Lonely Road (1936)

Clive Brook could be a bit aloof, dry even, on occasion - but he manages to exude a little more charisma in this quite exciting crime thriller. His ("Cdr. Stevenson") love life isn't quite going to plan when he has a bit too much to drink before going for a drive to the beach. Next thing, he has had an accident and doesn't remember... On his way to recuperate in Scotland, he stops off in a dance hall where he encounters the jolly "Molly" (a delightful Victoria Hopper) and oddly enough, she starts to help him remember just what happened on that rainy night, and, spookily, has some information about a burnt-out truck found near the scene... Yes, what are the chances? It's all just too serendipitous to be plausible, but there is chemistry between the two and as the plot develops into a smuggling racket that could destabilise a forthcoming general election, the race is on to find and arrest the conspirators. Tinged with a little romance, this production is basic - and too long - but the writing keeps the story moving along well and with a fun contribution from a tommy-gun toting' Charles Farrell (not the silent fellow) is quite a good watch.