This is the sixteenth of the Bulldog Drummond films, and it brings to an end the Drummond films as they were before the outbreak of World War II. (They would resume in 1947.) With this film, John Howard also ends his career as Drummond, which had lasted for seven films, all made within two breathless years between September of 1937 and September of 1939. Heather Angel once again plays Phyllis Clavering, E. E. Clive plays Tenny the Butler, Reginald Denny plays Algy Longworth, and H. B. Warner plays Commissioner Nielson, all for the last time. John Howard left the film business to join the U. S. Navy (he was an American), where he ended up winning the Navy Cross and the French Croix de Guerre for conspicuous acts of bravery, becoming in other words a real life hero of the sort he had played in the Drummond films. After the War, he returned to acting but was never again fortunate to shine as a major player. It seems a poor return for a fictional Drummond who became a real Drummond, that he could not resume the role. E. E. Clive died the next year, in 1940. Reginald Denny contributed to the War effort by manufacturing 15,000 target drones for the U. S. Army. He later returned to acting, but was never in another Drummond film. H. B. Warner and Heather Angel went on acting, but they never appeared in another Drummond film either. The team was totally broken up, and 'vintage 1930s Drummond' was over. This film is moderately entertaining, with lots of comedy, so that it is not actually serious. What with people having cans of paint thrown over them and slipping and sliding, Algy staging pratfalls continually, and other such antics, there is barely room for a mystery plot. However, Drummondians will be thrilled to know that ... oh no, I must not say ... that business which was continually being interrupted between Hugh and Phyllis, ... well, that must remain a mystery. The plot, what there is of it, concerns a ruthless villain who has robbed a bank for what then was considered a vast sum, of ten thousand pounds. It is hard to conceive of a time when that was a sum worth getting excited about, worth exploding bombs all over the place, killing people without compunction, and carrying on as if all the gold of the Indies were at stake. But that was then, and this is now. In this film as in so many others of the time, Scotland Yard 'seal off an area with a cordon, and no one can get through'. It seems incredible, doesn't it, that it was even remotely conceivable to seal off a sector of London like that just for a measly little bank robbery? Naturally, the villain gets away in an ambulance disguised as a madman. Maybe it really was time for the world to move on and get real. After this, there were tanks and planes and the Holocaust to worry about, and whether Hugh and Phyllis got married or not was no longer important, with so many women widowed that Phyllis having to wait for another crime to be solved no longer qualified as a tragedy.
15 Reviews
some fun to be had
blanche-218 February 2013
Phyllis and Hugh "Bulldog" Drummond again try to be married in 1939's "Bulldog Drummond's Bride," the last of this particular Bulldog Drummond series.
When robbers blow up a London bank and steal 10,000 pounds, they hide the money in a radio. That radio, however, is in the apartment that Phyllis and Hugh will live in once they are married - should that event ever take place. Naturally Hugh is up to his neck in trying to solve this robbery and chasing down the radio. Phyllis waits, promising Hugh that she intends to be married to someone else the next day after their wedding should that not occur.
These films had a jaunty, fun feel to them because of the cast - John Howard is a delightful, easygoing and dapper Bulldog Drummond, the lovely Heather Angel is the long-suffering Phyllis, E.E. Clive is Tenny the butler, and Reginald Denny is Algy.
This particular film relies a lot on comedy and slapstick, with poor Denny getting the brunt of it. The mystery takes a back seat. However, I still found this enjoyable. I've only seen one other Bulldog Drummond, "Arrest Bulldog Drummond," and I'd like to see more. The print quality isn't particularly good, but they're still fun.
When robbers blow up a London bank and steal 10,000 pounds, they hide the money in a radio. That radio, however, is in the apartment that Phyllis and Hugh will live in once they are married - should that event ever take place. Naturally Hugh is up to his neck in trying to solve this robbery and chasing down the radio. Phyllis waits, promising Hugh that she intends to be married to someone else the next day after their wedding should that not occur.
These films had a jaunty, fun feel to them because of the cast - John Howard is a delightful, easygoing and dapper Bulldog Drummond, the lovely Heather Angel is the long-suffering Phyllis, E.E. Clive is Tenny the butler, and Reginald Denny is Algy.
This particular film relies a lot on comedy and slapstick, with poor Denny getting the brunt of it. The mystery takes a back seat. However, I still found this enjoyable. I've only seen one other Bulldog Drummond, "Arrest Bulldog Drummond," and I'd like to see more. The print quality isn't particularly good, but they're still fun.
