Watch Dick Barton Strikes Back

Dick Barton Strikes Back is a 1949 British crime thriller film directed by Godfrey Grayson. It is the sequel to the 1948 film Dick Barton: Special Agent and follows the titular character, played by Don Stannard, as he investigates a mysterious organization known as the League of Discontent. Along the way, he is joined by his loyal sidekicks Snowey White (Bruce Walker) and Jock Anderson (Sebastian Cabot).

The film takes place in post-World War II England, where Dick Barton and his comrades are tasked with stopping an insidious criminal organization from unleashing a deadly toxin on the population. The League of Discontent is a shadowy group that operates in secret, using blackmail, sabotage, and murder to achieve their nefarious goals. They are led by a mysterious figure known only as "the Master," who communicates with his agents through a code hidden in the classified ads of a London newspaper.

Dick Barton Strikes Back is a classic example of the "serial" genre of filmmaking, popular in the mid-20th century. Each installment of the series told a self-contained story, while also advancing a larger narrative arc across multiple films. As such, the film is fast-paced and action-packed, with plenty of cliffhanger moments to keep the audience engaged.

The performances in the film are solid, if somewhat campy by modern standards. Don Stannard imbues Dick Barton with a rugged charm and a no-nonsense attitude, while Bruce Walker and Sebastian Cabot provide comic relief as his hapless sidekicks. The villains of the piece are suitably menacing, with the League of Discontent's agents dressed in black and speaking in whispers to increase their air of mystery.

One of the standout features of the film is its use of music. The score, composed by Charles Williams, features a memorable main theme that has since become synonymous with the Dick Barton franchise. The music complements the action on screen, adding an extra layer of excitement to the chase scenes and fight sequences.

Overall, Dick Barton Strikes Back is a fun, if somewhat dated, film that will appeal to fans of classic crime thrillers. The plot is engaging, the action is exciting, and the characters are memorable. It may not be the most sophisticated film ever made, but it more than makes up for that with its old-fashioned charm and sheer entertainment value. If you're looking for a nostalgic trip down memory lane, or just a good old-fashioned adventure story, this film is well worth checking out.