Mr. Moto in Danger Island (1939): Cast & Plot
Mr. Moto in Danger Island is a 1939 mystery thriller directed by Herbert I. Leeds, starring Peter Lorre as Kentaro Moto, Ralph Dunn and Warren Hymer. It runs 1 hour 4 minutes.
- Released
- Runtime
- 1h 4m (64 min)
- Director
- Herbert I. Leeds
- Original language
-
English - Studio
- 20th Century Fox
- After the credits
- No No extra scene
What Is Mr. Moto in Danger Island About?
The premise of Mr. Moto in Danger Island without spoilers. The whole story is in the plot summary further down.
While in Puerto Rico to probe a surge of illicit diamonds flooding the global market, Mr. Moto and his wrestler sidekick are pursued by police and stalked by a killer. Their investigation entangles them in dagger murders, the framing of a strained Army colonel, and a pirate gang led by an unknown boss with inside knowledge of the case.
Mr. Moto in Danger Island Themes & Keywords
· 50 tags- psychotronic film
- man wears eyeglasses
- caucasian actor plays an asian character
- puerto rico
- diamond
- wrestler
- telegram
- smuggling
- martial arts
- contraband
- murder mystery
- part of series
+38 more Show fewer
- cult film
- violence
- martial arts master
- martial artist
- suspense
- showdown
- disarming someone
- judo throw
- jujitsu
- fistfight
- brawl
- tough guy
- action hero
- hero
- father daughter relationship
- swamp
- suspect
- red herring
- racial stereotype
- quicksand
- judo
- governor
- freighter
- electrocution
- detective
- detective series
- conspiracy
- black stereotype
- asian stereotype
- asian detective
- appendicitis
- seventh part
- murder
- jewel
- sequel
- based on book
- based on novel
- character name in title
Mr. Moto in Danger Island Cast & Characters
Peter Lorre leads the cast as Kentaro Moto, with Ralph Dunn as Cop with McGurk and Warren Hymer as Twister McGurk. Directed by Herbert I. Leeds; 39 actors are credited in all.
- Director Herbert I. Leeds
-
Peter Lorre as Kentaro Moto - Ralph Dunn as Cop with McGurk
- Warren Hymer as Twister McGurk
- Charles D. Brown as Capt. Thomas Castle
Also Starring in Mr. Moto in Danger Island
· 35 more- Amanda Duff Joan Castle
- Eddie Marr Capt. Dahlen
- Paul Harvey Gov. John Bentley
- Leon Ames Commissioner Madero
- Richard Lane Police Commissioner Gordon
- Jean Hersholt Mr. Sutter
- Robert Lowery Lt. George Bentley
- Ward Bond Sailor Sam - Wrestler
- Selmer Jackson Doctor
- Harry Strang Henchman disguised as Ambulance Attendant
- Lester Dorr Real Ambulance Intern
- Harold Goodwin Ship Dispatch Officer
- Max Wagner Sailor at Wrestling Match
- George Magrill Officer
- Edward Keane Washington Official
- Douglass Dumbrille Comdr. La Costa
Show all 39 cast members Show fewer cast members
- Lee Shumway Guard
- Edwin Stanley Doctor at Hospital
- Willie Best Launch Pilot
- Harry Woods Grant
- Donald Douglas Ship's Officer - Fight Referee
- Ray Walker Real Ambulance Intern
- Grace Hayle Mrs. Brown
- Louis Mercier Hotel Valet
- Oscar 'Dutch' Hendrian Sailor at Wrestling Match
- Jimmie Dundee Driver
- Renie Riano Librarian
- Jack Stoney Henchman disguised as Ambulance Attendant
- Al Kikume Sergeant holding McGurk at the Garage
- Neely Edwards Moore - Governor's Aide
- Lucille Miller Flirt at Dance
- Gloria Roy Nurse
- Tony Martelli Hotel Valet
- Juan Duval Carlos - Butler
- Walter Deming Drunk
More from Herbert I. Leeds
More films directed by Herbert I. Leeds: Bunco Squad, Time to Kill, Just Off Broadway and The Man Who Wouldn’t Die.
