Magic Lantern Video & Book Store

Sound  Movie  Serials
{ • Page Five - Sound Serials, 1940-1949 • }

poster for "Secret Agent X-9" [1945] sound cliffhanger serial               back on Page One:
top of page • books
documentaries & collections
image gallery
links

back on page Two:
silent serials

back on Page Three:
sound serials, 1930-1935
back on Page Four:
sound serials, 1936-1939

here on Page Five:
sound serials, 1940s

jump to 1945

on Page Six:
sound serials, 1950s & later

                square poster for "Superman" [1948] Columbia sound cliffhanger serial


browse Series & Sequels category on DVD at Amazon.com

Movie Serials & Movies Series Pages
at the various Nordell Books Group Online Bookstores

Magic Lantern's 'Batman' Pages
Magic Lantern's 'Charlie Chan' Pages
Magic Lantern's 'Flash Gordon' Page
BlackHat Mystery Bookstore's 'Fu Manchu' Page
'The Lone Ranger' Page at 'Readers of The Purple Sage' Western Bookstore
Magic Lantern's 'The Phantom' Movies Pages
'Secret Agent X-9' by Dashiell Hammett
Spirit of America Bookstore's 'Tarzan' Movies Page
'El Zorro' Page at 'Readers of The Purple Sage' Western Bookstore


Sound  Serials,  1940-49
back to silent serials • back to 1930s sound serials • jump to 1950s serials

·                                 ·

The Shadow 1940 15-chapter movie serial starring Victor Jory  "The Shadow" 15-chapter movie serial [Columbia Pictures Jan 1940]
The plot begins with dynamited railroads, wrecked airplanes, and blown-up industrial plants, bringing The Shadow into battle with 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. Chapter Titles: 1) The Doomed City, 2) The Shadow Attacks, 3) The Shadow's Peril, 4) In The Tiger's Lair, 5) Danger Above, 6) The Shadow's Trap, 7) Where Horror Waits, 8) The Shadow Rides The Rails, 9) The Devil In White, 10) The Underground Trap, 11) Chinatown Night, 12) Murder By Remote Control, 13) Wheels of Death, 14) The Sealed Room, and 15) The Shadow's Net Closes • Produced by Larry Darmour; directed by James W. Horne; written by Joseph F. Poland, Ned Dandy & Joseph O'Donnell, based upon stories in "The Shadow Magazine" by Walter B. Gibson; starring Victor Jory, Veda Ann Borg, Roger Moore, Robert Fiske, John Paul Jones, Jack Ingram, Chuck Hamilton, Edward Peil Sr., Frank LaRue, Richard Cramer {as the voice of The Black Tiger}, Philip Ahn, Griff Barnett, Dick Botiller, Budd Buster, Joe Caits, Horace B. Carpenter, Hal Cooke, Kernan Cripps, Franklyn Farnum, Eddie Fetherston, Charles K. French, Frank Hagney, Gordon Hart, Lloyd Ingraham, Jack Kennedy, Edward LeSaint, Tom London, Jack Low, Sam Lufkin, Mary MacLaren, Murdock MacQuarrie, Jack Rice, Marin Sais, Lee Shumway
Mill Creek Ent./Columbia Pictures b&w DVD [2013] for $12.99
full credits at IMDb • serial entry at Wikipedia

watch playlist of all 15 chapters [7/2020 upload] online at YouTube
watch Chapter 1 [30:43] online at YouTube • Chapter 2 [20:27] online at YouTube • Chapter 3 [21:02] online at YouTube
watch Chapter 4 [18:02] online at YouTube • Chapter 5 [18:52] online at YouTube • Chapter 6 [18:14] online at YouTube
watch Chapter 7 [15:58] online at YouTube • Chapter 8 [17:46] online at YouTube • Chapter 9 [19:09] online at YouTube
watch Chapter 10 [18:00] online at YouTube • Chapter 11 [17:40] online at YouTube • Chapter 12 [17:51] online at YouTube
watch Chapter 13 [17:51] online at YouTube • Chapter 14 [17.16] online at YouTube • Chapter 15 [17.15] online at YouTube

