Bulldog Drummond Strikes Back (1934)

Bulldog Drummond Strikes Back (1934) is one of the early Twentieth Century Productions in the Bulldog Drummond series. This film would still be considered a feature film with Ronald Colman in the lead role. Later Bulldog Drummond films starring John Howard were “B” films.

Bulldog Drummond has just attended the marriage of his best friend Algie, portrayed by Charles Butterworth. On his way home, he stumbles across a body in Prince Achmed, played by Warner Oland. While Drummond is looking for a constable, the body disappears.

Drummond also meets with Lola Field, played by Loretta Young. She is looking for her parents, one of whom may be the dead man. Drummond races to solve the mystery, while Prince Achmed tries to get a radio dispatch that Drummond has obtained. The plot focuses on the continuing game of cat and mouse between Drummond and Achmed.

The film runs about 80 minutes and mostly focuses on the exchanges between its two stars, Colman and Oland. Unfortunately, it causes the film to drag a little at spots.

Ronald Coleman was born on February 9, 1891 in Richmond, Surrey, England. According to Wikipedia, Colman was originally going to study to be an engineer but his father died at a young age. Colman’s family could not afford for him to go. By now, he was already an accomplished amateur actor.

Colman was seriously injured during his service during World War I. He would have a limp that he would have to hide during his film career. He would start making films in 1917 but it was the arrival of sound that would make him a film star.

My favorite Colman film is If I Were King (1939), where he played the poet and swordsman Fracois Villon. The film is a highly romanticized version of Villon’s life (Villon was involved in criminal behavior) but Colman is at his suave best.

Colman was married to Benita Hume, an accomplished actress. They had one daughter. Colman was active in films and television until his death from emphysema on May 19, 1958 at the age of 67.

Warner Oland was pretty good in this film as Prince Achmed. Before he started playing Charlie Chan, Oland played a number of villainous Orientals such as Fu Manchu and Prince Achmed. He generally gave a good performance in whatever role he was handed.

What did you think of this particular film? How does it stack up to the other Bulldog Drummond films? Did Warner Oland surprise you in this film? You can leave a comment or ask a question about this or any post on my Facebook page and Twitter profile.

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