Bulldog Drummond in Africa (1938)

On August 5, 1938, Paramount Pictures released another film in the Bulldog Drummond series (affiliate link) starring John Howard as Drummond. Bulldog Drummond in Africa (1938) is one of the best films in the series primarily due to a strong cast.

Besides John Howard, Heather Angel returns as Drummond’s fiance’ Phyllis Clavering. She is joined by series regular H. B. Warner portraying Colonel Nielsen of Scotland Yard. A gang of traitors kidnaps Colonel Nielsen and takes him to Africa. Bulldog Drummond quickly follows to rescue his old friend.

J. Carroll Naish, one of the most versatile character actors of the 1930s, 1940s and 1950s, plays the leader of the criminals, Richard Lane. Naish plays Lane as a smooth but evil protagonist for Bulldog Drummond. Besides a number of vicious henchman, Lane’s compound is guarded by several large lions.

Henry Byron Warner was born in London, England on October 26, 1875. Warner’s family worked on the English stage for generations but wanted Henry to be a doctor. Henry did graduate from London University but quickly resolved to make the theater his career.

Warner spent most of his acting career on the stage and acting in a few films before replacing his younger adopted brother, J. B. Warner, in the role of Jesus Christ in Cecil B. DeMille’s King of Kings (1927). H. B. Warner was 52 years old.

Warner acted in 137 films before retiring in 1956 at 81 years old. Warner died on December 21, 1958 at 83 years of age.

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