same scene. Her classic training on the English stage shows...in all the right ways. MrMovieGuy.com

This is a very good movie with Walter Pidgeon doing an excellent job as Bulldog Drummond. Algy too is back and played to perfection by David Tomlinson. The story is filled with suspense and action. But where are Colonel Neilson, Tenny, and Phyllis Clavering, The woman Major Drummond is always about to marry but, alas, usually does not? Margaret Leighton as Sergeant Helen Smith fills in nicely for Phyllis Clavering and this somewhat compensates for Ms Clavering's absence, plus giving a new twist to the comparable role. This is a faithful rendition of the Bulldog Drummond series and highly recommended for fans and non-fans.