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.

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.

Due to a tight script, fine direction, a rapid pace, and Arliss' final performance as Dr. Syn, this is a winner in every direction.

Light comedy, action, suspense, drama, all coalesce in this initial adaptation of Russell Thorndike's action novel.

I just came from watching the excruciatingly dull three part Disney adaptation of a number of the novels under the title THE SCARECROW OF ROMNEY MARSH.

Arliss' film is superior to the Disney in every way.

Highly recommended. That's all I have to say, but the review guidelines require ten lines, so I am filling them up.

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.

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!