tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8358988921756731802024-03-13T05:53:34.899-07:00i heart serialsThis blog is dedicated to my childhood love for serials of the 1940's and 50'sJay Fabareshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07860449586670551956noreply@blogger.comBlogger4125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-835898892175673180.post-11733990691486027032009-08-28T01:30:00.000-07:002009-08-28T01:42:55.241-07:00Spy Smasher - The BEST<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_JJF2qHglOUk/SpeFzaMYocI/AAAAAAAAAv8/1bNYzlQUc-M/s1600-h/350px-Spy_Smasher_movie_serial_poster.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 252px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_JJF2qHglOUk/SpeFzaMYocI/AAAAAAAAAv8/1bNYzlQUc-M/s400/350px-Spy_Smasher_movie_serial_poster.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5374911798541066690" /></a><br /><br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/wqG6_aI0HS4&hl=en&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/wqG6_aI0HS4&hl=en&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object> can't find a trailer, but seeing a chapter is even better<br /><br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/fMbrT9xtkOo&hl=en&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/fMbrT9xtkOo&hl=en&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_JJF2qHglOUk/SpeQ3-aZBuI/AAAAAAAAAwE/OGWYrH2AGyY/s1600-h/rex.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 221px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_JJF2qHglOUk/SpeQ3-aZBuI/AAAAAAAAAwE/OGWYrH2AGyY/s400/rex.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5374923971610871522" /></a><a href="http://www.monkeysuit.com/rex.steele.swf">REX STEELE - NAZI SMASHER</a><br />so cool, that animation of today pays tribute.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;"><br /><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spy_Smasher_(serial)">SPY SMASHER</a></span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">CAST</span><br />Kane Richmond <span style="font-style:italic;">as</span> Spy Smasher/Alan Armstrong and his twin brother Jack<br />Marguerite Chapman <span style="font-style:italic;">as</span> Eve Corby/Jack Armstrong's fiance.<br />Sam Flint <span style="font-style:italic;">as</span> Admiral Corby<br />Hans Schumm <span style="font-style:italic;">as </span>The Mask<br />Tris Coffin <span style="font-style:italic;">as</span> Drake<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">PLOT</span><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Spy Smasher</span>, after escaping the Nazi's in France, returns to America to fight Nazi scum, while uncovering <span style="font-weight:bold;">The Masks</span> spy ring. Mistaken identity, sacrifice, secret hideouts... <span style="font-weight:bold;">Spy Smasher</span> delivers. Period.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_JJF2qHglOUk/SpeRPSUsL2I/AAAAAAAAAwU/txTmSQrLNrw/s1600-h/chapman.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 296px; height: 248px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_JJF2qHglOUk/SpeRPSUsL2I/AAAAAAAAAwU/txTmSQrLNrw/s400/chapman.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5374924372092661602" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_JJF2qHglOUk/SpeRO-I74qI/AAAAAAAAAwM/24ad2Nrx7-Y/s1600-h/kane_richmond1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 246px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_JJF2qHglOUk/SpeRO-I74qI/AAAAAAAAAwM/24ad2Nrx7-Y/s400/kane_richmond1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5374924366674649762" /></a><span style="font-weight:bold;"><br />THOUGHTS</span><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Spy Smasher</span> is without a doubt, the best serial- <span style="font-style:italic;">ever</span>. And I am not saying it in a fan-worship kinda way, it really is. If you ran each chapter altogether as a solid movie, it would hold your attention and leave you feeling satisfied. When someone thinks of a Republic Serial, <span style="font-weight:bold;">Spy Smasher</span> is what they think of.<br /><br />There is weight to this serial that I haven't seen in any other. <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kane_Richmond">Richmond</a> does an awesome job portraying the twin brothers, and <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tris_Coffin">Coffin</a>'s performane steals the thunder from Hans Schumm's <span style="font-weight:bold;">the Mask</span>. It has the best plot line, the best character interactions, awesome set designs, locations, and superb acting. It feels like they held no expense. The opening sequence alone gives you a sense of patriotic duty and honor, prepping you for the fight ahead!