“Dick Tracy vs. Cueball” (1946)

Dick Tracy vs. Cueball

Brief Description:

When bad guy Cueball realizes he's been betrayed by his crew of criminals, he starts hunting them down, along with his arch nemesis Dick Tracy. 

Date: 1946

Genre: American action film

Running time: 1 hour 3 minutes 

Cast: 

 Morgan Conway (Dick Tracy)

Anne Jeffreys (Tess Trueheart)

Lyle Latell (Pat Patton)

Rita Corday (Mona Clyde)

Ian Keith (Vitamin Flintheart)

Dick Wessel (Harry "Cueball" Lake)

Douglas Walton (Percival Priceless)

Esther Howard (Filthy Flora)

Joseph Crehan (Chief Brandon)

Byron Foulger (Simon Little)

Jimmy Crane (Junior)

Milton Parsons (Higby)

Skelton Knaggs (Rudolph)

Ralph Dunn (Policeman)

Director: Gordon M. Douglas & James Anderson

Production company: RKO Radio Pictures

Based on: the comic strip about Dick Tracy by Chester Gould

Wikipedia page

Watch on Archive

(watched on Tubi)

Setting/Aesthetic/Feel: 4/5

I watched this years ago but didn't remember any of it, so I just rewatched it. Once I got past the atrocious comics in the opening (I don’t know why they bother me so much, but they just feel violent??? idk) and realized that the ridiculous names (Filthy Flora? Percival Priceless? Mr. Sparkles, the jeweller?) are probably from the comic strip, I still didn't enjoy it much 😆 The setting is okay, though. Feels like NYC or something. The train part vaguely reminds me of another period film I watched (must hunt it down) and I enjoyed seeing the neon lights of the Dripping Dagger, and all the hidden rooms—and the scenes in Tracy's house. 

Characters: 3/5

I hated Cueball. He's terrifying, not because he's smart, but because he's so terribly ruthless and powerful. However, there wasn't much of anyone else to like except Tess, Junior, and the other kid—oh, and Vitamin, who's hilarious. Tracy's okay, but I didn't particularly care for him; and Patton is the stereotypical dumb sidekick but not funny enough to actually be interesting 😆 

Plot: 3.5/5

Archive's very succinct description for this film is "A police detective uses his girlfriend to track down a homicidal maniac," and while there's a lot more that happens, I do think that's kind of the sticking point, because what idiot lets his girlfriend fill in the place of a policewoman when the guy you're hunting has already killed at least three people, if not four?? Apart from Cueball's murder spree, the whole diamond saga was interesting, but there wasn't enough humour to balance out the violence in my opinion. 

Romance: 4/5

Vitamin jokingly tries to make Tess jealous when they find a queue of policewomen going into Dick's office. When only one girl is left with him Tess does get jealous and barges in. 

Content: 3.5/5 (medium)

Lots of drinking in the Dripping Dagger. 

Violence: 3/5 (medium)

Cueball strangles four people onscreen; someone gets run over by a train. 

Overall: 3.5/5

Not the worst film ever, but Cueball ruined it for me. I just couldn't stomach him. 

“The Mystery of the Thirteenth Guest” (1943)

The Mystery of the Thirteenth Guest

Brief Description:

Thirteen years after a dinner party in which the thirteenth guest failed to arrive, the remaining guests are being murdered one by one, and their bodies being placed at the same dinner table in the appropriate seats they occupied thirteen years prior.

(from Archive)

Date: 1943

Genre: American crime/mystery comedy thriller

Running time: 1 hour 1 minute

Cast: 

Helen Parrish (Marie Morgan)

Dick Purcell (Johnny Smith)

Tim Ryan (Lt. Burke)

Frank Faylen (Speed DuGan aka McGinis)

Jacqueline Dalya (Marjory Morgan)

Paul McVey (Adam Morgan)

John Duncan (Harold Morgan)

John Dawson (Tom Jackson)

Cyril Ring (John Barksdale)

Addison Richards (D.A.)