"You don't look like a Frenchman to me. You look more like an Englishman. A very low-class Englishman."
utgard1412 June 2015
The final Bulldog Drummond movie in the Paramount series stars John Howard and finally has Drummond marrying longtime fiancée Phyllis (the delightful Heather Angel). But before they get hitched there's another last-minute interruption in the form of a bank robber, a radio, and a trip to France. The cast of regulars (Reginald Denny, E.E. Clive, H.B. Warner, and Elizabeth Patterson) are all fine. Eduardo Ciannelli plays the villain and hams it up nicely. There's even more comedy than usual in this one. Some of it is funny but most of it is just stupid, particularly where Algy is concerned.
Bulldog Drummond would return to the movies after WW2. First at Columbia, then Fox and MGM, with yet more actors playing the role (including Tom Conway and Walter Pidgeon). But none of those would be quite as enjoyable as the Paramount series. Which isn't saying a lot since these movies were never better than time-passers anyway. But I can honestly say I never found any of the movies bad, just ranging from 'ok' to good. Even this final one, while weaker than the others, is still watchable. And it's not even an hour long so it's hard to argue against giving it a shot when you have time to kill.
Bulldog Drummond would return to the movies after WW2. First at Columbia, then Fox and MGM, with yet more actors playing the role (including Tom Conway and Walter Pidgeon). But none of those would be quite as enjoyable as the Paramount series. Which isn't saying a lot since these movies were never better than time-passers anyway. But I can honestly say I never found any of the movies bad, just ranging from 'ok' to good. Even this final one, while weaker than the others, is still watchable. And it's not even an hour long so it's hard to argue against giving it a shot when you have time to kill.
Will Drummond and Phyllis finally marry?
Tweekums15 April 2014
Warning: Spoilers
This short Bulldog Drummond film opens with a bang when a bank robber blows the vault in a London bank and makes off with ten thousand pounds. The police quickly set up a cordon but the robber has a plan
he stashes the cash inside a radio in a flat that is being renovated then pretends to be a decorator who has gone insane to be driven through the cordon in an ambulance. By quite a coincidence the flat has been bought by Drummond and his bride to be Phyllis. Inevitable the robber returns for the radio but by then it has been sent to France where Phyllis is preparing for her marriage. The robber and his sidekick head over to France and Drummond, his butler Tenny and his friend Algy follow and Drummond promptly gets arrested by the French police who believing him to be a spy following a tip off from Scotland Yard where the police aren't pleased with Drummond leaving London when they had asked to come in to help with an identification.
This was a rather fun film the drama was decent enough with a few fights and explosions. There were also quite a few laughs; mostly provided by Algy and the French Police Chief/Mayor. The scene where Algy confronts the thief, who is pretending to be mad, was a particularly fun bit of slapstick. While one never has any doubt that Drummond will solve the crime there is one question that will be on the viewer's mind will Drummond finally marry Phyllis?! John Howard puts in a solid performance as Drummond and Heather Angel makes as welcome return as Phyllis, although her character is slightly underused but not as underused as H.B. Warner's police inspector Colonel Nielson. Overall a decent instalment in the series where the laughs seem more important than the drama.
This was a rather fun film the drama was decent enough with a few fights and explosions. There were also quite a few laughs; mostly provided by Algy and the French Police Chief/Mayor. The scene where Algy confronts the thief, who is pretending to be mad, was a particularly fun bit of slapstick. While one never has any doubt that Drummond will solve the crime there is one question that will be on the viewer's mind will Drummond finally marry Phyllis?! John Howard puts in a solid performance as Drummond and Heather Angel makes as welcome return as Phyllis, although her character is slightly underused but not as underused as H.B. Warner's police inspector Colonel Nielson. Overall a decent instalment in the series where the laughs seem more important than the drama.
"Hugh, that car you heard fires bullets through the heart."
classicsoncall15 April 2006
Warning: Spoilers
Well, Hugh Drummond (John Howard) and Miss Phyllis Clavering (Heather Angel) finally tie the knot in this finale to the Bulldog Drummond series, but not without the usual share of mishaps that interrupted their union more than a half dozen times in the past. This time it's a slick bank thief that diverts Drummond and Scotland Yard's Colonel Nielson (H.B. Warner), with the misadventures making their way from London to France.
