Tom Conway keeps the movie series going and John Newland is his sidekick Algy Longworth, previously played by Reginald Denny. Newland is way out of his depth trying comedy. This is based on the short story by Drummond’s creator Sapper (H.C.McNeile). This is a very weak entry in the series. The older ones with John Howard are a lot better.
A number of other actors appeared in the role including Ray Milland,Ronald Coleman and Walter Pigeon. The movie series started with 1922’s “Bulldog Drummond” with Carlyle Blackwell and the last one was 1969’s “Some Girls Do” with Richard Johnson. In 1939’s “Bulldog Drummond’s Bride” with John Howard, Drummond finally married his long time girlfriend Phyliss Clavering (Heather Angel). That scenerio was dropped in the later films.
Dr.Steadman is translating a palimpest when he’s murdered and two toy lead soldiers are stolen. Drummond’s friend Philip Coleman is the boyfriend of Cynthia Steadman, the daughter of the murdered man. He calls on Drummond carrying two soldiers. He says he’s been threatened that he better sell them or else.
Calling herself a journalist Estelle Gorday calls on Drummond. He’s not there and Algy says he’s Drummond. He thinks by changing identities it’ll help him be more successful with women. She says she’s there to interview him about the soldiers. Earlier Algy got a package delivered containing soldiers. They’re displayed on the mantle. Drummond bought them.
Cynthia tells them her father got the two soldiers and the palimpest or parchment at an auction. It’s an illustration of the thirteen soldiers. A man named Edward Vain barged into the house and barged out again after Dr.Steadman refused to sell the soldiers at any price.
Estelle is partners with Vain. She invites Drummond and Algy to her place. That gives Vain a chance to search Drummond’s apartment. Drummond figured as much and had his newspaper friend Seymour standing by to watch the break in. Philip shows up and they both stay out of the way. When Vain leaves they follow him to a flat in Soho.
Philip watches the flat and then everyone else shows up. Drummond and Algy go inside and someone throws a knife at them and escapes through the window. Vain is dead on the floor. Later Drummond goes back to Estelle’s and tells her he knows she’s not a journalist and locks her in her bedroom while he searches the place. He finds the parchment.
Drummond figures out what’s behind it all and visits an antique shop. He doesn’t know Estelle is looking through a window. Before it’s all over everyone is at the shop and all secrets, including the murderer are revealed.
Tom Conway also played The Falcon in that movie series. This was his second appearance as Bulldog Drummond.
John Newland is well known to TV fans as host of “Alcoa Presents:One Step Beyond” (1959-61).
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