KING OF THE UNDERWORLD is the first in a rare trilogy of low budget British crime films showcasing the talents of former theatrical star and barnstorming ham Tod Slaughter. It was followed by MURDER AT Scotland YARD and the short film MURDER AT THE GRANGE. The story of KING OF THE UNDERWORLD sees Slaughter up to his neck in a tricky blackmail scheme while dogged - and balding - detective Patrick Barr does everything in his power to bring him to book.

As with other Slaughter vehicles that I'd watched, the film really slows down whenever Slaughter's off screen. He's away for the midsection of the movie which feels very dull without his presence, but when he does show up he's great fun: full of sinister laughter and hot air, delighted with himself and his nefarious schemes. Barr is okay as the protagonist but his character does feel oddly lifeless compared to Slaughter's and you can't help but wish the villain would get away with it in this one.

KING OF THE UNDERWORLD is a mix of fight scenes, characters getting tied up and escaping, murder, jawing, and Barr donning various disguises in the Sherlock Holmes style. Slaughter remains a delight even at his advanced age; my favourite line of his is the cutting retort to his elderly accomplice, "I need to fumigate the room and I can't do it while you're present!".

The crime genre features criminal activities, investigations, law enforcement, crimes, and the pursuit of justice. Crime stories often revolve around the planning, execution, and consequences of criminal acts, as well as the efforts to solve and prevent such acts. They explore various aspects of criminal behavior, motives, and the moral dilemmas faced by both perpetrators and those seeking to uphold the law.

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The drama genre is a broad category that features stories portraying human experiences, emotions, conflicts, and relationships in a realistic and emotionally impactful way. Dramas delve into the complexities of human life, often exploring themes of love, loss, morality, societal issues, personal growth, with the aim to evoke an emotional response from the audience by presenting relatable and thought-provoking stories.

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A crook is implicated in blackmail, greed for emeralds and secret formula and murder.

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studio: Bushey Film Studios, Bushey, Herts.

Bushey Studios, Bushey, Hertfordshire, England, UK

Humphrey Bogart in King of the Underworld (1939)

Tod Slaughter in King of the Underworld (1952)

King of the Underworld

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