Henri Armides (Eduardo Cianelli) is eventually fingered as the mastermind behind an explosion at the London and Southminster Bank, masking the theft of ten thousand pounds in British notes. His escape involves a clever ruse as a painter, winding up in a London flat recently rented by Miss Clavering. His bit borders on insanity, especially when he boldly takes a paintbrush to Algy Longworth's tie in an effort to better match his suit. Watch carefully when Armides dumps an entire bucket of paint on Algy's head; as both slip and slide on the wet floor, the thief drops the bucket and even more paint comes splashing out of it!
With Drummond's repeated declarations that the wedding is still on, and Miss Clavering doubtful as ever, she takes off for Targemont, France, the proposed site of the nuptials. When Armides learns that Drummond has sent Phyllis' radio to Targemont, he makes his plans to follow as well; the stolen notes were hidden inside the radio.
It's in this film that Colonel Nielson suffers the most indignity at the hands of the script writers. Usually Nielson, especially when portrayed by John Barrymore, kept his professionalism intact while Drummond and Company rode herd on the target villain. Here he comes across as somewhat inept, though his assistant Inspector Tredennis (John Sutton) manages to throw Drummond a zing when he wires the French authorities claiming that Drummond is really an international spy. It only works long enough for the proverbial all hell to break loose.
The frenetic chase for Henri Armides coincides with the marriage ceremony, and in a rather innovative sequence, the wedding begins in a jail, proceeds to a French village rooftop, and concludes at the home of Phyllis' Aunt Blanche (Elizabeth Patterson). But at least Miss Clavering got her man!
With the late 1930's Drummond series complete, the only actors to have made it through the entire stretch of nine films were Bulldog's sidekicks, Reginald Denny as Algy Longworth, and E.E. Clive as butler Tenny. Phyllis Clavering was depicted by Louise Campbell and Heather Angel; Colonel Neilson was variously portrayed by John Barrymore (3X), Guy Standing (once), and H.B. Warner (3X). Even Drummond himself was played by John Lodge and Ray Milland one time each before John Howard settled in to take on the role in seven films. Each mystery was done in a light hearted and comedic style, contrasted with the usually serious dramas presented in the Charlie Chan and Mr. Wong films of the era. However if you're a fan of the genre like me, you'll have fun with each movie, no matter which detective is doing the sleuthing.
Henri Armides (Eduardo Cianelli) is eventually fingered as the mastermind behind an explosion at the London and Southminster Bank, masking the theft of ten thousand pounds in British notes. His escape involves a clever ruse as a painter, winding up in a London flat recently rented by Miss Clavering. His bit borders on insanity, especially when he boldly takes a paintbrush to Algy Longworth's tie in an effort to better match his suit. Watch carefully when Armides dumps an entire bucket of paint on Algy's head; as both slip and slide on the wet floor, the thief drops the bucket and even more paint comes splashing out of it!
With Drummond's repeated declarations that the wedding is still on, and Miss Clavering doubtful as ever, she takes off for Targemont, France, the proposed site of the nuptials. When Armides learns that Drummond has sent Phyllis' radio to Targemont, he makes his plans to follow as well; the stolen notes were hidden inside the radio.
It's in this film that Colonel Nielson suffers the most indignity at the hands of the script writers. Usually Nielson, especially when portrayed by John Barrymore, kept his professionalism intact while Drummond and Company rode herd on the target villain. Here he comes across as somewhat inept, though his assistant Inspector Tredennis (John Sutton) manages to throw Drummond a zing when he wires the French authorities claiming that Drummond is really an international spy. It only works long enough for the proverbial all hell to break loose.
The frenetic chase for Henri Armides coincides with the marriage ceremony, and in a rather innovative sequence, the wedding begins in a jail, proceeds to a French village rooftop, and concludes at the home of Phyllis' Aunt Blanche (Elizabeth Patterson). But at least Miss Clavering got her man!
With the late 1930's Drummond series complete, the only actors to have made it through the entire stretch of nine films were Bulldog's sidekicks, Reginald Denny as Algy Longworth, and E.E. Clive as butler Tenny. Phyllis Clavering was depicted by Louise Campbell and Heather Angel; Colonel Neilson was variously portrayed by John Barrymore (3X), Guy Standing (once), and H.B. Warner (3X). Even Drummond himself was played by John Lodge and Ray Milland one time each before John Howard settled in to take on the role in seven films. Each mystery was done in a light hearted and comedic style, contrasted with the usually serious dramas presented in the Charlie Chan and Mr. Wong films of the era. However if you're a fan of the genre like me, you'll have fun with each movie, no matter which detective is doing the sleuthing.
