Doctor Syn

This is is a rather creaky, flawed effort, that reminds me a little of Jamaica Inn. And yes, this is George Arliss's last film, and he is indeed getting on. But he hadn't lost that unique Arliss delivery -- exuberant I'd call it -- that's so delicious to watch. And he had that angular look that lent itself to so many vivid characters, from Disraeli to Rothschild to Richelieu. He had a gaze that added the dimension of guile, even to his heroic characters, and also made him a great villain, as he was in The Green Goddess and finally (or as another reviewer says, eventually) in Dr. Syn.

Every glimpse of the great Arliss is a treat, and you should grab anything you see him in, because his vehicles are very hard to find. And that includes this one. If for no other reason, see it to see the man who discovered Bette Davis.

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.

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.

I regard this black & white movie highly, for it has many applications into the modern struggles of those seeking justice - in any era! It has stood the test of time. That's something the lack of vision of fundamentalists & puritans, across time & place, fail to appreciate. Freedom of speech is not an issue to such conservative powers who had a powerful voice in 1937 when this movie was made, as to today. Rationalism & fundamentalism are entirely broad enough for themselves. No room for fantasy, adventure or contrary thought some would respectfully observe. No complexities of life or possibility.

The character of "Dr Syn" is displayed as the quietly pious but genuine pastor looking after his flock, is a credible cover for his secretive nocturnal activities of much merit & substance in their justice. Such justice is something that hardliners would portray as an extravagance they can do without. Indeed, people without a breath of vision won't find much here. They can just listen to too many politicians or shock-jock media personalities who could have an immediate fix to any confrontation without justice but suitable to themselves.

Dr Syn might have appeared to be a bible basher. But that is where his common bond with bigots & hypocrites ceases. He was of principle & integrity in his justice, remaining committed to the marginalised outcasts he is sympathetic to the cause of. As such, his expression of two seemingly conflicting characters neatly blends into his one person of integrity. No hypocrisy. No injustice.

In a dictatorship of such historical authority of that time, he is forced to present a message faithful to his faith, but remain loyal to his kin of broader vision & concern for true justice & friendship beyond lip service. He is a bridge between kingdoms of much merit. Such as were his friends were people not intending to crucify a king of heaven or be unjust traffic cops, across time & place. In a modern world, harsh & unmoved in raking up revenues for corrupt governments, it has much relevance to its message.

Of course, such things as rum-runs were anti-authority & subjective in judgement - something black & white thinkers who don't like others having free will, prefer to oppose. But the drama presented in "Dr Syn" is anything but black & white. The dilemmas of the broad-thinking parson not engulfed by religiousness as he might have been, are passionately voiced by the protagonist in actor George Arliss. If this final movie of his life was his only offering, it would have been a substantial contribution in an otherwise productive life & varied acting career.

I think the plot is a realistic one & believable in the era of small churches were scattered along the English coast, & has been verified as historical fact. In such places, activities such as illegal liquor trade & potential invasion were commonly witnessed or experienced threats, that caused the citizens to be wary & vengeful in forming any trust bar their most trusted relationships.

In reality, this movie is much more than an historical piece. Certainly, it is much more than a black & white movie as some may dismiss it!

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'.