This is one of the serials dedicated to the military by Republic Pictures, SOS Coastguard being another.Though providing serial fans with plenty of action, this 1938 chapter play is composed of excessive stock footage, unusual for a serial made in the late thirties. Robinson Carusoe of Clipper Island and the first Dick Tracy are two serials that provide scenes and cliffhangers for Fighting Devildogs. Adding to that ,news reel footage, the viewer can easily see that the studio really cut corners. That being said, it remains a fast moving 12 chapters with Lee Powell and Herman Brix,aka Bruce Bennett, doing good work as the leads. William Witney and John English provide stellar direction, along with Alberto Columbo's atmospheric musical score. This serial also provides a memorable super nemesis known as The Lightning.The stunts are excellent and up to Republic standards, but the pace of the serial is often erratic. Should have been better considering the personnel involved. Still , this serial deserves a place in a serial fans collection.
Review of The Fighting Devil Dogs
