Dangerous Number

About This Movie

Dangerous Number (1937) has this quirky charm that’s really hard to define. It’s a comedy-romance that meanders through Hank Medhill's life as he returns from Japan, only to find his old flame, Eleanor, about to tie the knot. Their whirlwind decision to marry, only to immediately discover their lack of compatibility, gives the film a breezy yet poignant feel. The pacing is a bit uneven, but it somehow works, giving you time to digest the era's social dynamics. The performances are heartfelt, almost nostalgic, and the practical effects, though modest, reflect the ingenuity of the time. It's kind of a time capsule of pre-war romantic ideals, which makes it distinctive in its own right.

Dangerous Number has seen limited releases over the years, with some copies remaining fairly elusive. It’s interesting to note that the lack of a known director adds a layer of mystery to its appeal among collectors. The film was originally released on VHS and has made a few appearances on DVD, but finding a well-preserved print can be challenging. As a result, interest among collectors continues to grow, particularly for those captivated by lesser-known gems from the late 1930s.