Review of Dynamite Dan

I can't understand the negativity this film has received from many critics. Even Denis Gifford in his otherwise excellent book on Karloff gives it a negative review. First off, the movie seems to have survived only in its 16mm Kodascope version which does make the plot just a wee bit difficult to follow at times. But it's easy to catch up and, as usual, the important thing is that Kodak preserved the original tinted sequences. True, the print has survived with a few piffling lines in the top left hand corner now and again, maybe for a total of ten minutes at most. The remaining 56 minutes are in nearly excellent condition. The next point I'd make is that although this an independent production made in New York, not Hollywood, production values are actually quite high. Bruce Mitchell's direction is highly competent and his script both amusing and exciting. I'll admit that it does concentrate on comedy. I'll also admit that Eddie Harris is not half as comical as both he and the director obviously think he is. But Diana Alden, despite her woeful picture on the DVD jacket is actually quite pretty. Charming as well. Kenneth MacDonald has the title role, which he plays with considerable panache. I can't say the same for Karloff who tends to overact the villain to the point where his performance is almost laughable. Fortunately, he disappears from the plot for a long stretch. We see him only at the beginning and at the finale. And although he is not in her scenes, Emily Gerdes takes her cue from Karloff. Her Toodles would be twice as funny if played with a little less gusto. All in all, however, this is an enjoyable and fascinating movie with very good production values. The close-to-excellent Grapevine DVD runs 66 minutes.