The Green Hornet serial 1940  "The Green Hornet" 13-chapter serial [Universal Jan 1940]
Based on the national radio program; newspaper editor Britt Reid and his Korean valet Kato don disguises as criminal master-mind The Green Hornet to combat rising crime and Syndicate racketeers who have taken over the city. Chapter Titles: 1. The Tunnel of Terror; 2. The Thundering Terror; 3. Flying Coffins; 4. Pillar of Flame; 5. The Time Bomb; 6. Highways of Peril; 7. Bridge of Disaster; 8. Dead or Alive; 9. The Hornet Trapped; 10. Bullets and Ballots; 11. Disaster Rides The Rails; 12. Panic In The Zoo; and 13. Doom of The Under-world; DVD extras include 2 radio episodes • Directed by Ford Beebe & Ray Taylor; starring Gordon Jones, Keye Luke, Wade Boteler, Anne Nagel, Phillip Trent, Cy Kendall & Alan Ladd
V.C.I. Ent. b&w DVD [7/2009] 2 disks for $21.49
Anchor Bay b&w VHS [2/94] 2 tapes for $14.99
Video Treasures b&w VHS [undated] $19.88
full credits at IMDb • serial entry at Wikipedia
"The Green Hornet" feature [1990]
re-edited from six episodes for 1990 video feature release • credits at IMDb

"Terry and The Pirates" serial [April 1940] /tt0033139/
https://www.amazon.com/Terry-Pirates-William-Tracy/dp/B00028G6D0/

lobby card for Chapter 1 of 'The Adventures of Red Ryder' 1940 12-chapter movie serial  "The Adventures of Red Ryder™" 12-chapter serial [Republic Pictures June 1940]
A banker is killing ranchers to gain control of all the land in the area and make a big profit selling it to the railroad; filmed at Lake Sherwood, Simi Valley, Newhall, and Iverson Ranch in Southern California. Chapter Titles: 1. Murder On The Santa Fe Trail; 2. Horsemen of Death; 3. Trail's End; 4. Water Rustlers; 5. Avalanche; 6. Hangman's Noose; 7. Framed; 8. Blazing Walls; 9. Records of Doom; 10. One Second To Live; 11. The Devil's Marksman; and 12. Frontier Justice • Produced by Hiram S. Brown Jr.; directed by William Witney & John English; starring Don 'Red' Barry {as Red Ryder}, Tommy Cook {as Little Beaver}, Noah Beery Sr., Maude Allen, Vivian Austin, Harry Worth, Hal Taliaferro, William Farnum, Bob Kortman, Carleton Young, Ray Teal, Gene Alsace & Gayne Whitman
V.C.I. Video b&w DVD [10/2000] out of prodn/used
V.C.I./F.F.I. b&w VHS [9/2000] 2 tapes for $5.00
serial credits at IMDb • movie entry at Wikipedia

watch official serial trailer [10/2014 upload; 1:48] online at Internet Archive
watch all twelve chapters [4/2019 uploads] online at Internet Archive: Chapter 1 [28:16] • Chapter 2 [17:09] •
Chapter 3 [17:09] • Chapter 4 [17:44] • Chapter 5 [17:12] • Chapter 6 [17:09] • Chapter 7 [17:10] •
Chapter 8 [16:60] • Chapter 9 [17:11] • Chapter 10 [17:04] • Chapter 11 [17:06] • Chapter 12 [17:17]

"Winners of The West" 13-chapter Western serial [July 1940] /tt0033269/
https://www.amazon.com/Winners-West-Dick-Foran/dp/B0007OP18A/

"The Green Archer" 15-chapter serial [Oct 1940] /tt0032557/

Mysterious Doctor Satan 1940 15-chapter serial  Spanish-language poster for 'El Misterioso Doctor Satαn' 1940 15-chapter serial  "Mysterious Doctor Satan" 15-chapter serial [Republic Pictures Dec 1940]
A mad scientist needs key technologies to replicate his protoype robot and conquer the world; originally written for Superman, but rights issues intervened, so enigmatic hero Copperhead got the job . . . Chapter titles: 1) Return of The Copperhead; 2) Thirteen Steps; 3) Undersea Tomb; 4) The Human Bomb; 5) Dr. Satan's Man of Steel; 6) Double Cross; 7) The Monster Strikes; 8) Highway of Death; 9) Double Jeopardy; 10) Bridge of Peril; 11) Death Closes In; 12) Crack-Up; 13) Disguised; 14) The Flaming Coffin; and 15) Dr. Satan Strikes; the Spanish-language release was called "El Misterioso Doctor Satαn, o El Tanque Humano" (The Human Tank) • Directed by John English & William Witney; starring Eduardo Cianelli, Robert Wilcox, William Newell, C. Montague Shaw, Ella Neal, Dorothy Herbert, Charles Trowbridge, Jack Mulhall, Edwin Stanley, Walter McGrail, Joe McGuinn, Bud Geary, Paul Marion, Archie Twitchell, Lynton Brent, Ken Terrell, Al Taylor, Yakima Canutt; one of 26 Republic serials re-released as a feature film for television in 1966: title changed to "Doctor Satan's Robot" and cut down to 100-minutes in length
Republic Pictures Home Video b&w DVD-R [2/2015] for $11.99
full credits at IMDb • serial entry at Wikipedia

