Doctor Syn

The final film of the actor George Arliss was this version of the story of Dr Syn, who was a pastor by day and a smuggler by night. Later versions would star Peter Cushing for Hammer and Patrick McGoohan for Disney, this is the weakest version of the story.

The movie is okay melodrama, but isn't anything to write home about. Certainly had it not been an a multi-feature DVD I would never have picked it up, but now that I've seen it I can't say it was a complete waste of time.

Part of the problem is that Arliss was well past his prime when he played the lead. While the fact that he was pushing 70 should not be held against him; the fact that he looked very close to dead, or at least embalmed and was playing a man of action should. The role should have been played by Tod Slaughter and you would have had a classic film.In his day Arliss was hailed as a great actor of the stage, unfortunately sound came too late to allow him to be anything but okay.

If you want an okay time killer or to see a once great actors last gasp then see this version of Doctor Syn, otherwise stay away.

This version of the old legend of "Dr. Syn" is good entertainment, with some effective old-fashioned atmosphere and a story that includes plenty of action. Most of the acting is pretty good, with George Arliss giving a good performance in the lead, a young-looking Margaret Lockwood providing the charm, and Roy Emerton in an energetic if somewhat exaggerated role. Not all of the characters come across as well as theirs do, but more than enough of it is good to make the movie worth watching.

The story starts with a government ship coming to a seacoast town where there have been rumors of smuggling, and where secrets abound. It soon leads to an entertaining cat-and-mouse game that takes some interesting, if sometimes implausible, turns. It's a little uneven at times, but it holds your attention, and the way it all comes out still works. Overall, it's a good adventure story that deserves a look.

During the 1920s and 30s, George Arliss made some magnificent movies (such as "The Millionaire" and "The Working Man")...and earned an Oscar for playing the lead in "Disraeli". Because his career was so distinguished, it's sad that it ended with a rather dull film...one that SHOULD have been so much better. But sadly, "Dr. Syn" just isn't all that interesting.

The film begins briefly in 1780 and you see a pirate crew member called 'the Mulatto' left for dead by pirates. Twenty years pass and Captain Clegg the pirate has faked his own death and is now the parson, Dr. Syn. So, he's a preacher by day and the leader of a band of smugglers by night. However, the Mulatto is back...and so are men intent on capturing Clegg and putting Dr. Syn out of business.

While all this sounds VERY exciting, the direction is sluggish and uninspiring. And, it lacks the energy and scope to make it a memorable film worth your time.

It's an ok film a little dull perhaps and not much more to be said I'm afraid. The hammer version called Captain Clegg is a far superior film and we'll worth a look.

George Arliss makes his swansong as a wily old fox in an adaptation of Russell Thorndike's smuggling yarn which has to be the only book filmed by both Hammer Films and Disney.

The first film made in Britain by the ever reliable Roy William Neill, a succulent supporting cast includes Roy Emerton as Captain Collier swaggering about in gold braid, dear old Wally Patch trades in his bowler for a bosun's hat, fans of Will Hay will savour Graham Moffat as a resourceful choirboy rejoicing in the name Jerry Jerk with ambitions to become a hangman, while Wilson Coleman plays a character called - I kid you not - 'Dr Pepper'.