8/14/06: Black Dragons (1942)

We’d be perfectly happy if this site only wrote about ’70s sexploitation films.  Our world, however, is so screwed up that we can find valid cautionary tales from about 15 minutes after the bombing of Pearl Harbor. Check out this deep insight from New York Senator Charles Schumer, stuck in Heathrow Airport amongst last week’s aborted terrorist plot: “It almost looked like a scene out of a war.”

That’s nice. Chuck thinks that we’re almost in something like a war. Sadly, the oblivious Senator isn’t the only thing that keeps Black Dragons timely.

This 1942 Poverty Row production begins with a headline reminding us that the Japanese bombed Honolulu during peace talks. Then we see a bunch of pompous politicians at a ritzy Washington party. They’re discussing troop movements and other big secrets with a newspaper publisher and his powerful friends.

We quickly learn the consequences of those loose lips. Ships literally sink while other things get blown up real good. Then we cut back to the publisher and his pals. They’re gloating over their efficiency as spies against the Allies. They’re also planning their next party. “The Americans are like children,” says one creep. “They forget quickly the fire that burnt their fingers.”

You can say that again. This plodding spy thriller has a few timeless lessons: Don’t underestimate the enemy’s ingenuity during wartime. Don’t trust newspaper publishers. And don’t trust the government to keep anyone safe.

The spies may be bad, but there’s something really scary about Clayton Moore’s lead role as an infantile G-man. Consider this exchange with fellow sleuth Joan Barclay:

        “Will you marry me?”
        “What for?”
        “So I can beat you up!”

That kind of dialogue—plus a few painful performances—makes the film worth watching. Too bad about the Leftist fantasy of a happy ending. “Japs Spy Ring Smashed,” reads the closing triumphant headline. In truth, the Feds just stumble around until the spies get themselves killed. That’s the kind of strategy Charles Schumer would want from our government agencies.

By the way, shouldn’t that “Japs” have a possessive apostrophe? Strunk and White doesn’t say.

Make it your own: This fell into the public domain long ago, with the presence of Bela Lugosi keeping the film in demand. (Ed Wood wasn’t much of a step down from working with Black Dragons producer Sam Katzman.) You can pick this up for a buck, but the best-looking print is packaged with Bluebeard (1944) and The Black Raven (1943).

 

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