Two-Fisted Serial Adventure.
For an entire movie generation (several, actually), movie serials dazzled the audience weekly, with stunts, thrills, mystery, and plenty of action and cliffhangers. Some are classics, some are head scratchers. I'll also throw in some films (and a bit of tv) that took their cues from the cliffhangers. Will our hero survive? Come back next week to this same cinema.
List activity
651 views
• 0 this weekCreate a new list
List your movie, TV & celebrity picks.
165 titles
- DirectorViggo LarsenStarsPaul OttoViggo LarsenGerman serial, based on the story by Maurice Leblanc, which pits his anti-hero Lupin against Sherlock Holmes. The original story is quite fun; but, it got Leblanc in trouble with Conan Doyle's lawyers.
- DirectorLouis FeuilladeStarsRené NavarreEdmund BreonGeorges MelchiorInspector Juve is tasked to investigate and capture an infamous criminal Fantomas.French serial about the pulp villain, Fantomas, a super criminal who is hunted by inspector Juve and the journalist Fandor. This is more mystery and suspense than cliffhanger. Fantomas would influence many of the great supervillains (though Moriarty was there first).
- DirectorLouis J. GasnierDonald MacKenzieStarsPearl WhiteCrane WilburPaul PanzerPauline, a young maiden, must protect herself from the treacherous "guardian" of her inheritance, who repeatedly plots to murder her and take the money for himself.The grandmother of the cliffhangers, with our heroine falling into a new trap and escaping the following week. It set the template that most serials followed. This is where most of the heroine tied to buzzsaws and railroad tracks came from.
- DirectorLouis FeuilladeStarsMusidoraÉdouard MathéMarcel LévesqueAn intrepid reporter and his loyal friend battle a bizarre secret society of criminals known as The Vampires.Another French mystery thriller, revolving around Irma Vep, leader of a group of criminals. It has nothing to do with monsters, despite the title. French actress Musidora was a sensation in her daring (for the time) leotard.
- DirectorLouis FeuilladeStarsRené CrestéMusidoraRené PoyenA twelve-part serial following the adventures of the masked vigilante Judex as he fights against criminals led by the corrupt banker Favrauxom.French serial, about a cloaked avenger, who targets the people who ruined his family. It's less of a cliffhanger than an episodic mystery, which was a bit more common in the earlier serials, which were aimed at adult audiences. The character of Judex predates the Shadow and other pulp heroes by a couple of decades.
- DirectorFritz LangStarsCarl de VogtLil DagoverRessel OrlaKay Hoog finds a message that indicates that some Incas are still alive, but the secret organisation "Die Spinnen" wants the Incas' gold....Fritz lang directed two parts of this serial and planned two more, before money ran out. An adventurer goes in search of lost Incan treasure, while a criminal gang tries to stop him and take it for themselves.
- DirectorEdward SedgwickStarsEdward RosemanEdna MurphyJohnnie WalkerFantomas, a master criminal, offers to give up his life of crime if the authorities promise not to prosecute him for his past crimes. He is enraged when they refuse his ultimatum, and determines to terrorize the city into submitting to his demands.American version of Fantomas, which departs quite a bit from the French original. The title was changed in France, to separate it from the classic series (there were several french Fantomas serials).
- DirectorArthur J. FlavenHarry RevierStarsKamuela C. SearleP. Dempsey TablerNita MartanTarzan's son, Jack, escapes captivity and retreats into the jungle with an ape, where he finds love in unexpected places.Movie serial featuring Jack Clayton, aka Korak, the son of Tarzan (his real one, not Boy). The plot revolves around Korak wanting to borrow the keys to the vine, for a date. Or not.
- DirectorRobert F. HillScott SidneyStarsElmo LincolnLouise LorraineScott PembrokeWhen Jane is abducted by Arab slave traders, Tarzan comes to her rescue, only to see her kidnapped again by Queen La of Opar. To save Jane, Tarzan must battle both the queen's minions and William Clayton, who seeks Tarzan's family title.Elmo Lincoln stars in the first Tarzan serial (there was a Korak serial), which uses plot ideas from the Return of Tarzan and Tarzan & the Jewels of Opar. Tarzan rescues Jane from slavers and then has to rescue her again from the Queen of Opar. Jane really does get in a lot of trouble.
- DirectorFritz LangStarsRudolf Klein-RoggeAud Egede-NissenGertrude WelckerArch-criminal Dr. Mabuse sets out to make a fortune and run Berlin. Detective Wenk sets out to stop him.Fritz Lang's original Mabuse epic, set during the Weimar era. Mabuse secretly controls crime through various agents and cut-outs. The serial is a classic of German cinema and shows both the talents of Lang and the power of the character of Dr. Mabuse. The villain would reappear in Lang's The Testament of Dr. Mabuse; and, in the 1960s, The Thousand Eyes of Dr. Mabuse. There would then follow an entire series of Mabuse remakes and new films, from producer Arther Brauner. Gert Frobe appeared in several, as Inspektor Lohman, a character that appeared in both Lang's M and testament. Frobe played him in a remake of Testament, as well as The Return of Dr Mabuse. He plays a different character in 1000 Eyes. Got all of that?
- DirectorJack NelsonRay TaylorStarsFrank MerrillAl FergusonNatalie KingstonMary and Bobby Trevor are castaways befriended by Tarzan. When Lord arrives, looking for the family heir, Black John tries to fill that role and marry Mary in England. Tarzan shows up and marries her instead.Gymnast Frank Merrill stars as Tarzan, and pioneered the one armed swinging technique used in subsequent films. It was filmed as 12 chapters and then later expanded to 15, due to its success.
- DirectorHenry MacRaeStarsFrank MerrillNatalie KingstonAl FergusonAfter Tarzan's estate is destroyed by Arabs Jane is sold into slavery by a man posing as a friendly scientist.Sequel to Tarzan the Mighty, where Tarzan must obtain the treasure of Opar to save his estate in England. features the first Tarzan yell, though there is no spoken dialogue. This was a transition from the silents to talkies, with only recorded music and sound effects.
- DirectorRichard ThorpeStarsRin Tin TinWalter MillerJune MarloweA prospector is murdered by The Cactus Kid and his gang, who hope to find the murdered man's goldmine. The miner's dog, Rin-Tin-Tin, recognizes the killers, who thereafter seek to use the dog to locate the lost mine. With the help of a government agent and a young girl, Rinty saves the mine and brings the bad guys to justice.Mascot serial, which was the first talkie with Rin-Tin-Tin. A prospector is murdered by a gang looking for his mine. Now, they hunt for his dog, who also knows the location. However, I don't think they'll get him to answer too many questions.
- DirectorB. Reeves EasonStarsHarold 'Red' GrangeDorothy GulliverWalter MillerA gambling ring run out of the Mogul Taxi company is intent on fixing college football games. Football star Harold "Red" Grange is a target for the gamblers, whose thugs try to eliminate Grange from playing. Grange's buddy Buddy is himself vulnerable to blackmail, since he has broken team rules by marrying. The crooks use all their wiles to keep Grange and Buddy from leading their team to victory.Football star Red Grange (and fellow Illini) stars as himself, as he hunts down the leaders of a gambling ring that led to a member of his team throwing the game.
- DirectorBenjamin H. KlineArmand SchaeferStarsRin Tin TinFrankie DarroHayden StevensonA Rin-Tin-Tin serial presented in 12 episodes. The mysterious Wolf Man is terrorizing settlers in a western town. With the help of Rinty, young Jimmy Carter unmasks the Wolf Man and foils his evil plot.Rin-Tin-Tin is back, along with Frankie Darro, who plays a young man whose father and brother have been killed by the Wolfman, a masked man who is leading an Indian uprising.
