The Guardian Journall called it "a comedy thriller of remarkable freshness and originality."[5]
New Zealand Listener called it "perfectly absurd in its thrills, but the basic idea is new and diverting. A retired principal of an English reformatory keeps an eye on his old boys and girls, and exercises such an influence that his presence deflates the plans of backsliders. Interest in one old pupil leads him to Africa and into a hectic dance of danger. He explains that you can learn a lot of useful tricks in a reformatory. Especially recommended to the police and Borstal and probation officers."[6]
Punch declaired "It was a good idea to make a hero of a retired reformatory head and send him off in pursuit of one of his “old boys” who had really gone to the bad" and admitted "Workman makes amusing use of this situation and of some of the “honest crooks” who sat under Mr. Trevalyon... But alas! he lacks restraint. The White Slave Traffic and gas chambers in Tangier fail to thrill."[7]
