The Return of Bulldog Drummond (1934)   Starring: Ralph Richardson, Ann Todd and Francis L. Sullivan Optimum Classic RRP: £15.99 OPTD1462 Certificate: U Available 22 June 2009

Having distinguished himself in the First World War, Bulldog Drummond finds his particular skills in demand when a cadre of arms manufacturers attempt to force England to rearm in preparation for a new war. Their first act of terrorism, the killing of a pacifist, brings them to the attention of Bulldog, who along with a group of veterans takes matters into their own hands. Before long, Bulldog discovers that one of the men behind the plot is his old nemesis, Carl Peterson (Francis L. Sullivan), a master of disguise who kidnaps Bulldogs wife...

The Return of Bulldog Drummond (1934 - 1 hr, 05 min, 31 sec) was the sixth Drummond film, directed by Walter Summers, who also adapted the script from the original ‘Sapper’ novel The Black Gang.

Although mostly forgotten now, the Bulldog Drummond novels by ‘Sapper’ - pseudonym of Herman Cyril McNeile (1888-1937) - were immensely popular, spawning twenty-five films between 1923 and 1969. This was the only time that Ralph Richardson played the title role of Maj. Hugh 'Bulldog' Drummond and the tone is less ‘boys own’ than the previous or subsequent incarnations.

Like any film, or indeed art form, the time in which it was created has an importance influence. Today much of the film will seem anachronistic, sometimes bordering on the offensive. Images of Bulldog and his gang dressed in fascistic black shirts, resorting to violence, outside the law, foreshadowed the rise of European fascism by only a few short years.

Another elements which may seem odd to a modern audience is the style of acting. The art of screen acting was still in its infancy, which reflected the need to project in a live theatre. In film, where even small nuances can be recorded, much of the performances looks like overacting. Claud Allister who plays Algy Longworth, one of Bulldogs gang, is particularly guilty of this, handing in a performance which is unintentionally funny. That said Ralph Richardson’s portrayal is fairly gritty, even given what seems like a quaint use of language. But the acting laurels have to be handed to Joyce Kennedy, as Peterson’s wife, a real deadly femme fatale.

The disc is of the vanilla type with no extras but then, given the age of the film, this is not unexpected. There is some damage to the print, but once again given the age of the film and its relative contemporary obscurity, it was unlikely that a full restoration would have been worth the money. The film is presented in an aspect ratio of 1.33:1 with a clear mono audio track. It would have been nice to have even some text to give an historical perspective on the film and its imagery, but alas no.

So, if you want to see a film about how British pluck can beat Johnny foreigner, this is one for you. For the majority I feel its anachronisms will just bring on a feeling of bemusement.

5

Charles Packer