Rin-Tin-Tin and Tom Mix were two of the biggest box-office draws of the twenties while working for major studios. Both faded with age and the coming of sound. Both ended their careers with comeback performances in Mascot serials, and both serials are very good.
THE LIGHTNING WARRIOR is as creaky as they come with no musical score and one of those hissing, early thirties soundtracks. It is nevertheless entertaining. A mystery villain known as the Wolfman is inciting an Indian uprising to drive the settlers out of the valley. It is up to the heroic Rinty and his human allies to bring this fiend to justice.
This is the first time I have seen the original Rin-Tin-Tin and he and his stuntdog doubles do not disappoint, with wild leaps and chases, vicious fights, and narrow escapes. Rinty also thinks his way out of several jams. One forgets while watching the show that no dog could be quite this smart. The human cast also does well. Young Frankie Darro was a talented child actor. A slim George Brent is far more winning here as an action hero than he would later be as a lounge lizard. Former Chaplin co-star Georgia Hale is animated and appealing though she has little to do. Ugly Bob Kortman as an evil henchman and old codger Lafe McKee as a crusty rancher stand out in the supporting cast.
Yakima Canutt's name appears in the credits, so it is not surprising that the action is well handled and the stunt work often striking. The serial also gets a lift from a strong air of mystery. The Wolfman is dressed in full phantom regalia with a slouched hat and cape pulled over his face. He communicates with his underlings via weird howls while tom-toms beat ominously on the soundtrack and lurking henchman silently pick off their victims with arrows.
It is all nonsense and all fun. The mystery of who is the Wolfman is sustained well with plenty of red herrings. Several twists in the last chapter are satisfying and clear up a lot of apparent inconsistencies.
All in all, if you are a fan of vintage serials, this is one to seek out.
THE LIGHTNING WARRIOR is as creaky as they come with no musical score and one of those hissing, early thirties soundtracks. It is nevertheless entertaining. A mystery villain known as the Wolfman is inciting an Indian uprising to drive the settlers out of the valley. It is up to the heroic Rinty and his human allies to bring this fiend to justice.
This is the first time I have seen the original Rin-Tin-Tin and he and his stuntdog doubles do not disappoint, with wild leaps and chases, vicious fights, and narrow escapes. Rinty also thinks his way out of several jams. One forgets while watching the show that no dog could be quite this smart. The human cast also does well. Young Frankie Darro was a talented child actor. A slim George Brent is far more winning here as an action hero than he would later be as a lounge lizard. Former Chaplin co-star Georgia Hale is animated and appealing though she has little to do. Ugly Bob Kortman as an evil henchman and old codger Lafe McKee as a crusty rancher stand out in the supporting cast.
Yakima Canutt's name appears in the credits, so it is not surprising that the action is well handled and the stunt work often striking. The serial also gets a lift from a strong air of mystery. The Wolfman is dressed in full phantom regalia with a slouched hat and cape pulled over his face. He communicates with his underlings via weird howls while tom-toms beat ominously on the soundtrack and lurking henchman silently pick off their victims with arrows.
It is all nonsense and all fun. The mystery of who is the Wolfman is sustained well with plenty of red herrings. Several twists in the last chapter are satisfying and clear up a lot of apparent inconsistencies.
All in all, if you are a fan of vintage serials, this is one to seek out.