Think Fast, Mr. Moto (1937) in Color — Starring Peter Lorre & Virginia Field

Think Fast, Mr. Moto (1937) – Buy This Classic Mystery in Color

Experience the entertaining Think Fast, Mr. Moto (1937) in stunning colorized HD. Directed by Norman Foster, this atmospheric mystery adventure marks the first screen appearance of Peter Lorre as the brilliant Japanese detective Mr. Moto — the shrewd, soft-spoken investigator whose gentle manner conceals a razor-sharp mind and formidable physical abilities. When Moto boards a luxury liner bound from San Francisco to Shanghai, he becomes embroiled in a dangerous smuggling operation that leads him through the exotic underworld of the International Settlement — encountering beautiful women with hidden agendas, charming rogues with deadly secrets, and a criminal conspiracy that extends from the docks of San Francisco to the opium dens of Shanghai. With Peter Lorre’s magnetic debut performance, atmospheric period detail, and the kind of globe-trotting adventure that defined the best mystery series of the 1930s, this is where the beloved franchise begins. Now available as a premium digital download for just €15.00 — DRM-free and yours to keep forever.

Plot Summary

Aboard a luxury liner crossing the Pacific from San Francisco to Shanghai, Mr. Kentaro Moto (Peter Lorre) appears to be nothing more than a polite, self-effacing Japanese gentleman taking a pleasant sea voyage. His fellow passengers — including the handsome, devil-may-care Bob Donavon (Thomas Beck) and a parade of colourful characters with secrets to hide — dismiss Moto as a harmless little man of no consequence. This is precisely the impression Moto intends to create.

In reality, Moto is investigating a sophisticated smuggling ring that uses the Pacific shipping lanes to move contraband between America and China. The operation is run with corporate efficiency by a criminal mastermind who has infiltrated the highest levels of legitimate shipping business, and the stakes are enormous — fortunes in smuggled goods flowing through a network that corrupts everyone it touches.

The voyage provides Moto with a confined environment in which to observe his fellow passengers and identify the key players in the smuggling operation. His methods are characteristic: patient observation, seemingly innocent conversation, and the deliberate cultivation of an appearance so unthreatening that his targets reveal themselves without realising they are being watched.

When the ship reaches Shanghai, the investigation moves into the exotic and dangerous world of the International Settlement — a place where Western law, Chinese tradition, and criminal enterprise coexist in a volatile mixture that can explode at any moment. Moto navigates this treacherous landscape with the skill of a man who understands every culture and belongs to none, using his intelligence, his martial arts mastery, and his talent for disguise to penetrate the smuggling operation’s innermost circle.

The investigation builds toward a dangerous climax in which Moto must confront the criminal leadership directly, risking his life in a confrontation that requires both intellectual brilliance and physical courage.

Cast & Crew

Director: Norman Foster
Stars: Peter Lorre, Virginia Field, Thomas Beck, Sig Rumann, Murray Kinnear, J. Carrol Naish

Peter Lorre establishes the character of Mr. Moto with a performance of extraordinary subtlety — the gentle voice, the polite bow, the apologetic smile all concealing a mind of devastating intelligence and a body trained for combat. Virginia Field brings glamour and mystery to the romantic interest, while Sig Rumann provides strong support as a key figure in the conspiracy.

Why Buy This Classic in Color?

The exotic Pacific voyage and Shanghai setting — the gleaming mahogany and brass of the luxury liner, the bustling Shanghai waterfront with its junks and steamships, the atmospheric nightclubs and narrow alleyways of the International Settlement — are magnificently enhanced through expert colorization. The visual richness of 1930s Shanghai — its mixture of Eastern and Western architecture, its vibrant street life, and its atmospheric nightlife — comes alive in vivid colour. Now also available in colour. Own the film where Mr. Moto begins for just €15.00 — where mystery sails the Pacific.

Historical Significance

Think Fast, Mr. Moto launched one of the most popular mystery series of the 1930s, establishing Peter Lorre as the screen’s most compelling detective since William Powell’s Nick Charles in The Thin Man. Based on the novel by John P. Marquand — the Pulitzer Prize-winning author — the Mr. Moto series brought an unusual level of literary sophistication to the B-picture detective genre. Lorre, the Hungarian-born actor who had already terrified audiences in Fritz Lang’s M, brought genuine dramatic weight and psychological complexity to a character that could have been a mere genre exercise. The Shanghai setting captured a city at a pivotal moment in history — within months, the Japanese invasion would transform the International Settlement forever. Through colorization, the first Mr. Moto adventure has been preserved for modern audiences.

Technical Details

• Format: MP4 digital download
• Resolution: HD 720p
• Colorized: Yes – professionally colorized from the original black-and-white
• Audio: Original English mono soundtrack
• Runtime: Approximately 66 minutes
• DRM-free: Yes – no restrictions on playback
• Instant download: Available immediately after purchase
• Price: €15.00

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Movie-Specific Questions

Q: Is this the first Mr. Moto film?
A: Yes — this is where the franchise begins, and it is an excellent starting point. Peter Lorre establishes the character fully formed in his first appearance, and no previous knowledge is required.

Q: Is Peter Lorre really good as Mr. Moto?
A: Magnificent. Lorre brings intelligence, charm, physical dynamism, and genuine dramatic depth to the role, creating one of cinema’s most memorable and enduring detective characters.

Q: How is the Shanghai atmosphere?
A: Evocative and atmospheric. The production captures the exotic, cosmopolitan, and slightly dangerous character of pre-war Shanghai with impressive visual detail and genuine period atmosphere.

Digital Download Questions

Q: What format is the download?
A: The film is delivered as a high-quality MP4 file in 720p HD resolution, compatible with all major devices and media players.

Q: Is there DRM on this download?
A: No. The download is completely DRM-free, meaning you can watch it on any device without restrictions or expiration dates.

Q: How quickly can I watch after purchasing?
A: Your download link is available immediately after payment. You can start watching within minutes of completing your purchase.

Related Colorized Classics

• Thank You, Mr. Moto (1937)
• The Sad Sack (1957)
• Mr. Moto Takes a Chance (1938)
• The Maltese Falcon (1941)
• After the Thin Man (1936)