I really didn't want to watch this "Mr. Moto" film (based on my impressions of the character and films of that type and from that era), but I was outvoted, and I'm not the sort to go sulk if he doesn't get to watch what he wants. Fortunately, in spite of the dated story and fantasy elements (this was obviously an expression of some people's hope that the coming conflicts could be diverted by brave and righteous men) I ended up appreciating the craftsmanship of everyone involved and the impressive screen presence of a young, "hot" Peter Lorre.Especially enjoyable was the way the character (and the actor) played with and against the "bug-eyed, buck-toothed Nip" stereotype to fool his enemies.Strong supporting cast here - Sanders, Carradine, and Robert Cortez all do creditable yeoman work and there is hardly a misstep in the screenplay in the service of the plot.In spite of the good work done here,I can't imagine anyone seeking out a "Mr. Moto" movie at this late date, but I can honestly say that this one surprised me.

Mr. Moto battles saboteurs intent on blowing up the Suez Canal. On paper this one looks like it would be the best Mr. Moto film. It has George Sanders, John Carradine, and Ricardo Cortez in the cast. But despite that excellent trio, this is probably my least favorite of all the Moto films. It's not a bad movie, just not very exciting. The first half is rather dull. There is one particularly tense scene involving a diving bell that was quite good. It's the highlight of the movie. Lorre's fine, as are the three actors I mentioned before. Pretty Virginia Field has a nice role, as well. But the story is kind of blah and the movie drags. Still, it's watchable and there are enjoyable parts. Any movie with Lorre, Sanders, Carradine, and Cortez involved is at least worth checking out for yourself.

Although this is a short "B" programmer, there's a lot to like in this espionage thriller. Peter Lorre is joined by a great cast of recognizable character actors including George Sanders, John Carradine, E.E. Clive, and Ricardo Cortez as the villain. Robert Coote plays a hopelessly British tourist. There are some inspired (and intense) scenes, such as a fiendish murder involving a diving bell. Peter Lorre's Mr. Moto again proves to be a master of disguise, a cunning intellect, and an expert at judo. He's a deceptively great fighter and very resourceful, escaping numerous attempts on his life. The nefarious plot isn't too fleshed out, but it's fun watching Moto foil it.

I think this is one of the best Moto films, with a lot of action. Peter Lorre does a good job alternating between the role of Moto and his disguise role as the meek shopkeeper. A group of spies in Port Said are trying to blow up the French fleet and make it look like England is to blame, thus provoking a war. The leader of the spy ring works as a ventriloquist at the local theater, and the gang works out of a sleazy bar run by a naive Englishwoman. The viewers never precisely find out what nation is employing the spy ring, but at the very end of the film Mr. Moto finds the breakthrough clue hidden in the ventriloquist's dummy. Mr Moto then makes the ventriloquist's dummy talk, saying "Don't talk Mr. Moto, or you may lose your job". Since Mr. Moto works for Japan, the final line in the movie may imply that Japan was behind the spy plot.