Light Little 30s Detective Caper
iquine10 September 2018
(Flash Review)
This is a whimsical and sneaky little detective story. There has been a bank theft of 10,000 pounds and is hidden in a radio in the same room where the police captain and his fiancé will live. The police captain is hot on the trail yet he supposed to be getting married. Which will be his priority and what will his wife do if the marriage doesn't happen today? Full of physical and occasionally preposterous comedy and pacing that clips along as you watch the captain try to solve the caper and calm his fiancé. Fun little film from the 30s.
This is a whimsical and sneaky little detective story. There has been a bank theft of 10,000 pounds and is hidden in a radio in the same room where the police captain and his fiancé will live. The police captain is hot on the trail yet he supposed to be getting married. Which will be his priority and what will his wife do if the marriage doesn't happen today? Full of physical and occasionally preposterous comedy and pacing that clips along as you watch the captain try to solve the caper and calm his fiancé. Fun little film from the 30s.
John Howard plays Drummond in this one
ksf-212 February 2021
So when any show gets a bit tired, they decide the guy's gotta get married. Rhoda. the Six Million Dollar Man. Friends. In this one, John Howard is Drummond, Reginald Denny and Heather Angel are the usual co-stars. Colonel Nielson is played by HB Warner in this chapter... and two others! Warner was a major player in so many big films, my favorite role was Chang, in Lost Horizon, two years prior to this. Drummond is supposed to marry Phyllis, but of course, there's a bank robbery that needs his attention. but when he starts investigating, Nielson and the others try to put a stop to things before he can even start. this plot is even more convoluted than usual. bombs. mistaken identity. robberies. fistfights. will Drummond ever get married? you'll have to watch to find out. this one is extra silly. DIrected by Jim Hogan, who had directed a bunch of these. Drummond was invented by Herman McNiele. most of the chapters had fallen out of copyright, but the quality of this one is actually quite good. shown on Film Detective channel.
End of an era
gridoon20245 July 2012
Warning: Spoilers
Despite some controversy over the Internet, I think it's quite clear that THIS is the last Bulldog Drummond film with John Howard in the title role. How can I be sure? Because it's in THIS episode that Hugh and Phyllis FINALLY get married, which gives the film a satisfying ending (is this why Heather Angel seems to glow throughout?). This is also probably the most comedy-oriented of the Howard films, especially due to the character of the mayor / police chief of a French village who makes it his personal mission to get Hugh and his girl married at ANY cost; even the climactic chase on rooftops seems to be played more for laughs than for thrills. All in all, an OK finish to a likable, but never particularly distinguished, chapter of the Drummond series. ** out of 4.
Lame Series Entry
dougdoepke15 July 2018
Lame entry in the Drummond series. Everyone, including the robbers, is after a portable radio that has the loot from a bank heist hidden away in it. Trouble is it's like the writers (3) have no idea what to do with the narrative. Instead the cast gets to run around shadowy stage sets and literally throw bombs when things slow down. Too bad, because the cast includes a number of capable performers, including Howard, Denny, Clive, et al. At the same time, the comely Angel has little more to do than stand around and look pretty. The best part is the bang-up opening that promises more than's delivered. Anyway, there's no suspense or real surprises one would expect from a detective show. Instead, it's like there's really no script, or worse, a deadline to meet. So everyone gets to run around and wing it. All in all, the flick's an unfortunate waste of money and talent. Good thing the series was usually better than this.
A short and snappy programmer
Leofwine_draca18 October 2023
BULLDOG DRUMMOND'S BRIDE is another of the short-lived but prolific Paramount series of movies and it's my favourite yet. This one involves a group of bank robbers whose latest heist interferes with Bulldog's marriage (in what seems to be a common plot point in these movies). What follows is a neat little escapade in which there's plenty of comedy to get your teeth into, alongside brisk pacing and a predominance of action which really helps. Add in the usual suspects, villains, wisecracking heroes and a good eye for the era's detail, and you have a short and snappy programmer that doesn't let up.
Despite some unexpected continuity, a pretty lousy film.
planktonrules25 February 2010
The only reason I even give this dull film a 4 is that there is some excellent continuity from the previous film--something unusual for a B-movie. Hugh Drummond (John Howard) is back with the same fiancée (Heather Angel) and her perennially frustrated aunt (Elizabeth Patteson). All too often in Bs, each episode was unique and continuity was almost always a problem--and in most Drummond movies this is definitely true as about 2739 different actors played this character over the years. At the very end of the last film, Drummong and his fiancée were about to be married when the house exploded! Now, they are STILL trying to get married--but they've rescheduled it to take place the next day. The problem is that the plot, apart from that, is amazingly dull and concerns a spy--but it never engages the viewer in the least. Poor writing (aside from the continuity) and lots of listless action make this tough going. Only for die-hard Drummond fans.