Lloyd Ingraham (Grandfather Morgan)

Robert J. Anderson (young Harold)

Shirley Jean Anderson (young Marie)

Mike Donovan (Desk Sergeant)

Lester Dorr (Carter)

Dick Gordon (Uncle John)

Herbert Heyes (Dr. Sherwood)

Donald Kerr (Photographer)

Wilbur Mack (Coroner)

Richard Neill (Uncle Wayne)

Dick Rush (Cop)

Fred Toones (Valet)

Director: William Beaudine

Production company: Monogram Pictures

Based on: The Thirteenth Guest by Armitage Trail

Wikipedia page

Watch on Archive

(watched on Tubi)

Setting/Aesthetic/Feel: 5/5

I watched this years ago and remembered really liking it, so when I watched it again I allowed my little sisters to watch over my shoulder. 😉 The setting is creepy and dusty and reminds me of Great Expectations, which is fun. 

Characters: 4/5

The only really likeable characters in this whole thing are Marie, Johnny, and Harold, who's an adorable little brother. Burke, though the typical 1930s/1940s American cop in his loudness and rudeness, isn't over the top (especially in comparison to Bill Street) and I enjoyed his banter with Johnny, as well as Speed's comedic relief. Everyone else is pretty nasty, as Grandfather Morgan stated... 

Plot: 4.5/5

Honestly I feel like this should be creepy, but it's got too much comedy to be very creepy. Mostly it's just baffling. I enjoy the whole hidden room aspect, and the murder system itself is very interesting. 

Romance: 4/5

Tiny but cute thread of romance between Johnny & Marie. 

Content: 4/5 (low)

1 kiss. 

Violence: 4/5 (low)

A masked killer; attempted strangling; people die onscreen (very staged).  

Overall: 4.5/5

Overall, I'm still a fan. It's fun! Apparently there's a 1930s version, so I want to watch that too at some point.

“The Woman in Green” (1945)

The Woman in Green 

Brief Description:

When several young women turn up dead, each with a missing finger, the trail leads Holmes to a society of hypnotists and a mysterious temptress.

Date: 1945

Genre: American horror mystery film

Running time: 1 hour 8 minutes 

Cast: 

Basil Rathbone (Sherlock Holmes)

Nigel Bruce (Dr. Watson)

Hillary Brooke (Lydia Marlowe)

Henry Daniell (Prof. Moriarty)

Paul Cavanagh (Sir George Fenwick)

Matthew Boulton (Insp. Gregson)

Eve Amber (Maude Fenwick)

Frederick Worlock (Dr. Onslow)

Tom Bryson (Cpl. Williams)

Sally Shepherd (Crandon)

Mary Gordon (Mrs. Hudson)

Percival Vivian (Dr. Simnell)

Fred Aldrich (detective)

Leslie Denison (barman)

Olaf Hytten (butler)

Boyd Irwin  (detective)

Harold De Becker (shoelace seller)

Alec Harford (Commissioner of the CID)

Director: Roy William Neill

Production company: Universal Pictures

Inspired by: The Final Problem & The Adventure of the Cardboard Box by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle

Wikipedia page

Watch on Archive

(watched on Tubi)

Setting/Aesthetic/Feel: 4/5

I believe this is a pattern with the Basil Rathbone SH films, though I've only seen four; but anyways, these are set in the then-contemporary world of the 1940s—an interesting and enjoyable change. It actually reminded me somewhat of “Lured” (1947) in the setting. 

Characters: 4/5

Basil Rathbone does the cool, efficient, somewhat brusque side of Holmes so well. I'm not a fan of Nigel Bruce as Watson—the doctor isn't stupid, fat, or old. And Henry Daniell is a most un-frightening Moriarty. The Fenwicks, and Lydia Marlowe, are interesting characters, however. I would have liked to see Crandon have a storyline; it almost seemed to me at times as if the dialogue was building up to that. 

Plot: 4/5

It's an intense beginning (once again reminding me of “Lured”) as random girls are found murdered throughout London, minus a digit. The hypnotism angle honestly feels a bit cliché, and I don't like Nigel Bruce's humiliation at the Mesmer Club, but the ending is pretty dramatic, there was some good humour, and I enjoyed the elements from The Final Problem.  Holmes has a spectacular quote at the end, too... 

Holmes: I'm thinking of all the women who can come and go in safety in the streets of London tonight. Stars keep watch in their heavens, and in our own little way, we too, old friend, are privileged to watch over our city. 

Content: 4/5 (low)

Smoking, drinking. 

Violence: 4/5 (low)

Off-screen murder & death. 

Overall: 4/5

Overall, it's not the best SH film I ever saw, but it's entertaining. 

“Mr. Wong, Detective” (1938)

Mr. Wong, Detective

Brief Description:

When a chemical manufacturer is killed after asking detective James Wong to help him, Wong investigates this and two subsequent murders.