- DirectorFord BeebeB. Reeves EasonStarsJohn WayneDorothy GulliverEdward HearnThe Eagle uses sky writing to make threats against a corporation. Nathan Gregory owns a traveling fairground and is thought to be the Eagle. Craig McCoy is a pilot who goes looking for the Eagle when Gregory turns up missing.John Wayne stars as a carnival pilot who battles a mysterious pilot, known as The Eagle, who is trying to destroy the carnival. This was The Duke's debut in serials.
- DirectorFord BeebeB. Reeves EasonStarsHarry CareyHobart BosworthFrank Coghlan Jr.Natty Bumppo, known as Hawk-Eye, is a frontiersman in the American wilderness. Together with his Indian friends Chingachgook and Uncas, he fights battles against nefarious white soldiers as well as the vicious Indian Magua and his cohorts.Harry Carey (not the Cubs announcer) stars, along with future Billy Batson, in this adaptation of Cooper's novel. Coughlin makes an especially caucasian Uncas. Holy Cow!
- DirectorJ.P. McGowanArmand SchaeferStarsJohn WayneShirley GreyConway TearleWhen his father is killed in a train wreck, Larry Baker vows to unmask a mysterious criminal called "The Wrecker," who has targeted the L&M Railroad for deadly" accidents."John Wayne plays another pilot, who is attempting to stop The Wrecker, who is causing train accidents.
- DirectorRobert F. HillStarsBuster CrabbeJulie BishopEdward WoodsMary Brooks' father, who has been studying ancient tribes, falls into the hands of the people of Zar, god of the Emerald Fingers. Tarzan helps Mary locate her father, rescues everyone from the High Priest of Zar and takes Mary to his cave.Buster Crabbe stars as Tarzan, in this independently produced serial. It was made at the same time as Weismuller, but was delayed in release. It is not particularly great, due to a great deal of cost-cutting. Some chapters were released separately as a feature and saw wider viewing. Tarzan tries to help a woman find her father, who has been captured by natives. Notable mainly for Crabbe as the Lord of the Apes, adding the character to his resume of Flash Gordon and Buck Rogers.
- DirectorColbert ClarkAlbert HermanStarsBela LugosiViva TattersallMalcolm McGregorA mysterious criminal known as The Whispering Shadow commits crimes by means of a gang he controls by television and radio rays. Jack Norton, whose brother was murdered by The Whispering Shadow, suspects that the eerie Professor Strang - whose ghostly wax museum contains figures far too lifelike - may be involved in the crimes.Bela Lugosi stars in this serial, about a villain who kills via radio control. Lugosi got $10 grand for it, higher than even Dracula. It's filled with all kinds of red herrings.
- DirectorColbert ClarkArmand SchaeferStarsJack MulhallRaymond HattonFrancis X. Bushman Jr.Tom Wayne rescues Clancy, Renard and Schmidt in the Arabian desert and they join him in going after El Shaitan, a bad guy who is never seen as he tries to wipe out the Foreign Legion.John Wayne and Lon Chaney Jr star in this serial, loosely based on the Dumas novel. Duke is an American pilot who rescues three Legionnaires from Arab attackers. He finds himself framed for his brother's murder and vows to find the real killer, with the help of his friends.
- DirectorDavid HowardArmand SchaeferStarsClyde BeattySyd SaylorCecilia ParkerAnimal trainer Clyde Beatty heads a rescue party in search of his girl, Ruth, and her father who get lost looking for an uncharted island. His dirigible crashes into the jungles of the island. When he locates Ruth, he learns that her father has disappeared. The ensuing search is hindered by greedy gold hunters and wild animals.Clyde Beatty stars in this Mascot serial, with the animal trapper in a jungle adventure, on a jungle island. Cue Guns 'N' Roses...
- DirectorRay TaylorStarsBela LugosiMaria AlbaClara Kimball YoungThe cult of Ubasti, headquartered on the isle of Lemuria, believes that Princess Nadji of Egypt is a reincarnation of their long-dead goddess, Ossana, and intend to sacrifice her so that Ossana may be resurrected.Bela Lugosi stars in this serial, based on the radio series Chandu the Magician. Lugosi plays the hero, a powerful magician, who is trying to perfect his love from being sacrificed by Black Magicians to revive their dead priestess. To bad they didn't do a sequel, where they introduce his brother, Fondu.
- DirectorLew LandersStarsMaurice MurphyNoah Beery Jr.Patricia FarrA young mechanic gets a job with a small airline, which he helps win a mail contract. A rival airline plots to destroy it in order to get the contracts for itself.Based on the aviation comic strip feature. Lots of aviation thrills, via stock footage, models, and actual stunt flying. Otherwise, it's a bit on the duller side. There was a sequel, where he pulls out of the tailspin, so they call him Steady-on-course Tommy. It gets kind of dull after that. Well, there is a sequel, anyway...
- DirectorHarry RevierStarsWilliam 'Stage' BoydKane RichmondClaudia DellAn evil scientist plots to take over the world from his base in Africa, where he has invented a machine that can cause earthquakes.Early "hidden city" serial, with an evil scientist who plans to conquer the world. He's going to need to hire more staff.
- DirectorEdward A. KullWilbur McGaughStarsBruce BennettUla HoltAshton DearholtTarzan goes to Guatemala to find his lost friend, D'Arnot. On the way he helps Major Matling search Mayan ruins for hidden jewels and an idol containing the formula for a powerful explosive.Herman Brix stars as Tarzan in this serial, which was released during the Weismuller series. MGM's contract had only caled for two films, so Burroughs sold the rights to do this, based on a story he wrote for it, Tarzan and The Green Goddess. Tarzan's friend D'Arnot is being held in Guatemal, by natives, while various groups seek to find the idol The Green Goddess. The depiction of Tarzan was very faithful, based on Burroughs involvement. It didn't do well in the US but was a huge hit around the world. It is believed that MGM used its clout to manipulate the media reviews of the serial. The last several chapters were edited with new footage to create the movie Tarzan and the Green Goddess.
- DirectorOtto BrowerB. Reeves EasonStarsGene AutryFrankie DarroBetsy King RossWhen the ancient continent of Mu sank beneath the ocean, some of its inhabitant survived in caverns beneath the sea. Cowboy singer Gene Autry stumbles upon the civilization, now buried beneath his own Radio Ranch. The Muranians have developed technology and weaponry such as television and ray guns. Their rich supply of radium draws unscrupulous speculators from the surface. The peaceful civilization of the Muranians is corrupted by the greed from above, and it becomes Autry's task to prevent all-out war, ideally without disrupting his regular radio show.Gene Autry stars in this sci-fi/western hybrid, where he stumbles across an underground civilization. There's some great design work in Murania and the serial is very lively and a lot of fun, though the subplot about having to broadcast daily or lose his sponsers tends to pull you out of the fun, though it is one of the plot engines. The fighting stunts aren't up to later standards; but they are pretty good. The comedy tends to work better than most. The bucket wearing Junior Thunder Riders are a bit goofy, though.
- DirectorB. Reeves EasonJoseph KaneStarsClyde BeattyManuel KingElaine ShepardA 15-episode serial in which Beatty goes to darkest Africa to rescue the Goddess of Joba, who is being held by the high priest.Clyde Beatty stars as the hero of this hidden jungle civilization serial, from Republic. The sets are great, which is part of what makes it memorable. Clyde gets to abuse some animals along the way.
