Ray Milland in ‘Bulldog Drummond Escapes’ (1937)

So many of the movies I’ve seen with Ray Milland have him playing the heavy. I’m not sure what movie I first saw him in, but I’m pretty sure whatever it was, he was not playing a nice person.

So, it was something of a joy to see him as a young actor in the kind of movie that a fresh-faced newcomer at the time could actually star in — a B-movie. Although I suspect part of the joy of watching this movie is the way Ray Milland takes such joy in saying his lines. And he is young and fresh-faced.

Here’s the plot: The movie starts out with a suspenseful and fog-shrouded sequence in which Bulldog Drummond—or, should I say, Captain Hugh “Bulldog” Drummond—manages to land his plane, despite the handwringing fear of onlookers because “it just can’t be done.” However, through snow, rain, sleet, and (it would appear) fog, Bulldog Drummond is your man to land a plane. The quick flashes of Milland and the onlookers during this opening sequence are made vivid by the use of what I assume are spotlights on their faces. Or possibly flashlights.

That’s another thing about this movie. It’s dark. It’s so dark, I would’ve mistaken it for a film noir, except it’s more like a thrilling screwball comedy noir.

After that introduction, we see Bulldog Drummond driving home at night. Suddenly, a young woman jumps out in front of his car. He misses her, but she falls down. The first thing I’m thinking of is the beginning of Kiss Me Deadly. So there’s that.

This is a bit of a pickle. (Hey, a flashlight torch!) (Image via notre Cinéma)

But then there’s a gunshot, so leaving the woman for the moment, Drummond goes to investigate. He enters the woods—he’s been driving through a wooded area—and while he’s trying to figure out what’s going on, he finds a body. Two bodies, actually, because there’s a second shot. And another body sinking into the muck. Meanwhile, the woman who fell in the road? She’s up and stealing his car. Okay. Who is this woman? Why is she stealing his car? Mystery!

Oh, but then, as Drummond is trying to bum a ride, another car rolls by and guess who’s in the backseat? None other than our Lady of the Stolen Car. She’s with some grim-looking males. And her expression is somewhat ambiguous.

So Bulldog, who is supposed to be taking a vacation, becomes interested in this person. A bit of investigating later (and with help from his faithful man-servant, Algy Longworth), he’s able to locate her at Greystone Manor. Well, with a name like Greystone Manor, you know there’s some devious Gothic shit afoot.

Have I mentioned the fog? (Image via IMCDB)

Anyway, I don’t want to ruin this totally, in case you’d like to see the movie. It was a first time for me. And I just thought it was a load of fun.

There is almost an antic glee in the way Ray Milland delivers some of his lines in this film. Part of that may be due to the fact that the movie is based on a stage play, so some of the lines feel like “play dialogue.” But Milland orates them in such a lusty manner that it’s almost as if you can hear the director in the background shouting, “Ham it up, would you? Go for the rafters of a theatre across town. You know—acting!!” (Picture Jon Lovitz.)

Nonetheless, for a B picture made in the late 30s—and compared with some of the B pictures I’ve had the dubious pleasure of showing here—Milland’s acting is quite nuanced. In between the scenes where he’s relishing the most stylized of lines, Milland’s acting seems so natural. There’s even a budding romance (of course, because Bulldog is looking for “adventure and romance”), as revealed in a scene in which closeups of (spotlit) faces create a feeling of intimacy.

I really enjoyed the movie. It’s kind of nice to see Milland play something other than a grouchy old man.

“Get off my lawn, you hippie!” (Image from Frogs)

If you’re into the Thin Man movies, I think you’ll like this one. Wikipedia calls this a mystery thriller, but it’s sooo dark, it’s more like a noir crimedy thriller.

They saved money on electricity when they made this. That’s how dark it is. (I’m betting they used flashlights torches to light the sets.)

*****

Directed by James P. Hogan
Produced by Edward T. Lowe, Jr.
Screenplay by Edward T. Lowe, Jr. (based on the play Bulldog Drummond Again by Herman C. McNeile and Gerard Fairlie)

Respectfully submitted for your consideration as part of the Favorite Stars in B Movies Blogathon! Hosted by Films From Beyond the Time Barrier.

PS: Honorable mentions to William Shatner and Ida Lupino in The Devil’s Rain! And Ernest Borgnine. 🙂

This film is in the public domain, so feast your eyes on young Ray M! 🙂

BONUS: Here’s a sample of the dialogue:

Capt. Hugh ‘Bulldog’ Drummond: Imagine this – the road to Denmore and fog and such a fog, Algy, a dank and dismal dusk on the depressing stretches of dreary Denmore.

Algy Langworth: Quite a few ‘D’s don’t you think?

Whatta ya think? Four and a half stars?