Rating summary

Movie		3.5
Video		3.0
Audio		3.5
Extras		3.0
Overall		3.0

Sexton Blake and the Hooded Terror Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Justin Dekker May 18, 2024

Though perhaps not as well known in all corners of the world as Arthur Conan Doyle's legendary Sherlock Holmes, Henry Thomas Blyth's (as Hal Meredith) Sexton Blake has demonstrated significant popularity and longevity in his own right. Since making his literary debut in 1883, Blake has gone on to appear not only in print, but in radio plays, stage plays, comic strips, on television, and in film in what amounts to thousands of adventures penned by hundreds of authors. Given the character's popularity at the time, it's altogether fitting and appropriate that Tod Slaughter would confront the hero in 1938's Sexton Blake and the Hooded Terror. George Curzon returns to the titular role of Blake, paired with the fabulous Greta Gynt's Mademoiselle Julie, a secret agent who's never quite the anticipated damsel in distress. As most would expect based on the title, Curzon and his affiliates monopolize the screen time here, with Tod Slaughter performing the villainous chores in an understandably supporting role.

In gloriously pulpy fashion, Slaughter plays "The Snake", the leader of a robed and hooded criminal fraternity known as The Black Quorum. Loaded with codes, traps, death chambers, and double-crosses, and intermittently possessing the energy and daring-do reminiscent of the Republic serials, Sexton Blake and the Hooded Terror showcases Slaughter is at his most subdued. He turns in a surprisingly reserved and almost subtle performance in something that otherwise could well have approached television's Batman (1966-19668) in terms of campiness. The film, however, largely plays it straight, allowing Blake to be the steadfast hero, Julie to be a capable agent, and The Snake to be seriously threatening. Only Blake's companion Tinker (Tony Sympson) plays for laughs with one-liners and experiments gone wrong to lighten the mood. While it's interesting to see Slaughter in this type of role and exercising so much restraint, rather than wishing he had a greater presence, instead I found myself hoping to see more of Greta Gynt. Her performance here elevates the film and her screen presence is magnetic.

Sexton Blake and the Hooded Terror Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

Different from the other films in this set, Sexton Blake and the Hooded Terror was scanned in 4K and restored in 2K from a 35mm dupe positive. Black levels are more satisfying here, but crush is an issue. Softness is occasionally pops up as well, and density fluctuations are noticeable as well. There are occasional issues with image instability and some damage is evident. None of these issues are significant enough to detract from the entertainment value of the film, however, and fans should be happy with the work that was done here.

Sexton Blake and the Hooded Terror Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

Sexton Blake and the Hooded Terror has a more than adequate English Linear PCM 1.0 soundtrack. Dialogue is typically handled very well, though some slight distortion is noted when lines are shouted (such as Tinker's exchange with a cab driver), but such instances are rare. Music is handled well, though bass is somewhat lacking. Sound effects are in line with other films from the era.

Sexton Blake and the Hooded Terror Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

The on-disc supplemental content located on Disc Three includes:

• The Ticket of Leave Man Audio Commentary with Josephine Botting and Dave Thomas

• Sexton Blake and the Hooded Terror Audio Commentary with Stephen Jones and Kim Newman

• Giles and Imogen Slaughter: Shock Factor (11.19) - Imogen (Slaughter's grand-niece) and Giles (nephew) relay numerous family reminiscences, including that Slaughter's sisters did not approve of him because he ran off at 16 to join the theatre, his somewhat strained relationship with the family, his generosity, and his fabulous parties. Sadly, his battered make-up box is the only artifact they've got of his time in theatre, most other items having been sold off.

• Slaughter's Stock (12.12) - As an actor/manager, this featurette focuses on the actors with whom he regularly worked.

• The Ticket of Leave Man Image Gallery

• Sexton Blake and the Hooded Terror Image Gallery

Sexton Blake and the Hooded Terror Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

Clocking it at just 70 minutes, Sexton Blake and the Hooded Terror doesn't move as briskly as one would think, and Slaughter's subdued performance, while fitting for his role, doesn't inject his trademark energy and crackle to the film. Still, the film entertains with Julie and Tinker picking up the slack and keeping audiences engaged. While perhaps not Slaughter's most memorable performance, this mysterious adventure is notable for granting him entry into the Sexton Blake universe. Recommended.