Date: 1938

Genre: American crime film

Running time: 1 hour 10 minutes 

Cast: 

Boris Karloff: Mr. James Lee Wong 

Grant Withers: Capt. Sam Street 

Maxine Jennings: Myra Ross 

Evelyn Brent: Olga/Countess Dubois

George Lloyd: Devlin 

Lucien Prival: Anton Mohl 

John St. Polis: Carl Roemer

William Gould: Theodore Meisle

Hooper Atchley: Christian Wilk

John Hamilton: Simon Dayton 

Wilbur Mack: Russell 

Lee Tung Foo: Tchin

Lynton Brent: Tommy 

Grace Wood: Mrs. Roemer

Frank Bruno: Lescardi

Ed Cassidy: Ambulance Doctor

Wheaton Chambers: Chemistry

Herbert Evans: Wilk's Butler

Director: William Nigh

Production company: Monogram Pictures

Based on: the James Lee Wong series by Hugh Wiley 

Wikipedia page

Watch on Archive

(watched on Tubi)

Setting/Aesthetic/Feel: 4/5

This is apparently the first Mr. Wong film, and it's much better than “Mr. Wong in Chinatown”—though to be honest that's not saying much. Personally, I enjoyed the scenes in Wilk's house and Dayton's office. Wong's house was interesting too. 

Characters: 3.5/5

Mr. Wong plays a much more convincing and interesting detective here. While still using his calm and politeness to soothe victims and disarm villains, he does a lot more sleuthing and expresses more of his deductions aloud. Captain Street is still heavily unlikeable but at least a little toned down in comparison to “Mr. Wong in Chinatown.” (He also has a new first name, and a new fiancée. Headcanon: His name is Samuel William Street and Myra dumps him after this film. He and Roberta had one date in the other film and she calls him "Bill" to annoy him). The multitude of villains made for plenty of different, interesting characters (Lescardi and Russians felt real stereotyped, but also added a faint  WWII flavour at the mention that they wanted the poison gas for their country's armies). Myra was nice enough but it annoyed me that she was so snippy with Street for working late. You're literally about to marry a detective, honey, and he's in the middle of a massive murder investigation. Like... he deserves to be snipped at for how he talks to you (though I'll grant that he did apologize at one point, which is more than he ever did for Bobbie) but it's not his fault he's missing your date night. 

Plot: 3/5

The plot started out straightforward but began to crumble towards the end. The third death didn't make any sense and no one really explained it (and if Wong understood by then how it happened, why did he do nothing?). It also wasn't well explained what the different villains did or how they did it. I did not enjoy the interrogation scenes (not that any scene with Street in it was any good... yes, I really hate the character that much) and there were too many dark scenes where someone poked through a room and you weren't sure who and what they were doing. That said, the final climax with the poison gas was somewhat interesting. 

Romance: 3/5

Myra & Street don't seem to have a healthy relationship going on, but anyways, the only slightly romantic thing that happens is a kiss on the cheek. 

Content: 4/5 (low)

I honestly can't recall; possibly, but I don’t remember and I don't care to watch this again to find out. 

Violence: 4/5 (low)

Murder; threats.  

Overall: 3.5/5

An improvement on the first Mr. Wong film I watched, though contradictory; I won't rewatch it, but I'd like to watch the rest of the series out of curiosity. 

“Bulldog Drummond at Bay” (1937)

Bulldog Drummond at Bay

Brief Description:

Bulldog Drummond goes up against a gang of foreign agents who kidnap an inventor to steal the plans for a top-secret robot aircraft.

(from Wikipedia)

Date: 1937

Genre: British mystery film

Running time: 1 hour 18 minutes

Cast: 

John Lodge as Drummond 

Dorothy Mackaill as Doris 

Victor Jory as Gregoroff 

Claud Allister as Algy 

Richard Bird as Caldwell 

Hugh Miller as Kalinsky 

Leslie Perrins as Maj. Grayson 

Brian Buchel as Meredith 

Jim Gérald as Veight 

Maire O'Neill as Norah

Annie Esmond as Mrs. Caldwell 

Frank Cochrane as Dr. Belfrus 

William Dewhurst as Portside 

Wilfrid Hyde-White as Conrad

Director: Norman Lee

Production company: Associated British Picture Corporation

Based on: Bulldog Drummond at Bay by Herman C. McNeile

Wikipedia page

(Watched on Tubi)

Setting/Aesthetic/Feel: 5/5

I watched this years ago and finally got around to viewing it again. I honestly had no idea what to expect, beyond the fact that it's a Bulldog Drummond film, and I had vague memories of a Bulldog film where he's caught in a castle dungeon...? Anyways, I enjoyed the various settings—the castle, the Scottish countryside, and the British club. 

