BULLDOG DRUMMOND’S PERIL (1938)
Article 1828 by Dave Sindelar
Viewing Date: 3-17-2006
Posting Date: 8-14-2006
Directed by James P. Hogan
Featuring John Barrymore, John Howard, Louise Campbell

Hugh Drummond’s impending wedding is once again interrupted when an artificial diamond he received as a gift is stolen.

Yes, it’s another entry in the Bulldog Drummond series of the thirties, and if you’ve seen any of the others, this is more of the same. Which is just fine by me, by the way; personally, I love the whole series. It has one of my favorite running gags of any movie series (most of the movies begin with Drummond about to marry and give up his life of adventure only to be drawn into one), and I like all the continuing characters, who are charming and funny. This one has a stronger-than-usual fantastic content as well – the plot revolves around a scientist’s discovery on how to make artificial diamonds (the scene where one is made is packed with fun lab equipment). John Barrymore, John Howard, E.E. Clive and Reginald Denny all had great chemistry, and it’s great to see them back in their respective roles. And the movie also features a penguin on the loose!