<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Spy Smasher</span> is my favorite, and it is a gem that stands the test of time.Jay Fabareshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07860449586670551956noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-835898892175673180.post-10057551091977565622009-08-28T00:05:00.000-07:002009-08-28T01:35:06.982-07:00The Masked Marvel<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_JJF2qHglOUk/Spd3c15pCcI/AAAAAAAAAvk/WsL5Xuo5YlA/s1600-h/o_MASKEDMARVEL3.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 258px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_JJF2qHglOUk/Spd3c15pCcI/AAAAAAAAAvk/WsL5Xuo5YlA/s400/o_MASKEDMARVEL3.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5374896017678862786" /></a><br /><br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/X0-_LRjaNgw&hl=en&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/X0-_LRjaNgw&hl=en&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;"><br /><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Masked_Marvel">THE MASKED MARVEL</a></span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">CAST</span><br />William Forrest <span style="font-style:italic;">as</span> Martin Crane<br />Louise Currie <span style="font-style:italic;">as </span>Alice Hamilton<br />Johnny Arthur <span style="font-style:italic;">as </span>Mura Sakima, Japanese saboteur<br />Rod Bacon <span style="font-style:italic;">as</span> Jim Arnold<br />Richard Clarke <span style="font-style:italic;">as</span> Frank Jeffers<br />Anthony Warde <span style="font-style:italic;">as</span> 'Killer' Mace<br />David Bacon <span style="font-style:italic;">as</span> Bob Barton<br />Bill Healy <span style="font-style:italic;">as</span> Terry Morton<br />Howard C. Hickman <span style="font-style:italic;">as</span> Warren Hamilton<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">UNCREDITED</span><br />Tom Steele <span style="font-style:italic;">as</span> the Masked Marvel <br />Gayne Whitman <span style="font-style:italic;">as</span> The Masked Marvel's voice<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">PLOT</span><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">The Masked Marvel</span> is did things a little differently, by not revealing the hero's secret identity is until the very, <span style="font-style:italic;">very</span> end, the viewer is just as lost as the bad guys! A group of special investigators, who happen to dress alike, are trying to stop a Japanese saboteur, <span style="font-weight:bold;">Sakima</span> (played by a white guy), from sending stolen American secrets back to Japan! <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_JJF2qHglOUk/SpeC2lQVjXI/AAAAAAAAAv0/KbBIOBqG8ts/s1600-h/005.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 306px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_JJF2qHglOUk/SpeC2lQVjXI/AAAAAAAAAv0/KbBIOBqG8ts/s400/005.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5374908554515156338" /></a>image from <a href="http://economychapter.wordpress.com/">Yesterday's Thrills and Adventures</a><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">THOUGHTS</span><br />This serial is just plain awesome. <span style="font-weight:bold;">The Masked Marvel</span> has the best hero voice of any character I can think of from serials and a business suit never looked so cool! It's so practical, why doesn't every hero follow this? Who is the <span style="font-weight:bold;">Masked Marvel</span>? Well, in chapter one we know that he reveals himself to <span style="font-weight:bold;">Alice Hamilton</span>... (that doesn't sound right) and every chapter is some ingenious plot on Sakima's part, to figure out who he is. <br /><br />On a sad, crazy note- this serial has one of the most interesting <span style="font-style:italic;">true life</span> back stories I've ever come across. I mean, this is what Hollywood stories are made of.<br /><br />I won't do spoilers...Jay Fabareshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07860449586670551956noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-835898892175673180.post-33368264364148092872009-08-27T23:02:00.000-07:002009-08-27T23:04:05.545-07:00King of the RocketmenThere are 3 heavy hitters in my book; <span style="font-style:italic;">Spy Smasher, The Masked Marvel</span>, and <span style="font-style:italic;">King of the Rocketmen</span>. So lets start with these!<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_JJF2qHglOUk/SpdpH9z_rdI/AAAAAAAAAvU/o-tYQqt8wm0/s1600-h/King_Of_The_Rocket_Men+.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 255px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_JJF2qHglOUk/SpdpH9z_rdI/AAAAAAAAAvU/o-tYQqt8wm0/s400/King_Of_The_Rocket_Men+.