- DirectorRay TaylorMack V. WrightStarsMalaRexBuck the DogA 14-episode serial in which Mala, a Polynesian in the employ of U.S. Intelligence investigates sabotage on Clipper Island. A gang of spies causes the eruption of a volcano, for which our hero is blamed. He convinces the local Princess Melani of his innocence and helps her ward off a takeover by rival high priest Porotu.An intelligence agent seeks to foil saboteurs on a remote island. These guys even cause a volcano to erupt! This was the first Repuplic serial to include a recap chapter (which became fairly standard) which rand down the plot up to that point (like a clip show). This was to aid viewers who missed the earlier chapters. They usually turned up at the halfway point.
- DirectorFrederick StephaniRay TaylorStarsBuster CrabbeJean RogersCharles MiddletonFlash Gordon, Dale Arden and Dr. Alexis Zarkov visit the planet Mongo to thwart the evil schemes of Emperor Ming the Merciless, who has set his planet on a collision course with Earth.Gene Autry beat him to the punch, but Flash Gordon showed them how it's done. No singing here, just two-fisted thrills and rockets that reverse course constantly. Olympian Buster Crabbe (with bleached hair) plays our hero, while Charles Middleton is the evil (and stilted) Ming the Merciless. The serial follows the first year of the comic strip very faithfully. Buster is better than Sam Jones but the Princess Aura is no Ornella Muti. Jean Rogers is particularly sexy here, as a blond Dale.
- DirectorRay TaylorMack V. WrightStarsRobert LivingstonKay HughesGuinn 'Big Boy' WilliamsA masked hero called "The Eagle" leads California ranchers in a struggle against Russian Cossacks who are plotting to take over California and turn it into a Russian colony.Russian Cossacks invade California, after the discovery of gold. The hero, Don Loring, disguises himself as The Eagle, to gain revenge for the murder of his father and brother; and, leads a band of vigilantes to defeat the invaders. Sounds like a Red Peril story, in the pre-war era.
- DirectorB. Reeves EasonJoseph KaneStarsRay CorriganLois WildeMonte BlueCrash Corrigan, a recent graduate of Annapolis, and Diana, a go-getting reporter, join Professor Norton for a search for the source of a string of earthquakes, Atlantis. They ride Prof. Norton's rocket submarine searching the sea and little Billy Norton, the professor's son stows away, of course. When they find Atlantis they are caught in a war between peaceful Atlanteans, note their white capes, and war-monging Atlanteans, note their black capes. After many harrowing moments for Crash, Diana, Prof. Norton and Billy, they barely get away with their lives when they escape a tower of Atlantis raised to the surface for the sole purpose of dominating or destroying the Earth (Which one depends on the compliance of the upper world dwellers.)Republic missed out on Flash Gordon; but, offered up their own sci-fi hero, with Ray "Crash" Corrigan. Corrigan is a young Naval officer, football hero, and all around tough guy, who takes part in a submarine expedition which finds a hidden kingdom. there, he runs up against a lot of guys in bed sheets and funky robots that look like walking water coolers. Corrigan spends the bulk of the film running around in trunks and a helmet, providing plenty of beefcake, for those interested in that sort of thing. It's not as imaginative as Flash, but the action is livelier.
- DirectorFord BeebeClifford SmithStarsJohn 'Dusty' KingJean RogersNoah Beery Jr.This 13 chapter serial is based on the comic strip character Ace Drummond created by Eddie Rickenbacker. Ace is a 'G-Man of the sky' working out of Washington D.C. He is sent to Mongolia to find out why a mysterious villain known only as 'The Dragon' is trying to prevent the newly formed International Airways from setting up an airport there. Ace meets Peggy Trainor (Jean Rogers) who is searching for her archaeologist father who has disappeared. Together they search for answers to the puzzles.Adaptation of the aviation comic strip, where an Asian villain, the Dragon, wants to stop an air charter service in Mongolia, to keep the secret of a mountain stash of jade for himself. The opening recaps were done in comic strip format.
- DirectorAlan JamesRay TaylorStarsRalph ByrdKay HughesSmiley BurnetteA master criminal called The Spider puts the famous detective's brother under a hypnotic spell and turns him against Dick.Republic brings the comic strip detective to life, in the form of Ralph Byrd, and sets him against a masked villain. Along the way, we get an airship, a flying wing, and tons of stunts. there's actually a pretty good mystery at the heart of things, which adds to the fun. There is a boat stunt that was later homaged in Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, though Republic resued the footage in Fighting Devil Dogs.
- DirectorJohn EnglishWilliam WitneyStarsJohn CarrollNoah BeeryRichard AlexanderThe California-Yucatan Railroad, being built for the good of Mexico, is under siege by a gang of terrorists hoping to force its sale; no one can prove their connection to profiteer Marsden. Manuel Vega, aged co-owner, calls in the aid of his nephew James, great-grandson of the original Zorro. Alas, James seems more adept at golf than derring-do; but after he arrives, Zorro rides again! Can one black-clad man on horseback defeat a gang supplied with airplanes and machine guns?Republic's first Zorro serial features a modern Zorro (great grandson of the original) who is aiding his father fight off crooks who are trying to take over his railroad. This Zorro uses two six-shooters and a whip, rather than a sword. It features stunts from Yakima Canutt, who would factor into the later Zorro's Fighting Legion.
- DirectorAlan JamesRay TaylorWilliam WitneyStarsRay CorriganHoot GibsonLeRoy MasonThe period is the 1820's and the first wagon train leaves Independence heading west to Santa Fe. In order to maintain his power, the ruthless Official at Santa Fe must not let them arrive and he sends out his men to stop them. The wagon train then has to endure repeated attacks but is aided by a mysterious rider that shoots singing arrows and rides a painted stallion.Republic western, about a wagon train that is repeatedly attacked to keep the an American official from arriving to negotiate a trade agreement (Phantom Menace may have swiped from here). Crash Corrigan stars as the hero. The serial was one of several that was later rebroadcast as a tv show, in the early days of the medium.
- DirectorAlan JamesWilliam WitneyStarsRalph ByrdBela LugosiMaxine DoyleA mad scientist tries to sell his formula for a dist integrating gas to foreign powers.Bela Lugosi stars as Boroff, a scientist who has discovered a disintegrator gas which he is selling to the highest bidder. While smuggling it out, he ends up crashed on rocks and rescued by a Coast Guard cutter. He murders the captain when he recognizes him. His brother, our hero goes looking for revenge. Boroff needs to find the rare elements to create the gas, which drives much of the plot.
- DirectorFord BeebeClifford SmithStarsGrant WithersBetty Jane RhodesRaymond HattonTwo safaris enter the African jungle intent on finding a white girl who is the heiress to a fortune. One tries to help her and the other one wants to kill her.Adaptation of the Alex Raymond strip. Not quite as good as the later Weismuller films and tv series.
- DirectorFord BeebeClifford SmithStarsScott KolkJean RogersDavid OliverA secret agent goes after the gang that stole the crown jewels of a European monarchy.Another Alex Raymond (and Dashiell Hammet) comic strip adaptation. A jewel thief steals the Belgravian crown jewels and X-9 must track them down and recover the loot.
- DirectorFord BeebeClifford SmithStarsGrant WithersAdrian MorrisKay HughesA young radio cop and a beautiful girl try to stop an international criminal gang from getting their hands on the formula for a new bulletproof steel.Another comic strip adaptation from Universal.
