Black Dragons

"Black Dragons" is a second feature WWII propaganda film popular at the time. It's not as bad as some would have you believe.

A secret meeting hosted by the respected Dr. William Saunders (George Pembroke)is interrupted by a mysterious stranger names Monsieur Colomb (Bela Lugosi). Shortly thereafter the participants at the meeting begin to turn up murdered, their bodies being placed on the steps of the Japanese embassy in Washington. Colomb is suspected. Federal Agent Dick Martin (Clayton Moore) is assigned to the case and meets Saunders niece Alice Saunders (Joan Barclay) who tries to assist him. The reasons behind Colomb's actions are not explained until the final reel. Until all is explained at the end, the story is hard to comprehend.

Lugosi who had by this time been reduced to appearing in a string of low budget quickies, is actually quite good in this one. He is not allowed to over act as much as he ususlly did and credit for this has to go to director William Nigh. Lugosi's character slinks through the shadows and is reminiscent of his Dracula even to the point of the full close ups of his piercing eyes.

Clayton Moore, a one dimensional actor at best, would become TV's Lone Ranger in a few years. Joan Barclay makes a good heroine.

Although a little dated now, "Black Dragons" is not a bad way to spend an hour.

A very strange poverty row production from the period where horror star Bela Lugosi was resigned to taking whatever roles he could get. However, this entry in what we might safely call Bela's "Monogram Nine Series" is really far-out! He plays a strange visitor who first arrives at a reputed doctor's home in the guise of a patient, and then starts to take over the place, holding the doctor prisoner in his own house, and also killing a group of other important men who are associated with him. Lugosi has an old score to settle with these well-to-do types, and it involves his former association with the Nazis and the Japanese. By the time the 61 minutes are over, all will be explained (sort of!). If you're expecting too much sense out of a crazy movie like this, you can forget about watching it. This is not a horror film (though the ending may qualify) but it's a strange one and a rather offbeat curiosity for Bela Lugosi fans. He's also got a few really absurd lines which are a lot of fun. ** out of ****

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...

IF only I had read :"A cabal of American industrialists, all fifth-columnists intent on sabotaging the war effort, are methodically murdered by the malevolent Monsieur Colomb. It is only until detective Dick Martin is assigned to the case that everyone's true motives and identities are revealed.", I might have had a clue as to what was going on. Maybe.

Truly awful even for a Z grade Lugosi movie. True, Clayton Moore is in it BUT he is not recognizable - he wears no mask and his voice isn't Lone Rangerish enough to catch more than occasionally when actively listened for.

With a budget of, say, over $100 (which is what Republic appears to have spent on this) this could have been a much more intriguing film. Potential plot of sabatours being removed from this world (ie, getting killed) doesnt come close to fullfilling its promise. Still, it has its moments, and Mr Lugosi is real fun to watch. Not highly recommended, but there are worse ways to fill an hour.