Black Dragons

None of the critics have much good to say about it, but BLACK DRAGONS is a much better-than-expected attempt at an entirely new genre: flag-waving horror.

Bela Lugosi is a mysterious man who mysteriously shows up at a renowned doctor's home, soon after which his guests start mysteriously being murdered. Could it be that they had something to hide? Could there be more to them than meets the eye? What initially fails to make much sense is creatively sorted out in a wonderfully fun B-movie manner.

BLACK DRAGONS was made during the Second World War and it shows, quite painfully at times. The use of the term "Japs" will catch some contemporary viewers off guard, but it's really not that bad when you put it into the proper context. The film is clumsily patriotic, and more silly fun than scary or thrilling. Lugosi is an absolute treat, covering up murders and turning on the "Who, me?" act with ease.

It's not a classic, but BLACK DRAGONS is a good, tidy black and white B-film with a certain watch-it-late-at-night appeal. Director William Nigh had a knack for turning poverty row pictures into something special. Some of his other efforts include DOOMED TO DIE and THE FATAL HOUR with another horror icon, Boris Karloff.

When i first heard about the movie, i figured Bela Lugosi, must be another horror, monster movie. I was greatly surprised about what i saw and i enjoyed the film very much. It supplied great drama and suspense and it kept me watching although the movie hardly lasted more than an hour. I think the story line was a good idea considering the time period and i think it also emphasized the ideas and feelings that Americans were having during that time. And of course Bela Lugosi is a great actor who keeps his audience watching and waiting for his next "strike". I didn't recognize the other actors that were in the movie, but they did very good and believable acting. This movie is a must see and should stand the test of time, although the movies i say that about don't.

This is probably the most ridiculous of Bela Lugosi`s nine Monogram movies of the early 1940s, and considering that they include such films as The Ape Man, Voodoo Man, and the Corpse Vanishes, this is quite an accomplishment. This picture, quickly produced following the Pearl Harbour attack, features a gang of Japanese saboteurs posing as US industrialists and their many perils. They say things like "These Americans are like children. They quickly forget the fire that burns their fingers", and "I wish we could blow up more ammunition dumps before we have to leave". The dialogue among them is other worldly! Meanwhile, Bela shows up claiming to be a "very sick man". He tries to project a jaded and philosophical image, saying things like "All men are in danger of dying, the question is when", "One must not flirt with destiny", and "Do you know which way you`re really going?". When the leading lady falls into his arms, he says "Mine can be dangerous", then adds "it`s nothing to worry your pretty head about". A film with both Bela Lugosi and ridiculous dialogue, a great combination.

The plot of this movie concerns Bela Lugosi killing off rich powerful Americans. Why this is occurring isn't explained until the very end and even then it makes no sense. I have the feeling this was one type of thriller that they grafted a war angle on to when Pearl Harbor was attacked.

Is this a good movie? Not in the conventional sense. Its a warm and fuzzy film with some murder and Bela and feels like the all night monster movie marathons that used to play on TV. I've seen this film several times now, usually late at night, and it some how comforts me. I don't know if its a childhood thing or what but its nice to know that somethings never change, like the (not quite) bad Bela movies of old.

Should you see it? Why not, it can't hurt. Its a movie that makes no sense and just sort of is. Just remember if you so watch it make sure you're tucked into bed and the lights are off...

Poor Bela Lugosi. Just another day at work. A group of saboteurs attempting to disrupt the American war effort from the inside. It's pretty hard to figure out at first because, while we know these guys are up to something, their method of operation just isn't very clear. I won't spoil it, but the ending in pretty amazing. There are a series of murders perpetrated by our hero. A police force that doesn't know what is going on. What a coincidence that all the victims seem to come and go from the same house. There are comments like, "A true patriot would do this or that." It's obvious while suspicion abounds most of the world wouldn't know a spy or a subversive if it jumped up and bit them. I also was surprised to see Clayton Moore (the Lone Ranger) in a romantic role. I never realized that he ever did anything other than sit on a horse. There is, of course, the smugness of the criminals as they think that they are immune from the killer's guest list. Anyway, Bela is sort of a good guy and a bad guy rolled into one. The best scene in the movie is at the end, but I won't spoil it. As a curiosity, and a period piece, it may be fun to watch for some people.