- DirectorFord BeebeWyndham GittensStarsFrankie ThomasFrances RobinsonJack MulhallKind-hearted boy with sturdy character visits Africa to search for his missing father and finds adventures against hard-core criminals and wild animals.Probably the best of Universal's jungle serials, based on the comic strip. Young Tim stows away on his father's ship, on a voyage to Africa. he meets a girl who is looking for the criminal who framed her brother.
- DirectorFord BeebeRobert F. HillFrederick StephaniStarsBuster CrabbeJean RogersCharles MiddletonWhen a deadly Nitron ray strikes Earth, Flash Gordon and his friends travel to Mars to battle Ming the Merciless and his new ally Queen Azura.Flash is back and this time he is fighting Azura, on Mars. The sets aren't as lavish as the first film; but, the action and story are even better. There are several elements that ended up in Star Wars.
- DirectorJohn EnglishWilliam WitneyStarsRalph ByrdLynne RobertsCharles MiddletonDick Tracy battles spies and saboteurs in his efforts to bring to justice the Stark gang, a criminal family led by the vicious Pa Stark.Ralph Byrd returns as Dick Tracy, who is trying to stop the Stark Gang (relatives of Iron Man, no doubt). Charles Middleton (Ming the Merciless, in Flash Gordon) is Pa Stark, the head of the crime family. Like its predecessor, it excels in both action and mystery. Ironically, due to the wording of the contract, Chester Gould only got paid for one Dick Tracy film, since it called for a series or serial.
- DirectorFord BeebeAlan JamesStarsBuster CrabbeFrances RobinsonEdna SedgewickA famous detective sets out to discover who stole $2 million in bonds.Another Universal comic strip adaptation, featuring Buster Crabbe as a private detective.
- DirectorJohn EnglishWilliam WitneyStarsSilver ChiefChief ThundercloudLynne RobertsHeroic's of Lone Ranger & Tonto, matter!The radio western hero arrives on screen and proceeds to let Silver piddle all over the character. It was bad enough (according to his owners, anyway) that prints were destroyed. A sequel was produced which was much better.
- DirectorJohn EnglishWilliam WitneyStarsLee PowellBruce BennettEleanor StewartThe US marine corps must battle a would-be world conqueror who uses electricity as a weapon.Republic gives us one of the greatest villains of the movie serials, The Lightning, who would influence the look of Darth Vader. The Lightning seeks to conquer the world, using his aerial torpedoes, launched from his flying wing (taken from Dick Tracy). He is opposed by a pair of Marines, including former Tarzan Herman Brix. Great fun, with a repeat of the Dick Tracy boat stunt (redone in Indiana Jones).
- DirectorJames W. HorneRay TaylorStarsWarren HullIris MeredithRichard FiskeA crime fighter known as The Spider battles a villain called The Octopus, who is out to sabotage America and install his own government.The Shadow's biggest rival (apart from Doc Savage) comes to the screen, though in a very toned down portrayal. The pulp Spider was a gonzo maniac killer, who slaughtered gangs of crooks. This one is a more conventional masked serial hero. The look of the mask would greatly inspire the future Spider-Man, as did the name.
- DirectorJohn EnglishWilliam WitneyStarsCharles QuigleyBruce BennettDavid SharpeUsing a diabolical disguise, Harry Crowel embarks on a vengeful career of destruction...opposed by three heroic daredevils.One of the really great Republic serials, for the stunt scenes. The heroes are three acrobats who perform as part of a pier-side carnival, which has been targeted by a criminal, as an act of revenge. Dave Sharp gets to use his gymnastic skills to really ratchet up the stunts. Famous for the cliffhanger of a flood of water chasing one of the heroes through the LA tunnel, which has been redone by everyone.
- DirectorJohn EnglishWilliam WitneyStarsRalph ByrdIrving PichelTed PearsonA mad doctor named Zanoff uses a drug to bring himself back from the dead after his execution in prison. Dick Tracy sets out to capture Zanoff before he can put his criminal gang back together again.Tracy captures enemy agent Zarnoff, who is sentenced to the gas chamber. he survives and continues in his mission, while Tracy and his men try to track him down. Like the previous two films, tons of great action and mystery.
- DirectorJohn EnglishWilliam WitneyStarsReed HadleySheila DarcyWilliam CorsonThe masked hero leads a fighting force to fight a villian who plots the conquest of The Republic of Mexico.Legendary stuntman Yakima Canutt stars (under the mask) as Zorro, in the only serial version which still uses the sword, rather than turning him into a western hero. This serial has more thrills and stunts than just about any, including Canutt redoing his stunt from Stagecoach.
- DirectorFord BeebeSaul A. GoodkindStarsBuster CrabbeConstance MooreJackie MoranA 20th Century pilot named Buck Rogers and his young friend Buddy Wade awake from 500 years in suspended animation to find that the world has been taken over by the outlaw army of Killer Kane.Buster Crabbe also got to play the comic strip hero that inspired all other sci-fi heroes. Buck and Buddy Wade find themselves in an airship crash and are saved by a gas that puts them into suspended animation. they awake in the 25th Century, where they aid the society in fighting against the evil Killer Kane. George Lucas drew inspiration from here, too, and used a clip at the opening of THX 1138.
- DirectorNorman DemingSam NelsonStarsWarren HullDoris WestonAl KikumeMandrake and his assistant Lothar are working the cruise lines and make the acquaintance of Professor Houston who has developed a radium energy machine, which is much coveted by a masked Crime Lord known as "The Wasp".The comic strip hero comes to the screen, along with helper Lothar. The pair must defend a professor who has developed a radium energy machine.
- DirectorJohn EnglishWilliam WitneyStarsRobert LivingstonChief ThundercloudSilver ChiefHomesteaders are moving into the valley settled many years ago by rancher Craig Dolan. He wants to keep them out by legal means but his nephew Bart brings in outlaws to drive them out. The Lone Ranger is on hand to help the homesteaders battle Bart's men as he overcomes traps, ambushes, burning buildings and other obstacles in his attempt to bring peace to the valley.Like the title says, the Lone Ranger was back and the story was a great improvement.
- DirectorFord BeebeSaul A. GoodkindStarsBela LugosiRobert KentDorothy ArnoldA military intelligence officer and a pretty reporter try to find a scientist whose inventions can destroy the world.Legendary serial, starring Bela Lugosi as a scientist who has invented a variety of weapons that are coveted by government agents and foreign spies. It's a favorite of Rob Zombie, who has used the robot designs in his stage show. MST3K savaged the first 3 chapters.
- DirectorFord BeebeRay TaylorStarsGordon JonesWade BotelerKeye LukeA newspaper publisher and his Korean servant fight crime as vigilantes who pose as a notorious masked gangster and his aide.The Green Hornet follows his great-uncle to the screen in this serial. The serial was a bit different in that each chapter the Green Hornet and Kato take down a different criminal, rather than the same villain escaping over and over. By the end, the duo have defeated the entire organization and the 'big boss." Kung Fu's Keye Luke (Master Po) portrays Kato, who designs all of the gadgets for the hero, as well as kicks serious butt.
- DirectorFord BeebeJohn RawlinsStarsWarren HullWade BotelerAnne NagelA wealthy publisher uses a disguise and calls himself the Green Hornet to fight crime in his city.The Green Hornet is back (with a new actor) taking on a new criminal syndicate. Like the first serial, each chapter features a battle with a different criminal, who is a cog in a bigger machine. Kato gets a livelier personality here, too.