Characters: 5/5

John Lodge is an awesome actor—and actually one of the few leading 1930s men I actually find handsome. Dorothy Mackaill was fascinating as Doris, and the two villains were just scary enough. Algy annoyed me, being way over-the-top stupid, but Reginald Portside was interesting. 

Plot: 5/5

A period magazine said this film could be "confidently relied upon to keep the unsophisticated on the edge of their seats" and I'd be insulted if I wasn't busy feeling sorry for whoever thought they were too sophisticated to enjoy this film. Personally, I really enjoyed it. With a hunted scientist being pressed to divulge his top-secret discoveries, a pacifists club used as a cover, the British Intelligence and a civilian detective, a near-death experience, a castle fire, and a delightful twist, this film delivered so many fun clichés, alongside with plenty of humour and drama.

Romance: 5/5

I can't say much because #spoilers, but it was such fun! 

Content: 5/5 (low)

Drinking & smoking; maybe some lying.

Violence: 4/5 (low)

Mild violence against pretty much everyone; several scenes where the scientist is threatened and at least one where he's about to be tortured. 

Overall: 4.5/5

I'd give this 5 stars but I'd like to keep that for my top favourite films. But I love this one and I will definitely watch it again! 

“Mr. Wong in Chinatown” (1939)

Mr. Wong in Chinatown

Brief Description:

When a pretty Chinese woman seeks his help, then is killed by a poisoned dart in his front hall, a San Francisco detective takes on a perilous case.

Date: 1939

Genre: American mystery film

Running time: 1 hour 10 minutes

Cast: 

Boris Karloff: Mr. Wong

Marjorie Reynolds: Roberta Logan

Grant Withers: Capt. Street

Huntley Gordon: Mr. Davidson

Peter George Lynn: Capt. Jackson

William Royle: Capt. Jame

James Flavin: Sgt. Jerry

Lotus Long: Lin Hwa

Lee Tung Foo: Willie

Bessie Loo: Lilly May (maid)

Richard Loo: Tong chief

Ernie Stanton: Burton (butler)

I. Stanford Jolley: Hotel clerk

Angelo Rossitto: mute Little Person

Director: William Nigh

Production company: Monogram Pictures

Wikipedia page

Watch on Archive

Setting/Aesthetic/Feel: 4/5

I watched this years ago and finally rewatched it tonight to review. The setting is all right—I liked the ship especially, but Jackson's bureau also interested me. It's certainly very late-1930s in feel. 

Characters: 3/5

The only one who was somewhat likeable was Mr. Wong, the princess (who dies within seconds), and her servants (who only show in one scene). And for a lead detective, Mr. Wong was rather too quiet and slow. It almost looked like Street was trying to make up for Wong's lack of activity by being extra himself. I hated him—he was so aggressive and rude towards everyone, but especially Bobbie, and he did nothing but yell. As for Bobbie herself, I'm not a fan of the argumentative, shallow little "career woman" stereotype of the 1930s, but at least she had the distinction of saving a life. 

Plot: 3/5

I guessed the main bad guy as soon as he came on screen, which was kind of fun. The plot itself was nothing shiny. The touch of WWII hint with the Chinese buying airplanes was the most interesting part. 

Romance: 2/5

I don't see why we're supposed to ship Bill Street & Bobbie Logan. He's nothing but dismissive and nasty to her except in like 2 scenes where he rescues her/acts protective. She's just as loud and argumentative as he is but she comes off worse (what's with him physically shaking her and stuffing an apple in her mouth?!) so I feel more sorry for her. 

Content: 4/5 (low)

Maybe an euphemism or two; slight racism and ablism towards Chinese and a Little Person. 

Violence: 4/5 (low)

Murder; fighting. 

Overall: 3/5

Not the worst 1930 movie I ever saw, but certainly not my favourite and probably not something I'll rewatch. 

