Monday, May 1, 2023

Look Out Mr Moto (1938)

Mr Moto investigates rebels planning an insurgency in the Cambodian jungle.

After aviatrix Victoria Mason (Rochelle Hudson) is forced to abandon her plane over the Cambodian jungle she is found by the men of the Rajah (J Edward Bromberg). She is also seen by some American filmmakers (Robert Kent and Chick Chandler) and Mr Moto (Peter Lorre) who is an archaeologist (well we know he isn't really but it is interesting how he is undercover using his real name!)

After Victoria becomes a virtual captive by the Rajah who wants her for his wife, plus the Americans are condemned to death by the unscrupulous priest Bokor (George Regas) who has plans of his own to take power. Mr Moto poses as a holy man to save their lives but can he uncover the separate plots by both Bokor and the Rajah to rise in rebellion against the government?

So, this is a decent jungle adventure, though has little not seen before. It has the usual characters in films like this, including some needless comic relief and the "jungle" is padded out with some stock footage of wild animals. There are some surprises though including the real purpose of one of the main characters. A fine entry in the Mr Moto series.