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5374880265862622674" /></a><br /><br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/DRavD_AB8aA&hl=en&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/DRavD_AB8aA&hl=en&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;"><br /><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/King_of_the_Rocket_Men">KING OF THE ROCKETMEN</a></span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">CAST</span><br />Tristram Coffin <span style="font-style:italic;">as</span> Jeff King/Rocket Man<br />Mae Clarke <span style="font-style:italic;">as</span> Glenda Thomas<br />Don Haggerty <span style="font-style:italic;">as</span> Tony Dirken<br />House Peters Jr <span style="font-style:italic;">as </span>Burt Winslow<br />James Craven <span style="font-style:italic;">as </span>Professor Millard<br />I. Stanford Jolley <span style="font-style:italic;">as</span> Professor Bryant<br />Stanley Price <span style="font-style:italic;">as</span> Gunther Von Strum<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">PLOT</span><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">King of the Rocketmen</span> is a misleading title, because there are no other <span style="font-style:italic;">rocketmen</span> in the entire 12 chapter serial. The title is as such because of the hero's name, <span style="font-weight:bold;">Jeff King</span>, played by <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tris_Coffin">Tristam Coffin</a>, who for once is not playing the villain. The villain, <span style="font-weight:bold;">Doctor Vulcan</span>, needs to kill the world's leading scientists (who house themselves at Science Associates) before taking over the world. His 1st target Dr. Millard, who narrowly escapes death, lives secretly in a cave while his friend, Jeff King ala jetpack, tries to uncover who Doctor Vulcan really is. All the while, trying to keep his identity as Rocketman a secret. All this, in chapter one.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_JJF2qHglOUk/Spdp1OF3OMI/AAAAAAAAAvc/GsSF5OjPPj0/s1600-h/tris_chapcard.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 252px; height: 325px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_JJF2qHglOUk/Spdp1OF3OMI/AAAAAAAAAvc/GsSF5OjPPj0/s400/tris_chapcard.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5374881043326646466" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">THOUGHTS</span><br />I love Rocketman. It's perfectly paced, I feel like Republic serials tend to be (but I may be a little biased, since Republic is in my top 3). The 'dame', <span style="font-weight:bold;">Glenda Thomas</span>, is not your typical damsel in distress and not seeing the villain keeps you on your toes. It's awesome seeing the Rocket suit in action and the sound effects before take off is one of my earliest memories. This was the 1st time the Rocketsuit was introduced, and it was seen in several serials after. <br /><br />And flying with a jet pack... is just plain cool.Jay Fabareshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07860449586670551956noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-835898892175673180.post-40629614896489491572009-04-15T02:11:00.000-07:002009-04-15T02:12:21.003-07:00The First Post!Yeah, the first is always the hardest. So, lets just get a few things squared away.<br /><br /><em>Why am I starting this blog?</em><br /><br />Well, for one, it gives me something to do at 2am, but also I really want to share my love of serials and document my journey as I watch them. I just love them.<br /><br /><em>When did this love start?</em><br /><br />I guess my dad, trying to relive his childhood, is what helped formed mine. I was watching things like Spy Smasher, King of the Rocketmen, and The Masked Marvel by the time I was 3. I listened to Amos & Andy on tapes as well as The Shadow. Sometimes I think I grew up during the wrong time period. I remember when The Rocketeer came out and thinking "They stole that idea from Rocketman!"<br /><br /><em>What's a Serial?</em><br /><br />A Serial - or a Cliffhanger - was a short 13-20 minute movie that was part of a complete movie package during the early 1940's, and usually lasted for 12 episodes. For a dime (or was it a nickel?) kids would get a bag of popcorn and watch a few cartoons, the news, and a serial before whatever movie was about to show. The serial is action packed, with fighting taking place about 10 min in (in the good ones I'd say) and ends with some peril that the good guy needs to escape from (because really, why would I care if the bad guy is in danger?)<br /><br />The Serial is a forgotten art form I think, but it spawned the basis of the biggest movie franchise in recent memory- namely Indiana Jones and Star Wars (ever wonder why Star Wars were episode 4, episode 5 and 6?)These were based on the chapter system the serial followed.<br /><br />And as for Indy, wondering how in the hell he'd escape off that bridge in the Temple of Doom, was a classic cliffhanger moment.<br /><br />Yes. I <em>heart</em> serials and this blog is just a way for me to document some of my fondest memories from my childhood and to document the new discoveries.Jay Fabareshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07860449586670551956noreply@blogger.com0