“Bulldog Jack” (1935)

Bulldog Jack 

Also known as: Alias Bulldog Drummond

Brief Description:

When Bulldog Drummond is injured, Jack Pennington agrees to masquerade as the sleuth and is enlisted to help Ann Manders find her jeweller grandfather who has been kidnapped by a gang of crooks.

(from Wikipedia)

Date: 1935

Genre: British comedy film 

Running time: 1 hour 12 minutes 

Cast: 

Jack Hulbert: Jack Pennington

Fay Wray: Ann Manders

Ralph Richardson: Morelle

Claude Hulbert: Algy Longworth

Gibb McLaughlin: Denny

Atholl Fleming: Bulldog Drummond

Paul Graetz: Salvini

Cyril Smith: Duke

Director: Walter Forde

Production company: Gaumont British

Based on: the Bulldog Drummond books by H.C. McNeile

Wikipedia page

Watch on YouTube

Setting/Aesthetic/Feel: 5/5

I watched this years ago and it always stuck to me as a hilarious and delightful film, so I recently hunted it up and watched it again. I love the Underground setting (fascinating to a WWII nerd, haha) and the British museum as well! 

Characters: 4.5/5

Ann is a brave, sweet girl, and her grandfather too. Algy is the comical bumbling sidekick, but somehow he's not aggravating, just hilarious, especially paired with Jack, who with all the poise and confidence in the world rises up from every downfall. They're a hilarious duo and I love their quick British banter. As for Morell, he is delightfully scary, while the other bad guys are just stupid enough and just scary enough. 

Plot: 4.5/5

It's mostly a comedy, though also partly mystery, partly romance, and partly action. Plenty of parts are ridiculous and far-fetched, but the film doesn't take itself seriously enough for that to be annoying. The most aggravating thing was the comedic sounds when people are knocked out. The ending is so perfectly humorous and suspenseful at the same time... I love it. 

Romance: 4/5

Just a thread of romance, but so cute! 

Content: 4/5 (low)

Smoking; maybe a few mild euphemsims. 

Violence: 4/5 (low)

Slapstick violence. 

Overall: 4.5/5

I thoroughly enjoyed this and intend to do so again 😉 

“Sodor’s Legend of the Lost Treasure” (2015)

Sodor’s Legend of the Lost Treasure

Brief Description:

Thomas is caught in a conspiracy to steal recently discovered pirate treasure as he tries everything to regain his position as Sir Topham Hatt's number one engine.

(from Wikipedia)

Date: 2015

Genre: British animated fantasy adventure film

Running time: 1 hour

Cast:

 Keith Wickham as Salty, Bert, Sir Topham Hatt, Bertie, & additional roles

Eddie Redmayne as Ryan

Jamie Campbell Bower as Skiff

John Hurt as Sailor John

Steven Kynman as Duck

Joe Mills as Donald, Douglas, Oliver, & Toad

Olivia Colman as Marion

Tim Whitnall as Mike & Oliver the Excavator

Teresa Gallagher as Daisy, Annie, Clarabel, & some children

Tom Stourton as Rex

Jonathan Broadbent as Bill & Ben

Nathan Clarke as Alfie

David Bedella as Victor

John Hasler as Thomas

Keith Wickham as Edward, Henry, Gordon, James, & Percy

Rob Rackstraw as Toby

Teresa Gallagher as Emily

Matt Wilkinson as Cranky, & Kevin

Steven Kynman as Jack

Director: David Stoten

Production company: HIT Entertainment

Wikipedia page

Watch on Archive

Setting/Aesthetic/Feel: 4/5

It's pretty enough, and I don't think I've ever seen a more beautiful sunset/sunrise backdrop in a film. 

Characters: 2/5

Thomas drives me crazy; I hate Sir Topham Hatt; and Marion is a ninny. No one else really stands out, except Skiff, who's nice enough.  

Plot: 2.5/5

I watched this in the past and remembered it enough to hunt it down and watch it a few years ago. I decided to rewatch it to review here, and ended up hardly watching it at all because it's so stupid. The only remotely enjoyable part was the treasure hunt and chase, which only takes up about 1/4th of the film.  

Theme/Message/Topics: 1/5

I can't put my finger on the message of this film but seems awfully performative (do this and that and you'll be worth liking). 

Content: 4/5 (low)

A mention of ghosts; Marion believes the little engines are magic and can grant wishes. 

Violence: 4/5 (low)

Mild violence by Sailor John towards Skiff and the others. 

Overall: 2.5/5

I don't think I'll watch this again, even to review it more properly.