Black Dragons is a crime-thriller movie from 1942, directed by William Nigh and produced by Sam Katzman. The film stars Bela Lugosi, Joan Barclay, and George Pembroke in the lead roles. The story revolves around a group of Japanese spies who plan to wreak havoc on the United States by targeting prominent American citizens. The movie begins with Dr. Melcher, a wealthy plastic surgeon, arriving in a small town named Millburn in California. Dr. Melcher is visited by a Japanese man named Mr. Matsui, who requests a facial plastic surgery to change his identity. Dr. Melcher agrees to perform the surgery and takes him to his laboratory. The operation is a success, and Mr. Matsui departs.
Later, a group of wealthy Americans are invited to a dinner party organized by the "Black Dragon Society," a mysterious organization. Dr. Melcher, who is one of the invitees, is surprised to see Mr. Matsui as the host of the party. He is introduced to the other of the society, who are Japanese spies in disguise. They invite Dr. Melcher to their group, but he declines.
Dr. Melcher subsequently receives a package consisting of a death mask and a note warning him to 'keep quiet'. Meanwhile, a series of murders occur in the town, and Dr. Melcher is one of the prominent citizens targeted. He seeks the help of his friend, the police lieutenant, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).
The plot thickens as the FBI investigates the case and discovers that the Black Dragon Society operates under the guise of a religious organization. They attempt to connect the dots and unravel the conspiracy hatched by the Japanese spies. The climax is a thrilling showdown between the FBI and the Black Dragon Society.
Black Dragons was released during the height of World War II, and the plot plays on the fear of the infiltration of Japanese spies in American society. The film taps into the anti-Japanese sentiment prevalent at the time, and the enemy is portrayed as an inscrutable and scheming bunch of individuals.
The lead actor, Bela Lugosi, is one of the most iconic actors in horror cinema, known for his portrayal of Count Dracula. In this movie, Lugosi adopts a more subdued role as the villainous Mr. Matsui, giving a more nuanced performance than his usual 'over-the-top' acting style.
Joan Barclay, who plays the female lead, is a spunky and resourceful character who holds her own in a male-dominated cast. Her character serves as a love interest for the FBI agent tasked with solving the case.
The film's pacing is somewhat slow and plodding, with the focus on dialogue and exposition rather than action. However, the film does have its moments of excitement, particularly in the climactic shootout between the FBI and the Japanese spies.
Overall, Black Dragons is a product of its time, and its themes and style may not be to everyone's liking. Nevertheless, the movie is a fascinating relic of its era, showcasing the fears and anxieties of a nation at war. The film's iconic cast, led by the inimitable Bela Lugosi, ensures that it remains a noteworthy entry in the annals of Hollywood's Golden Age.
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