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Rating:  -
I bought the DVD because I like the who-done-its from the 30's and I like Peter Lorre. I'll have to tell you I was very skeptical of Lorre made up to be a Japanese detective. Surprisingly he pulled it off quite well. There was quite of bit of humor for a murder-mystery. The film quality was pretty good too for such an old movie.
Rating:  -
In MR. MOTO'S LAST WARNING the Japanese agent is in Egypt dueling with an enemy spy who is trying to destroy the French fleet while it travels through the Suez Canal. The enemy plan calls for responsibility for the incident to be assigned to the British.
Peter Lorre has the starring role of Mr. Moto for the sixth time. A strong supporting cast includes Ricardo Cortez, John Carradine, Teru Shimada, Virginia Field and George Sanders. The movie also goes by the title of MR. MOTO IN EGYPT.
Rating: -
THIS MOVIE IS RILLY GREAT A LOT OF FUN. YOU WILL NEVER GESS THE VILLIN/BAD GUY.IT'S A REAL CLASSIC WHO DONE IT. PETER LORRE MADE A GREAT MR.MOTO A DETECTIVE THAT WAS JAPANIES IT'S BEEN AWHILE BUT I THINK HE CAME/LIVED IN SAN FRANCICO,CA.THE MOVIE CAME OUT IN 1939 IT WAS PART OF A SERIES LIKE THE CHARLIE CHAN SERIES BUT THEN WORLD WAR 2 BROKE OUT AND WE WERE AT WAR WITH JAPAN AND THAT ENDED THE MR.MOTO FILMS TOO BAD TO THAY WERE FUN. I WONDER WHO WOULD PLAY MR.MOTO TODAY/NOW IN 2002A.D. TO ANY ONE WHO READS THIS REVIEW E-MAIL ME BACK WITH WHO YOU THINK WOULD MAKE A GOOD MR.MOTO TODAY. AT [web address] THANKS HOPE TO HEIR FROM ALL OF YOU OUT THERE.BYE NOW.
Rating:  -
I like this movie! I say it with a little bit of guilt & slight shame, because as an Asian-american, I shouldn't! First, for those who are thinking of getting this film, I should explain the plot!
Mr. Moto (Peter Lorre), member of the International Police Force, is sent to the Middle East to foil a plot by saboteurs led by Ricardo Cortez (as a ventriloquist/mercenary) & George Sanders ("Mister Freeze" from the 1960's "Batman" tv show!) to blow up British ships on maneuvers. The bad guys are working for an un-named foreign power who want to strain relations between France & Britain, so that their alliance will crumble, clearing the way for the European aggressors (Germany & Italy?) to commence their territorial expansions. With the help of a double, a British agent (John Carradine), various disguises, his detective skills, & his martial-arts ability (jiu-jitsu!), Mr. Moto foils the plot!
This movie, made before America's entry into World War Two, hints at Nazi Germany's growing aggression in Europe. That's one of the things that's...strange...about this movie. The protagonist, "Kentaro Moto", is supposed to be a Japanese national. The fact that Mr. Moto is working with the British (to secure their relations with France), in essence, would have been contrary to his own country's interests, since Japan in the 1930's was itself an expensionist nation (making incursions into China) & was negotiating an alliance with Germany, an alliance that was realized in September of 1940, with Japan's joining with Germany & Italy to form the 3-party "Axis Alliance." Japan went to war with Britain (after this movie was made), so Mr. Moto shouldn't have been on this particular mission. (Charlie Chan or Mr. Wong, on the other hand, being Chinese nationals, would have worked for Britian.)
Another aspect that makes this movie strange to watch (for today's audiences) is the fact that Peter Lorre's "Mr. Moto" character is an example of "a white actor in Yellow-face." That's the reason why I shouldn't like this movie. By today's standards, the character is "racist" (or at least, politically incorrect!) However, I think the writers were aware of this peculiarity, because Mr. Moto, in order to throw off suspicion to himself, takes on the identity of an "oriental" antiques dealer, speaking in forced "ah-sos" & "thank you very much, please" types of phrasing. Later, however, when talking to his collegues, he speaks in perfect, intelligible English! (Robert Coote's character even says, "I say! You're talking different!")
Alright, I said I shouldn't like this movie, but I also confessed that I do! Peter Lorre does a good job of playing Mr. Moto with a very subtle, but clear, satirical sarcasm. I really get the feeling that he was aware of the stereo-typical nature of the role. He actually seems to be satirizing (Hollywood's) racial attitudes with his portrayal. (It's kind of hard to explain with words. You need to see it!) The martial-arts ("Very simple, judo, often mispronounced by foreigners as jiu-jitsu!") is faked, but Peter Lorre does a good job of faking it! The pacing for the film, being an espionage thriller, is decent (for the 1930's), & Robert Coote provides excellent comic relief as a bumbling English tourist.
The film-makers seem aware of the political peculiarties of the story by hinting at, but not naming, the Germans. At the end, the other characters ask Mr. Moto which country was behind the plot. Before Mr. Moto can answer, his collegue states, "You better not answer that, Mr. Moto. Otherwise, you'll be out of a job." Is this collegue implying that Mr. Moto, being a national of Japan, (a country who's interests are basically the same as Germany's), could be punished by the Japanese government for exposing the treachery of the Germans, potential allies of Japan?
Oh well, I would have rated this movie 3 & 1/2 stars, but that's not an option. The reasons why I didn't rate it 5 stars are as follows:
1. Lack of suspensful incidental music for key scenes. (Typical of the 1930's.)
2. I wanted more of Viginia Field's character! She's Ricardo Cortez's girlfriend in the film. The story touches upon her feelings of betrayal upon finding out what Cortez plans to do. It was real interesting & I think the makers of this film should have expanded upon that relationship even more.
3. Needs more close-up reaction shots for dramatic effect! (Typical of most movies in the 1930's.)
4. James Cagney should have given Peter Lorre judo lessons! (The fight scenes are exciting, but using real martial-arts techniques would make them even better!)
It's worth buying, so check it out!
By the way, the actor playing Mr. Moto's double is a Japanese actor who I've seen in both "The Delicate Delinquent" (Jerry Lewis' first solo effort) & "You Only Live Twice" (the 1967 James Bond thriller.) He's not credited in this movie (Hollywood racism in the 30's!) Who is he?
Rating: -
It is sad this movie is not available. Peter Lorre made a series of Mr. Moto films, and this is the only one I have seen in any format. I've owned a VHS copy for years, and have hoped someone would wake up and smell the coffee and put out the Mr. Motto collection. I mean, Peter Lorre is the star.
Mr. Motto's Last Warning is an excellent thriller inhanced by a great script and superb acting. Doesn't anyone in the industry think that his films should be saved? Well, I hope someday, someone, will put them out. Im sure they will sell. If you get a copy of this one, it is a great film, but you shouldnt be suprised by that. Im amazed no one else seems to care. Well, here is hoping.
P.S. Jan. 2009 - I was glad to see the Mr. Motto collection was put out in DVD format a couple of years ago. I bought both sets and have enjoyed them immensley. Thanks to whoever went to the trouble to save these films.
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