- DirectorJames W. HorneStarsVictor JoryVeda Ann BorgRoger MooreThe Shadow battles a villain known as The Black Tiger, who has the power to make himself invisible and is trying to take over the world with his death ray.Walter Gibson's pulp and radio hero hit the screens (there were also short films) in this serial, which doesn't quite have the atmosphere of the radio show or the "blood and thunder" of the pulps; but, it's a pretty darn good serial. The Shadow uses his fists more than his automatics.
- DirectorJames W. HorneStarsVictor JoryIris MeredithJames CravenThe struggle over the Bellamy estate ends with Michael Bellamy accused of murder and killed on the way to prison, while his brother Abel Bellamy takes control of the estate for his own nefarious plans.Mystery serial, based on a novel by Edgar Wallace. the plot revolves around a manor house, with a mysterious archer stalking secret passageways. It looks like a hero serial; but the focus is more on the mystery. it did, along with Robin Hood, inspire Green Arrow.
- DirectorFord BeebeRay TaylorStarsBuster CrabbeCarol HughesCharles MiddletonA ravaging plague has struck the Earth threatening no less than global extinction. This alien disease is believed to be the evil spawn of Ming, the merciless Emperor of Planet Mongo. The world's only hope now rests with Flash Gordon.Third and final Flash Gordon serial, which finds Flash, Dale and Zarkov aiding Queen Fria of Frigia, against the machinations of Ming. This one really influenced Lucas, with the wintery setting (Empire) and the opening title narration crawls (all of the films).
- DirectorJames W. HorneStarsWilliam TracyJeff YorkJoyce BryantDr. Herbert Lee (John Paul Jones), an archaeologist seeking to decipher ancient Mara inscriptions, is aided by his son, Terry (William Tracy), and Terry's pal, Pat Ryan (Jeff York), and Normandie Drake (Joyce Bryant). Fang (Dick Curtis), a jungle pirate and warlord, plots to kill The Dragon Lady (Sheila Darcy), Queen of the Temple of Mara, and seize the treasures of her ancestors. Both Fang and The Dragon Lady have sworn death to any foreign intruders.Milton Caniff's legendary adventure strip comes to life, though a big budget film would have done more justice to the material. Terry's also a bit older here, than in the strips (although he was an adult by wartime).
- DirectorJohn EnglishWilliam WitneyStarsHenry BrandonWilliam RoyleRobert KellardThe nefarious Dr. Fu Manchu searches for the keys to the tomb of Genghis Khan, in order to fulfill a prophecy that will enable him to conquer the world. His nemesis, Dr. Nayland Smith, and his associates fight to keep the evil doctor from getting his hands on the keys.Republic and William Whitney adapt Sax Rohmer's evil doctor in this serial, which follows Boris Karloff's iconic portrayal in The Mask of Fu Manchu. Republic didn't have the budget or the actors, but it created an excellent mystery.
- DirectorJohn EnglishWilliam WitneyStarsDon 'Red' BarryNoah BeeryTommy CookChapter One MURDER ON THE SANTA FE TRAIL - Mesquite banker Calvin Drake (Harry Worth) plans to profit from the Santa Fe Railroad's acquisition of right-of-way by gaining control of the land in the territory. In the ensuing war of intimidation against the ranchers, Ira Withers (Edward Cassidy) is killed and Red Ryder (Don 'Red' Barry) and his father, Colonel Tom Ryder (William Farnum), form an organization to drive the gunmen and outlaws out of the territory. Colonel Ryder is killed by One-Eye Chapin (Bob Kortman) and Red vows vengeance. Sheriff Dade (Carleton Young) is in league with the Drake faction, including Ace Hanlon (Noah Barry). The Duchess (Maude Pierce Allen), Red's aunt, is about to lose her ranch. Red learns of a plan to dynamite a dam providing the water supply, and saves Beth Andrews (Vivian Austin), daughter of the former sheriff, Luke Andrews (Lloyd Ingrahan) who was also murdered by Drake's men.Adaptation of the comic strip, with Ralph Parker's favorite hero (after Little Orphan Annie), Red Ryder. Typical crook kills his father to gain the land, so Red goes hunting for revenge (with a 200 shot, range model air rifle, with a compass in the stock and this thing which tells time). Dan "Red" Barry stars. It would lead to a series of Red Ryder B-westerns.
- DirectorFord BeebeJohn RawlinsStarsBilly HalopHuntz HallGabriel DellA gang of street kids work with the FBI in their attempt to find and rescue their leader's father, a scientist who has been kidnapped by a terrorist group.The Dead End Kids team up with FBI agents to fight saboteurs. The first of the Dead End Kids and Little Tough Guy serials.
- DirectorJohn EnglishWilliam WitneyStarsAllan LaneRobert StrangeRobert KellardCanadian Tom Merritt has discovered a substance, Compound X, that will cure infantile paralysis, which he extracts from a mine at Caribou, Canada. A country at war with Canada (unnamed because while Canada and the British Empire were at war with Germany, the USA "officially" wasn't in 1940) discovers that Compound X also contains magnetic properties which will make their mines effective against the British fleet, and dispatch one of their intelligence officers, John Kettler, to work undercover to ensure a steady stream of Compound X for the Fatherland. RCMP Major Ross King is killed in a fray against Kettler's henchmen, and his son, RCMP Sergeant Dave King continues on in his place in command of the Mountie post. The foreign agents open a "sham" sanitarium, supposedly to help paralysis victims, but actually to ship the gathered quantities of Compound X abroad to their warring country. Sergeant King discovers the fraud and exposes "Dr. Shelton", the sham head of the hospital. The Mounties also secure some fuse caps which will provide proof that Kettler and his men are saboteurs. In an effort to recover the fuse caps, the enemy agents kidnap Linda Merritt, sister of RCMP Corporal Tom Merritt,Jr.. King and the Mounties eventually put an end to the enemy agents in chapter 12, "Code of the Mounted", but not without a great personal sacrifice by one of their own.The Nazis head to Canada to find Compound X, which can be used in mines against the Allies. Mountie Sgt. Dave King fights their agents, between hockey games and cooking back bacon.
- DirectorJohn EnglishWilliam WitneyStarsEduardo CiannelliRobert WilcoxWilliam NewellA mad scientist plots the domination of America and only the masked hero, The Copperhead, can stop him.An odd serial, with an interesting history. Republic pitched an idea for a Superman serial that was rejected. So, they took the script and created their own hero, Copperhead, who wears a chain mail hood. The serial has several cheats, which often ruined things for people who saw the previous cliffhanger. In an interview, William Whitney said that the head of Republic took the director of the serial to task for that and mandated against cheats for resolving cliffhangers.
- DirectorJohn EnglishWilliam WitneyStarsTom TylerFrank Coghlan Jr.William 'Billy' BenedictTo protect a magic talisman from being used for evil, a teenage boy named Billy Batson is given the power to become an adult superhero, Captain Marvel, with a single magic word: "Shazam!"The first movie serial adapted from the new medium of comic books. Republic signed, arguably, the greatest hero of the Golden Age, and they went to town. Unfortunately, they didn't bring along the wonderful villains, like Dr Sivana or Black Adam; and, instead, use a standard masked villain (The Scorpion). However, they keep things lively and Tom Tyler was perfectly cast as The Big Red Cheese. At certain points, he is doubled by Dave Sharp, who was a champion gymnast, who does several stunt landings and an awesome sequence where he does a backflip and kicks two thugs. Frank Coughlin is great as alter ego Billy Batson.
- DirectorJames W. HorneStarsWarren HullMary AinsleeDave O'BrienThe evil and masked "Gargoyle" is sabotaging all of America's industrial plants. It is up to the Spider to save the country.The Spider is back for more fun and mayhem.