Mr. Moto in Danger Island Plot Summary
What happens in Mr. Moto in Danger Island from start to finish, spoilers included, with a timeline of 12 key events. The opening is below; the full summary is a 3-minute read.
Spoilers ahead
Mr. Moto [Peter Lorre] arrives in Puerto Rico to investigate the murder of American agent Graham and uncovers a murderous smuggling ring that stretches into the island’s power structure.
On the ship bound for San Juan, the unlikely alliance forms when the dim-witted but good-hearted professional wrestler Twister McGurk [Warren Hymer] proves to be a capable ally after teaching Moto a few jujutsu moves. Their uneasy partnership blends Moto’s careful deduction with McGurk’s raw strength, creating a dynamic that keeps the criminals off balance.
Full summary
The whole story of Mr. Moto in Danger Island, scene by scene
How Well Do You Know Mr. Moto in Danger Island?
10 questions about the story, each with a hint if you get stuck. Pick an answer to see whether you were right.
Question 1 of 10
- Question 1: not answered
- Question 2: not answered
- Question 3: not answered
- Question 4: not answered
- Question 5: not answered
- Question 6: not answered
- Question 7: not answered
- Question 8: not answered
- Question 9: not answered
- Question 10: not answered
Who portrayed the detective Mr. Moto in the film?
Cars in Mr. Moto in Danger Island
8 cars on screen, including the 1938 LaSalle Convertible Coupe and the 1937 Buick Roadmaster.
-
1938 LaSalle Convertible Coupe Important role -
1937 Buick Roadmaster Minor role -
1934 Buick Series 90 Ambulance Minor role -
1934 Cadillac Minor role
Mr. Moto in Danger Island Also Known As
3 alternative titles, including “Mr. Moto und die geheimnisvolle Insel” and “Mr. Moto nell'isola del pericolo”.
- Also known as
-
- Mr. Moto und die geheimnisvolle Insel
- Mr. Moto nell'isola del pericolo
- M. Moto en péril
Seen Mr. Moto in Danger Island?
Movies Like Mr. Moto in Danger Island
Films with a similar story, tone or audience, including Mr. Moto Takes a Vacation, Mr. Moto Takes a Chance and Mr. Moto’s Gamble.
-
Mr. Moto Takes a Vacation 1939 -
Mr. Moto Takes a Chance 1938 -
Mr. Moto’s Gamble 1938 -
Think Fast, Mr. Moto 1937 -
Mr. Moto’s Last Warning 1939 -
The Return of Mr. Moto 1965 -
Mysterious Mr. Moto 1938 -
Thank You, Mr. Moto 1937 -
Trouble Man 1972 -
The Mysterious Mr. M 1946 -
Dangerous Men 2005 -
Our Man in Jamaica 1965
Mr. Moto in Danger Island FAQ: Cast & Runtime
Runtime, release date, director, cast and post-credit scenes of Mr. Moto in Danger Island, each answered in a sentence.
How long is Mr. Moto in Danger Island?
Mr. Moto in Danger Island runs 1 hour 4 minutes (64 minutes).
When was Mr. Moto in Danger Island released?
Mr. Moto in Danger Island was released on April 7, 1939.
Who directed Mr. Moto in Danger Island?
Mr. Moto in Danger Island was directed by Herbert I. Leeds.
More films by Herbert I. Leeds Who is in the cast of Mr. Moto in Danger Island?
Mr. Moto in Danger Island stars Peter Lorre as Kentaro Moto, Ralph Dunn as Cop with McGurk and Warren Hymer as Twister McGurk, among 39 credited actors.
Does Mr. Moto in Danger Island have a post-credit scene?
No. Mr. Moto in Danger Island has no extra scene during or after the credits.
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