Tries too hard to be campy
Bernie444417 October 2023
Finally, Bulldog Drummond (John Howard this time) is heading for matrimony in this movie based on the story "Bulldog Drummond and the oriental mind" by H. C. (Sapper) McNeile. Will he be devoured by a bank robber with some odd twists?
The characters are already caricatures; so, they do not need a dufus such as Algy (Reginald Denny) for comic relief. Being the finale in the Paramount Drummond Series they speed through the story with an explosive ending.
The version I watched had subtitles and when Drummond gave a verbal message to a friend the subtitle says (speaking pig Latin) - talk about lazy.
One thing that irks me is a scene where they use matches and touches to highlight a room that they could have just turned on the overhead light and do so moments later (after fumbling around in the dark.)
The characters are already caricatures; so, they do not need a dufus such as Algy (Reginald Denny) for comic relief. Being the finale in the Paramount Drummond Series they speed through the story with an explosive ending.
The version I watched had subtitles and when Drummond gave a verbal message to a friend the subtitle says (speaking pig Latin) - talk about lazy.
One thing that irks me is a scene where they use matches and touches to highlight a room that they could have just turned on the overhead light and do so moments later (after fumbling around in the dark.)
Out with a whimper
rwagn14 February 2012
Warning: Spoilers
Most of the Bulldog Drummond films are slight on the mystery plots and were watchable mostly because of the supporting casts. Who will forget Tenny or Algy or the constantly frustrated Phyllis? You probably remember more about them then any of the plot lines they were involved in. This final Drummond film of the '30's is very tired. Way too much bumbling and comedy and not much drama ( and no mystery) at all. Watch for the scene where Phyllis and her aunt are shown listening to the radio waiting for a late BBC news broadcast.Minutes later when Bulldog arrives and inquires about the radio he is told that it was taken to the police station by Gaston. We saw that happen several scenes before. Talk about a lapse of continuity (or did some explanatory scene get excised for time?) A word of warning regarding the transfers available via Alpha Video. Almost to a title I noticed that the running time is less than what is stated on the package and the IMDb. Based upon content it looks like these may have been shaved to fit into a 60 minute time slot (allowing for commercials etc.) as these titles are several minutes shorter than listed. Most titles originally ran 55 to 67 minutes but all have been shortened to @ 48 to 51 minute run times.Makes me wonder.
The loot in the radio
bkoganbing24 June 2014
Bulldog Drummond's Bride has John Howard teetering once again on the steps of matrimony. Will he get another postponement because some daring crime caper needs him and his expertise to help Scotland Yard? Will Heather Angel finally get him signed, sealed, and delivered at the altar?
A very daring bank robbery in broad daylight is pulled off by Eduardo Ciannelli using nitroglycerin like bottle bombs. And in getting away Ciannelli comes to Drummond's new flat as a painter and pulls a crazy act to get away, but not before stashing the loot.
The accent is more on comedy on this one as Howard, best friend Reginald Denny, and butler E.E. Clive pursue Ciannelli to France where he has fled in pursuit of the loot which he stashed in a radio that Heather Angel took to the continent.
This entry in the Drummond series borders on the silly at times, still fans of the series will like it.
A very daring bank robbery in broad daylight is pulled off by Eduardo Ciannelli using nitroglycerin like bottle bombs. And in getting away Ciannelli comes to Drummond's new flat as a painter and pulls a crazy act to get away, but not before stashing the loot.
The accent is more on comedy on this one as Howard, best friend Reginald Denny, and butler E.E. Clive pursue Ciannelli to France where he has fled in pursuit of the loot which he stashed in a radio that Heather Angel took to the continent.
This entry in the Drummond series borders on the silly at times, still fans of the series will like it.
Meh
arfdawg-124 April 2014
A bank-robbery in London prevents - again - the marriage of Bulldog Drummond with his girlfriend.
But this time when the delinquents are caught it will be celebrated at last.
Or will it?
I'm not a huge fan of these Drummond films.
They are very formulaic.
Plus, their under an hour running time feels like 4 hours.
In fact, this one is a bit more boring than the others I've seen.
It will likely be the last
But this time when the delinquents are caught it will be celebrated at last.
Or will it?
I'm not a huge fan of these Drummond films.
They are very formulaic.
Plus, their under an hour running time feels like 4 hours.
In fact, this one is a bit more boring than the others I've seen.
It will likely be the last
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