Review of Escape from Hong Kong

I know this film doesn't deserve a 7/10 rating, but I'm a fan of Woody Bredell and even if you hated everything else about it, you must admit this movie is beautifully photographed. And it's not directed too badly either by William Nigh. Not exactly a name to conjure with, but Nigh was once a top, top director, would you believe? "Across To Singapore" (1928) is beautifully directed. "Mr. Wu" (1927) is another superb Nigh "must-see"! Anyway, "Escape from Hong Kong" was obviously designed as a "B" film, and as "B" movies go, it offers a very satisfying experience -- provided you don't come late, because all the best scenes are presented in the first half of the movie. I particularly like the trick opening and the marvelous performance by Lesley Hodgson, and not forgetting the Bredellesque introduction of the Japanese spy. It's a pity the film tends to run down after this and that even the attempt to build up a nice climax doesn't wholly succeed. But as "B" movies go, this one is pretty good.