Directed: F. Richard Jones

Year: 1929

Nominated: Best Actor – Ronald Colman

Plot in 25 Words: An early slapstick James Bond style adventure. Bored gentleman and foppish friend take charge and save a damsel in distress. Fancy dress plays its part.

In My Opinion: I often complain about the sexism displayed in these films and I’m afraid I’m about to be just as bad! This was a boy film!

The film was in the middle of a long series of films about the same central character being played by a succession of different actors. Sound familiar?.

The film had an interesting premise – Bulldog Drummond is looking for excitement and places an advert in the paper, asking for such. From there on it descends into a Chuckle Brothers style film. Saving a damsel in distress should be easy but has to involve one of my least favourite plot devices popular at the time – dressing up!

In the 20s and 30s a long overcoat could completely transforms a person’s identity. It could make you appear 50 years older or even change your sex. Incredible! Behold the power of the long overcoat!

My other least favourite plot point also features in this film: falling in love after just a few moments of speaking. I have no problem with love at first sight but in some films (this one in particular!) it just seems very cheesy.

Star Performer: Claud Allister as Bulldog’s eccentric friend Algy. He was hilarious and his double act with Wilson Benge as Bulldog’s valet, Danny was a highlight. THE highlight in fact.

Overall: Just not my sort of film. I don’t imagine I’ll be hunting down the rest of the series!