Think Fast, Mr. Moto (1937)

The first Mr. Moto film starring Peter Lorre as Japanese jujitsu expert Kentaro Moto sees Mr. Moto tracking down a smuggling ring leader. Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation released Think Fast, Mr. Moto (1937) on July 27, 1937. Peter Lorre would play Mr. Moto seven more times for Twentieth Century – Fox.

Mr. Moto disguises himself as a peddler and investigates a merchant shop as the film begins. Mr. Moto spies a body stuffed in a wicker basket, while attempting to sell some jade to the proprietor. Moto must use his jujitsu skills to escape the shop.

Mr. Moto’s investigation takes him to Shanghai. While onboard the ship to Shanghai, Mr. Moto befriends the son of a local banker. Before the investigation is over, both the banker’s son and a mysterious lady on board will figure into Mr. Moto’s investigation.

Sig Ruman plays Nicholas Marloff, the figure-head leaders of the smuggling ring. Sig Ruman was born Sigfried Ruman in Hamburg, Germany on October 11, 1884.

Ruman served in the German army during World War I before coming to the United States in 1924. Ruman started appearing as a primarily comic actor in many films. The Marx Brothers particularly liked Ruman and often cast him in their films.

When World War II broke out, Ruman would often play buffoonish Nazi characters. He showed his dramatic ability as a prison guard in Stalag 17 (1953). As his health declined in his 60s, Ruman primarily took smaller roles in television. Ruman passed away on February 14, 1967 at 82 years of age.

Think Fast, Mr. Moto runs about 70 minutes. You can often find it on YouTube. While it is not the best film in the series, Twentieth Century – Fox put forth a solid offering for the first Mr. Moto film.

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