- DirectorJames W. HorneStarsJack HoltEvelyn BrentC. Montague ShawA murderous gang of counterfeiters has kidnapped the government's best engraver and is forcing him to print virtually undetectable phony money. The Secret Service sends its toughest agent, Jack Holt, and a female partner after the gang.Jack Holt plays himself (or, at least his name) in this serial, where he is a G-man, tracking counterfeiters, who have kidnapped the top engraver. Holt is aided by Kay Drew, as the pair attempt to infiltrate the gang. The serial is notable as being made more for adults, making it more logical.
- DirectorJohn EnglishWilliam WitneyStarsFrances GiffordTom NealTrevor BardetteDr. Meredith has been driven from civilization by the criminal activities of his twin brother Bradley. With his infant daughter, he settles in the African jungle. But the Masamba tribes possess vast diamond mines coveted by crooks.Frances Gifford stars in this Republic serial, based (in title, mostly) on a story by Edgar Rice Burroughs. Gifford is Nyoka, a white jungle goddess. Her pastoral existence is disrupted by an expedition which tries to steal the treasure of her society. The outfit was a bit skimpy for the era and Gifford looks great. There are great stunts and a pretty decent plot.
- DirectorJohn EnglishWilliam WitneyStarsSammy BaughNeil HamiltonPauline MooreWhen Captain King of the Texas Rangers is murdered by saboteurs, his son, Tom ("Slingin' Sammy Baugh"), a famous football star, leaves college and joins the Texas Rangers himself. Shortly after, Tom is given the mission of avenging his father's death and defeating the foreign agents. John Barton (Neil Hamilton), supposedly a respectable citizen, works with "His Excellency" (Rudolph Anders), a mysterious leader of a gang of saboteurs, intent on destroying the Dobe Hills Oil Company oil fields in Texas. Tom teams up with Sally Crane (Pauline Moore), a reporter who witnessed his father's murder, and Mexican officer Lt. Pedro Garcia (Duncan Renaldo). The agents are working across the border in both countries with destroying the saboteurs' hideouts being their goal. One of the targets of the gang of saboteurs is an invention by Professor Nelson (Joseph Forte) who has developed a new type of aviation fuel. Tom protects the professor, riding aboard a train as his bodyguard. foiling the plot to kidnap the inventor. When rumors spread that the new aviation fuel is dangerous, Tom and Sally set out in an aircraft to prove the fuel is safe. When Pedro learns that Tom's aircraft is rigged with a time bomb, he warns him in time for Sally and Tom to parachute to safety. The saboteurs plan to destroy the Whitney Dam would flood the oil fields in Texas, and when Sally finds one of their hideouts, Tom has to rescue her. Barton and his gang finally get their hands on the formula for the special aviation fuel and set out in a dirigible flown by "His Excellency". Their attack on the oil fields is thwarted when Tom and Pedro crash their aircraft into the dirigible, killing the gang. The two lawmen parachute to safety and are later honored by the Texas Rangers for their bravery."Slingin'" Sammy Baugh (a football star turned actor) stars as a Texas Ranger who teams up with a Mexan police officer (Duncan "Cisco Kid" Renaldo) to bring Nazi saboteurs (who murdered his father) to justice. This is a modern western, which includes fights on moving trucks and an aerial attack on an airship.
- DirectorJohn EnglishWilliam WitneyStarsRalph ByrdMichael OwenJan WileyDick Tracy goes up against a villain known as The Ghost, who can turn himself invisible.Last of the Republic Dick Tracy serials, with Tracy fighting The Ghost, who can turn invisible. This one uses lots of footage from the previos 3 serials.
- DirectorFord BeebeRay TaylorStarsDonald WoodsBilly HalopRobert ArmstrongEnemy spies try to steal a new fighter plane.Nazi agents try to steal a new fighter from an aircraft factory. Strong attention is payed to the characters; though more the heroes than the villains. There is some stunt flying and stock footage, though the planes quickly became dated, compared to the real ones you could see in newsreels.
- DirectorFord BeebeRay TaylorStarsDick ForanLeo CarrilloBuck JonesThis star-laden western serial has our able heroes escaping various perils devised by the evil Wolfe Reade and his pack of outlaws, who wish to lay claim to a fabled lost mine.Big budget Western serial, with an all-star cast. The plot revolves around the search for a lost Aztec mine. The heroes eventually find it, then try to make it pay off before it's too late, in a twist on the usual serial format (which would have one of the other plot for the hole story). Apart from the actors, it's fairly run of the mill; but, it provided stock footage for many later western serials.
- DirectorWilliam WitneyStarsKane RichmondMarguerite ChapmanSam FlintAlan Armstrong, aka Spy Smasher, battles a Nazi villain known as The Mask, who heads a gang of saboteurs determined to spread destruction across America.Republic adaptation of the Fawcett Comics hero. Kane Richmond stars as the hero, Alan Armstrong, who is hunting down a Nazi sabotage ring, led by The Mask. There are some really great stunts here, including a battle aboard a futuristic flying craft, which inspired a scene in Raiders of the Lost Ark.
- DirectorFord BeebeJohn RawlinsStarsBilly HalopHuntz HallGabriel DellThe Dead End Kids go after a gang known as the Sea Raiders, which is sinking Allied shipping.The Dead End Kids take on a gang of saboteurs who sink a liner on which two of the gang have stowed away. They ain't takin' that and they get the gang together to hunt down the raiders hideout. They get blown out of the air, nearly drowned, entombed and mauled by panthers, before capturing some uniforms and infiltrating the raider base.
- DirectorJames W. HorneStarsDave O'BrienDorothy ShortJames CravenSecret Service Major Steel (Joseph W. Girard), is one of the few men in America aware of the fact that Captain Albright (Dave O'Brien) is also Captain Midnight, daring masked aviator dedicated to fighting gangsters and enemies of America. When murderous bombing attacks are made on West Coast munitions plants, Steel sends for Albright and asks him to track down the mysterious Ivan Shark (James Craven), the foreign agent mastermind behind the attacks. Shark has learned about an ingenious range finder, invented by John Edwards (Bryant Washburn) and makes plans to obtain a model of the invention. Edwards instructs his daughter, Joyce (Dorothy Short), to bring the model to Albright for safekeeping in his mountain laboratory. Shark takes Edwards prisoner by Albright assures Joyce that her father will be saved and an end put to Shark's reign of terror. Dressing as Captain Midnight and enlisting the aid of his friends, Chuck (Sam Edwards) and Ichabod Mudd (Guy Wilkerson), Captain Midnight delivers on his promises fourteen chapters later.The radio and comic book hero came to movie screens in this serial. The stunts are decent, though the costume is a bit odd, compared to the comics and as described in the radio show. the serial is let down a bit by the model work, which is a bit too obvious and the plot doesn't thunder along like the Republic serials.
- DirectorWilliam WitneyStarsKay AldridgeClayton MooreWilliam 'Billy' BenedictIt's intrepid Nyoka and her friends versus Vultura, Queen of the Desert, on a quest for the Golden Tablets of Hippocrates.Kaye Aldrige takes over as Nyoka, in this sequel which is even better than the first. The villains are trying to steal the Tables of Hippocretes which sets everyone into a tizzy. Clayton Moore also appears in the serial, which is filled with great stunts.
