Associate producer: Marshall Grant. Copyright 26 September 1941 by Universal Pictures. New York opening at the Rialto: 6 October 1941. Released: 17 October 1941 (USA), 8 January 1942 (Australia). 5,462 feet. 60 minutes.
COMMENT: It's rare to find a movie that presents a long-time supporting actor like Charles Bickford in the number one spot as a movie's star performer. But it's 1941 and even "B" pictures must make do with whatever talent is available. And Bickford actually comes off rather well. You can't say that he's not convincing!
The actual plot is serviceable, but nothing special: Enemy agents are targeting Allied convoys along the Burma Road. And naturally, something must be done about it! And who will lead this foray? The Charles Bickford character! Why not? He certainly looks like a seasoned professional - and acts like one too!
So, all told, what we have here is a moderately entertaining wartime propaganda piece, filmed on a comparatively large budget, and zestfully directed by Noel M. Smith. Not exactly a name to conjure with, but Smith knows his business - and that's all that counts!
There is maybe one drawback. If you can't guess the identity of the spy long before the Bicford character wakes up to him, then you obviously haven't seen too many of these pictures! On the other hand although, I readily admit that the script does play perfectly fair.
COMMENT: It's rare to find a movie that presents a long-time supporting actor like Charles Bickford in the number one spot as a movie's star performer. But it's 1941 and even "B" pictures must make do with whatever talent is available. And Bickford actually comes off rather well. You can't say that he's not convincing!
The actual plot is serviceable, but nothing special: Enemy agents are targeting Allied convoys along the Burma Road. And naturally, something must be done about it! And who will lead this foray? The Charles Bickford character! Why not? He certainly looks like a seasoned professional - and acts like one too!
So, all told, what we have here is a moderately entertaining wartime propaganda piece, filmed on a comparatively large budget, and zestfully directed by Noel M. Smith. Not exactly a name to conjure with, but Smith knows his business - and that's all that counts!
There is maybe one drawback. If you can't guess the identity of the spy long before the Bicford character wakes up to him, then you obviously haven't seen too many of these pictures! On the other hand although, I readily admit that the script does play perfectly fair.