British adventurer John Howard (as Hugh "Bulldog" Drummond) is ready to marry girlfriend Louise Campbell (as Phyllis Clavering), but she is kidnapped. That's very typical in the "Bulldog Drummond" movie series. The abductors, who have a personal connection to Drummond, are in a playful mood. They keep Ms. Campbell alive and send Drummond clues regarding her whereabouts. The clues are received on typewritten notes and heard on gramophone record albums. Most notably joining in the "find Phyllis" game is master-of-disguise detective John Barrymore (as Colonel Nielson). This was the first of three supporting appearances by Mr. Barrymore in the Drummond series. "Bulldog Drummond Comes Back" was the first of seven appearance by Mr. Howard in the leading role. In an unpropitious start, he gets a fine supporting cast. The title refers to Drummond coming back to England, from America.***** Bulldog Drummond Comes Back (1937-09-03) Louis King ~ John Howard, John Barrymore, Reginald Denny, E.E. Clive

Bulldog Drummond's in love and ready for marriage. But that'll have to wait because his fiancée has been kidnapped by the brother and widow of an executed criminal Drummond put behind bars. The kidnappers intend to torture Drummond by making him follow a series of clues that lead him into dangerous situations. He must rely on his friends to help him figure out the clues and stay alive in the process.John Howard's first Bulldog Drummond movie. Many actors played the character over the years (three in 1937 alone) but no one played him more than Howard. He would play Drummond for a total of seven films, all in the span of two years. Interestingly, despite playing the title character, Howard isn't top-billed. That honor goes to John Barrymore, who plays Bulldog Drummond's friend Colonel Nielsen. Barrymore's career was in a poor state at this time and he needed work. You would never know it from his performance as he's a lot of fun to watch. A little hammy at times but that's to be expected with him. John Howard isn't quite as lively as Ray Milland was in the role but he's good in a serviceable B hero kind of way. Reginald Denny continues on as Drummond's sidekick Algy and E.E. Clive as Drummond's butler Tenny. Both are entertaining. Helen Freeman and J. Carrol Naish make good villains. Louise Campbell plays Drummond's love interest Phyllis for the first of three films. She reminds me a little of Maureen O'Sullivan, which is not a bad thing. It's an enjoyable B detective picture. Nothing more special than that but it doesn't have to be. I happen to like these types of pictures. It's an entertaining way to pass an hour.

Newly engaged Hugh 'Bulldog' Drummond is looking forward to the arrival of his fiancée Phyllis but plans for a peaceful visit don't last long. She hasn't been there long when she is kidnapped by Irena Soldanis and Mikhail Valdin. We soon learn why she was kidnapped; Irena wants revenge on Drummond because she blames him for her late brother's execution. She leaves a series of cryptic clues that are intended to make him suffer before they exact their ultimate revenge. Drummond follows the clues along with friend Algy and faithful butler Tenny. The kidnappers specifically told Drummond not to let Colonel Neilson of Scotland Yard get involved but the colonel decides to follow despite Drummond's instructions not to… this involves a series of impressive disguises.The adventure sees John Howard taking over the lead role and Louise Campbell taking over as Phyllis; Howard does a fine job as Drummond and Campbell is okay but not as good as Heather Angel was when the character was first introduced. The story may be a little cliché but it is still fun. The various clues aren't too convoluted; there is a good chance that the viewer will solve one or two before they are explained. There is a fair amount of action packed into the film's short runtime leading up to a gripping denouement. Mixed in with the drama there are some funny moments; Col Neilson's ingenious disguises were both amusing and surprisingly believable. The baddies are fairly cliché dastardly Central Europeans but that doesn't mean they aren't entertaining. Overall I'd say this is a fun action adventure that contains absolutely no offensive material.

Drummond and his pals spend their time following the instructions of a pair of continental criminals who want revenge and, using his kidnapped fiancee as a prod, keep them running hither and yon to no particular purpose. Everyone seems ashamed to be in this turkey, especially John Barrymore, who spends much of his time underacting. If you are particularly enamoured of this series, which never exceeds watchable, or are a fiend for John Barrymore -- which makes some sense at any rate, give it a look. Otherwise, avoid it.