- DirectorWilliam WitneyStarsAllan LaneGilbert EmeryRussell HicksThe chapter-crunched version of this 196 minutes, 12-episode serial from Republic finds Canada being bombed mercilessly by a mysterious-enemy plane (shaped like a boomerang) called the Falcon, under the supervision of Admiral Yamata, Count Baroni and Marshal von Horst, chiefs of the Axis Fifth Column in Canada. No one can identify the plane until American inventor, Professor Marshall Brent, and his daughter Carol arrive with a new type of airplane detector. This poses a threat to the Axis chiefs in preparing western Canada for an invasion and they have him kidnapped by local Quisling Gil Harper. RCMP Sergeant Tom King attempts to rescue Brent, but the inventor is killed when a plane in which he is held captive crashes into a riverboat. Carol, determined to carry on her father's work and with King's aid, manages to prevent the enemy agents from capturing the detector, and destroys the device (many chapters later) when the agents make a last desperate attack on the cabin where it is hidden. She is captured and taken to the crater of a volcano, where the ring makes its headquarters.Republic brings us the Mounties vs the Axis. The Japanese attempt to invade Canada via a fantastic fling ship, shaped like a boomerang. The hoser is opposed by Sgt Dave King, who is probably fortified by a lot of beer and back bacon, eh? Lots of fun and adventure North of the Border.
- DirectorNoel M. SmithRay TaylorStarsKent TaylorIrene HerveyRalph MorganDetective lieutenant Bill Bannister is assigned to run down an unknown gang of terrorists who have spread a net of crime over the city.One of Universal's best. A gang of dead criminals, The League of Murdered Men, terrorize the city. the criminals are led by Prof. Mortis, who developed a way to revive them from the dead. The police chief sends a pair of detectives to nab the gang. The serial is filled with outdoor chases and thrilling action and one of the more memorable lead villains.
- DirectorFord BeebeRay TaylorStarsDon TerryWalter SandeJohn LitelUS naval officer Don Winslow is given command of the islands near Pearl Harbor. He discovers that there is a ring of saboteurs and enemy agents who are trying to destroy ships carrying supplies to the troops stationed in the islands and sabotage the war effort. He sets out with his trusted assistant and two beautiful women to find the mastermind behind these nefarious activities.Universal adapts another comic strip. Don Winslow is an agent of Naval Intelligence, whose in charge of a ring of islands near Pearl Harbor. He must stop a group of saboteurs from preventing troops from being stationed there.
- DirectorLewis D. CollinsRay TaylorStarsBilly HalopGene ReynoldsLionel AtwillA group of street kids battle a terrorist gang led by a Japanese spy.The Dead End kids take on Japanese saboteurs this time, who have launched a series of attacks, in advance of an invasion.
- DirectorSpencer Gordon BennetWilliam WitneyStarsRod CameronRoland GotConstance WorthAmerican, British and Chinese secret agents battle the Japanese Black Dragon Society, a secretive ring that smuggles enemy agents into the U.S. disguised as mummies.Outstanding serial from director William Whitney, which introduces us to special agent Rex Bennet and his group of of crime fighters. This one is pure action, with plenty of fights and stunts galore. Even the heroine gets to blast people with a tommy gun!
- DirectorJohn EnglishStarsAllan LaneKay AldridgeEddie AcuffRepublic serial that features some of the best western serial stunts. Allan Lane and Kay Aldrige (Perils of Nyoka) try to run a stagecoach line, which is repeatedly attacked by the villains. This one exists for the stunts, more than most serials. It also features Chief Thunder Cloud and Jay Silver Heels, the two most iconic screen Tontos (Johnny Depp, ach phooey!).
- DirectorLewis D. CollinsRay TaylorStarsTom BrownRose HobartEdgar BarrierJust before World War II, the Chinese and American governments mount a joint operation to prevent the Germans and Japanese from taking over the strategic island of Mandon.Aviation serial, based on the popular adventure strip. Ou hero (who was visually based on Cary Grant, in the comics) is an advisor to the Chinese and wants to return to the US to enlist. however, the Chinese have learned of a secret road that runs from India to China, through the Himalayas, which could aid their fight with the Japanese. Jack and his group try to secure the secret, while the Japanese intelligence group The Black Samurai (not Jim Kelly) try to destroy it. The serial doesn't really match the comics well, unlike most Universal serials. It even created a younger character, that bore a resemblance to Tailspin Tommy. Not one of the better comic strip serials.
- DirectorLewis D. CollinsRay TaylorStarsDon TerryWalter SandeElyse KnoxA Coast Guard officer is assigned to protect the coastline from spies, saboteurs and enemy agents.Having successfully defended Pearl harbor from a saboteur attack, Commodore Winslow finds himself assigned to the Coast Guard to do the same in California. Winslow, Lt. red Pennington and Mercedes Colby (daughter of an admiral) work to stop the Scorpion, a fascist sympathizer in the service of the Japanese. The hunt for secret bases and submarines. I suppose if the series had continued, we'd eventually get Don Winslow of the USO!
- DirectorSpencer Gordon BennetStarsRod CameronJoan MarshDuncan RenaldoAn American secret agent travels to Africa to infiltrate a German spy ring.Sequel to G-Men vs the Black Dragon, with Rex Bennet fighting Nazis in North Africa. Another dazzling display of stunts and fights, with some of the most physical action in any serial. Much of it factors into Raiders of the Lost Ark.
- DirectorLewis D. CollinsRay TaylorStarsJohnny DownsBobby JordanWard WoodA group of flying cadets have to clear themselves of a murder charge, while trying to stop a traitorous scientist from selling secrets to the Nazis.Universals last aviation serial, which features an excellent cast a good villain, but is marred by a bad ending and some less than stellar cliff hangers. The cast is the reason to watch.
- DirectorSpencer Gordon BennetStarsWilliam ForrestLouise CurrieJohnny ArthurA mysterious detective called The Masked Marvel battles Japanese saboteurs intent on blowing up America.Republic delivers their own masked hero, with a twist on previos serials: the mystery revolves around the hero's identity, instead of the villain. The Masked Marvel is one of 5 investigators for an insurance company, who are trying to stop a enemy sabotage ring. There's some great stunts, and tons of action. Stuntman Tom Steele plays the hero (when masked) and later also plays one of the thugs and has a scene where he chases himself up a flight of stairs!
- DirectorB. Reeves EasonStarsTom TylerJeanne BatesErnie AdamsThe Phantom's clan has ruled the jungle tribes for centuries. He battles Dr. Bremmer who plans to build an airfield and gets greedy when Professor Davidson and his niece Diana arrive to search for the treasure of the lost city of Zoloz.The Phantom comes to life at Columbia, in the form of Tom Tyler, who was memorable as Captain Marvel. He's equally memorable here; and, he looks like he stepped off the Sunday comics page. The serial has a great story, as Kit Walker must take over from his murdered father, complete with his wolf Devil, Guran, Diana Palmer, and the Skull Cave. This one is really great and more satisfying than the 1996 movie.
- DirectorLambert HillyerStarsLewis WilsonDouglas CroftJ. Carrol NaishThe very first serial to adapt the comic book character of the Batman. In it, the Batman is a secret U.S. government agent, attempting to defeat the schemes of Japanese agent Dr. Daka operating in Los Angeles at the height of World War II.Batman was the first DC hero to make it (in live action) to the screen, taking on Dr Daka's sabotage ring. Lewis Wilson stars as a pudgy Batman, but he does a decent job, especially when he goes undercover. This one has some fun chapters, though it's a little uneven. Unfortunately, the Batmobile is a bit of a disappointment; it's just a generic sedan. They didn't even give it a cool hood ornament or some bat decals. Meanwhile, the Batcave consists mostly of a desk, a file cabinet, and a radio set. These things were low budget; but, it makes Batman look a bit low rent.
