Bulldog Drummond in Africa (1938)
Directed by Louis King, Bulldog Drummond in Africa is a brisk, action-packed entry in the long-running Bulldog Drummond series. Starring John Howard as the titular adventurer, the film blends espionage, exotic locales, and classic British derring-do. It’s the 13th film in the series and one of the last before the franchise shifted tone in the 1940s.
Plot Summary
On the eve of his wedding, Captain Hugh “Bulldog” Drummond learns that Colonel Nielson of Scotland Yard has been kidnapped by international criminal Richard Lane (played by J. Carrol Naish) and taken to Morocco. Drummond, his fiancée Phyllis Clavering (Heather Angel), his loyal valet Tenny (E.E. Clive), and his friend Algy Longworth (Reginald Denny) fly to North Africa to mount a daring rescue.
Despite being ordered to return home by the British Consul, Drummond presses on, navigating local politics, desert dangers, and a villainous plot. The climax features a tense confrontation and a memorable moment involving a well-fed lion—yes, really.
Cast Highlights
- John Howard as Bulldog Drummond
- Heather Angel as Phyllis Clavering
- H.B. Warner as Colonel Nielson (taking over from John Barrymore)
- J. Carrol Naish as Richard Lane
- E.E. Clive as Tenny
- Reginald Denny as Algy Longworth
- Anthony Quinn in a small role—his 16th film appearance
Behind-the-Scenes Trivia
- This was the second time J. Carrol Naish played a villain in the Drummond series; he previously appeared in Bulldog Drummond Comes Back (1937)
- The line “Orders is orders,” spoken by a bobby, is a nod to E.E. Clive’s earlier role in Bulldog Drummond Strikes Back (1934)
- The film was released in Canada under a different title, though the exact name varies by source
- H.B. Warner’s casting marked a shift in tone for the character of Colonel Nielson, bringing gravitas to the role