- DirectorElmer CliftonJohn EnglishStarsDick PurcellLorna GrayLionel AtwillSuperhero Captain America battles the evil forces of the archvillain called The Scarab, who poisons his enemies and steals a secret device capable of destroying buildings by sound vibrations.Dick Purcell stars as the only Timely Comics hero to make it to the screen. However, he's no Chris Evans, or even Reb Brown (still better than Matt Salinger, though). This Cap isn't Steve Rogers, soldier; he's district attorney Grant Gardner, who carries a gun and not a shield. The costume isn't right, either. It turns out the script wasn't created for Cap; but had been intended for another property. The most likely property was Fawcett's Mr Scarlet, who was a pistol-packing DA. However, Mr Scarlet didn't last long as a cover feature, so it looks like Republic backed out and dusted off the script after securing the rights. Timely had no say in the matter (or didn't care). The action is good, even if the hero is a bit doughy. he does get a motorcycle, though.
- DirectorSpencer Gordon BennetWallace GrissellStarsAllan LaneLinda StirlingDuncan RenaldoGreedy oil speculators led by Morgan are trying to force Tiger Woman and her band of warriors from their jungle home. Allen Saunders of Inter-Ocean Oil wants to develop the oil too, but fights with Tiger Woman to stop the bad guys.Linda Stirling stars as the heroine, a cross between Tarzan and Nyoka. Stirling had never ridden a horse; but was quickly schooled by Duncan Renaldo. She performed many of her own stunts.
- DirectorSpencer Gordon BennetWallace GrissellStarsKane RichmondKay AldridgeRoy BarcroftA sea captain about to be hanged for a murder he didn't commit is rescued from the gallows by two of his crewmen. They head for the island of Pulinan, where they believe the real murderer--the captain's former partner--is hiding so the captain can clear his name. As it turns out, their troubles are only beginning.A sea captain is rescued from the gallows by two of his crewman, then head to a jungle shrouded island to find the real killer who framed him. Tons of thrills, mixing elements of different genres, including mystery, jungle adventure, and sea adventure.
- DirectorSpencer Gordon BennetWallace GrissellStarsGeorge J. LewisLinda StirlingLucien LittlefieldHammond, a leading citizen who owns the town's stagecoach line, is opposed to Idaho becoming a state, and kills Randolph Meredith, owner of the town's newspaper, for endorsing it. Meredith's sister Barbara, expert with a bullwhip and pistol, dons a black costume and mask and becomes "The Black Whip", dealing a blow to Hammond and his gang each time they perform some heinous act in their efforts to keep the town, and their power over it, unchanged. Aided by government agent Vic Gordon, Barbara confronts Hammond in a final showdown just as the town votes on whether or not to accept statehood.Linda Stirling stars as a female Zorro, who is never called Zorro (she's the Black Whip). She fights a group of corrupt politicians in Idaho, using her whip as a weapon. The footage from the serial would be reused in Don Daredevil Rides Again and the Man with the Steel Whip, which feature male heroes. The reason for the title was Republic attempting to cash in on the success of The Mask of Zorro; but, not having the rights to use the hero.
- DirectorB. Reeves EasonStarsGilbert RolandMona MarisBen WeldenEvil Hassan slips back into his native land of Ahad and plots to overthrow his twin bother, Kasim, who has just been crowned the Caliph. Hassan enlists the aid of the chief Chamberlain, Faud and they send several henchmen into the royal palace, who then knock Kasim unconscious. Faud and Hassan dispatch a couple of different hirelings to take Kasim into another part of the town and murder him.Kasin comes to and gets away, but has been wounded. Omar, a beggar, takes Kasim to his home and nurses him back to health. But, it takes a few weeks for Kasin to get healthy and, by that time, Hassan has a firm grip on the duties of a Caliph. In a storeroom, Kasim finds a coat of mail with a great hawk emblazoned across the chest and promptly decides this is the costume he will wear while fighting to get his old job back. Meanwhile, the Emir of Telif shows up with his daughter, Princess Azala, with the intent of marrying her off to the local Caliph. They do not know that the current-Caliph on the royal-throne is the evil twin-brother of the man they think he is.Serial set in the Middle East (though with a "western" flavor), where the caliph has been deposed and left for dead. He is saved and nursed back to health, then tries to take back his land. A bit different than the standard.
- DirectorSpencer Gordon BennetYakima CanuttWallace GrissellStarsRichard BaileyLinda StirlingRoy BarcroftThe creator of a scientific device is kidnapped, and his daughter enlists the help of a private detective whose investigations lead them to a remote Pacific isle where they confront the evil and shocking descendants of a long-dead pirate.One of the really classic republic serials, about a crook who uses high tech to masquerade as a pirate ghost. Our meddling heroes (who lack a talking dog) try to solve the mystery and survive the attempts to kill them. Lots of great stuff the was stolen by everyone under the sun (especially Hanna-Barbera).
- DirectorLewis D. CollinsRay TaylorStarsMilburn StoneJan WileyDennis MooreGovernment agents battle a gang of Nazis who are trying to use the Orotron machine, which can turn seawater into gold.Nazi agents, led by the mysterious Master Key, kidnap a professor to steal his machine which can draw gold from seawater! The serial has average stunts and cliffhangers (many taken from previous serials) ad is mainly notable for it's cast and writing. Milburn Stone (the future Doc, on Gunsmoke) stars and Lash Larue appears in his first serial role.
- DirectorSpencer Gordon BennetYakima CanuttRichard CherwinStarsMarten LamontHelen TalbotGeorge J. LewisCrime lord Jim Belmont escapes FBI custody and begins a reign of thievery that is thwarted at every turn by Jerry Blake, the FBI's Operator 99.An unusual serial for republic, which features G-Men vs gangsters. The villains are a bit more developed and the hero has a British accent.
- DirectorWallace FoxStarsJoan WoodburyKane RichmondErnie AdamsChapter 1 finds Daily Flash newspaper reporter Brenda Starr (Joan Woodbury), and her photographer, Chuck Allen (Syd Saylor), assigned to cover a fire in an old house where they discover the wounded Joe Heller (Wheeler Oakman),a gangster suspected of stealing a quarter-million dollar payroll. The dying Heller tells Brenda that someone took his satchel of stolen money and he gives her a coded message. Kruger (Jack Ingram), the gangster who shot Heller, escapes to his gang's hideout with the bag but discovers it is filled with paper rather than money. The gang, knowing Heller gave Brenda a coded message makes many attempts on her life to get her to reveal where Heller hid the payroll money. But thanks to Chuck and Police Lieutenant Larry Farrel (Kane Richmond), she evades them for thirteen weeks/chapters, until Pesky (William 'Billy' Benedict), a Daily Flash office boy manages to decode the Heller message.Joan Woodbury stars as the comic strip heroine. Like the strip, she needs a man to rescue her. The film is notable only for the connection to the comic, which has never been adapted well.
- DirectorLewis D. CollinsRay TaylorStarsLloyd BridgesKeye LukeJan WileyAmerican, Chinese and Australian agents join forces to stop the Nazis from obtaining the formula for synthetic fuel.X-9 returns to serials, this time battling a gangster for control of Shadow Island, which has a secret mineral that can be used to create cheap aviation fuel. It was the last comic strip serial from Universal and features Lloyd Bridges as the hero, with Keye Luke and Benson Fong (both featured in Kung Fu and in the Charlie Chan series). It also resuses footage and the score from Gung Ho.