The Green Hornet Strikes Again! serial 1941  "The Green Hornet Strikes Again !" 15-chapter serial [Universal Jan 1941]
Based on the national radio program; newspaper editor Britt Reid and his Korean valet Kato again don disguises as criminal mastermind The Green Hornet to combat rising crime and Syndicate racketeers who have taken over the city, this time it's Boss Crogan. Chapter Titles: 1. Flaming Havoc; 2. The Plunge of Peril; 3. The Avenging Heavens; 4. A Night of Terror; 5. Shattering Doom; 6. The Fatal Flash; 7. Death In The Clouds; 8. Human Targets; 9. The Tragic Crash; 10. Blazing Fury; 11. Thieves of The Night; 12. Crashing Barriers; 13. The Flaming Inferno; 14. Racketeering Vultures; and 15. Smashing The Crime Ring; DVD extras include photo gallery & 2 radio episodes Directed by Ford Beebe & John Rawlins; starring Warren Hull, Keye Luke, Wade Boteler, Anne Nagel, Pierre Watkin & Dorothy Lovett
Restored Serials b&w Blu-ray [2010] produced on demand, sold via Amazon
V.C.I. Ent. b&w DVD [7/2009] 2 disks for $27.49
Anchor Bay b&w VHS [12/97] 2 tapes for $12.50
full credits at IMDb • serial entry at Wikipedia

"Adventures of Captain Marvel" 12-chapter serial [March 1941] /tt0033317/ starring Tom Tyler
https://www.amazon.com/Adventures-of-Captain-Marvel/dp/B011BRJU7O/
the first depiction of a comic book super hero on live-action film

"Sky Raiders" 12-chapter serial [April 1941] /tt0034197/
https://www.amazon.com/Sky-Raiders-Chapter-Movie-Serial/dp/B0002W4SPO/
https://www.amazon.com/Raiders-Feature-Length-Version-Donald-Woods/dp/B01GUOPQU8/ = feature

Jungle Girl 1941 movie serial, poster for Chapter 1  "Jungle Girl" 15-chapter serial [Republic Pictures June 1941 & April 1947]
A doctor gains influence over the African Masamba people, who control a diamond mine; the jealous witch doctor helps a gang of crooks kill the doctor, and then attempt to kill his daughter Nyoka, for a sacred amulet. Chapter Titles: 1. Death By Voodoo; 2. Queen of Beasts; 3. River of Fire; 4. Treachery; 5. Jungle Vengeance; 6. Tribal Fury; 7. The Poison Dart; 8. Man Trap; 9. Treasure Tomb; 10. Jungle Killer; 11. Dangerous Secret; 12. Trapped; 13. Ambush; 14. Diamond Trail; and 15. Flight To Freedom • Directed by William Witney & John English; based on the 1932 novel by Edgar Rice Burroughs; starring Frances Gifford, Tom Neal, Trevor Bardette {dual role}, Eddie Acuff, Frank Lackteen, Tommy Cook, Robert Barron, Al Kikume, Bud Geary, Al Taylor, Joe McGuinn, Jerry Frank, Ken Terrell & Jay Silverheels
V.C.I. Video b&w DVD [12/2000] 2 disks for $17.99
V.C.I. Video b&w VHS [6/2001] 2 tapes - out of prodn/used
27"x40" Chapter 1 poster {as at left} from Amazon for $12.59
11"x17" Chapter 1 poster {as at left} from Amazon for $3.66
full credits at IMDb • serial entry at Wikipedia

Riders of Death Valley 15-chapter 1941 Western serial  
Riders of Death Valley 15-chapter 1941 Western serial - red-black-white poster  
"Riders of Death Valley" 15-chapter Western serial [Universal Pictures July 1941]
Location filming in Mohave Valley, Arizona and at Death Valley National Park, Kernville, Red Rock Canyon State Park & Iverson Ranch in Cali-fornia; known for the long stagecoach attack sequence; plot elements include a lost mine, stagecoach robberies, a corrupt judge, miners & prosp-ectors • Chapter Titles: 1. Death Marks The Trail!; 2. The Menacing Herd!; 3. The Plungle of Peril!; 4. Flaming Fury; 5. The Avalanche of Doom!; 6. Blood and Gold; 7. Death Rides The Storm!; 8. Descending Doom!; 9. Death Holds The Reins!; 10. Devouring Flames!; 11. The Fatal Blast!; 12. Thundering Doom!; 13. Bridge of Disaster!; 14. A Fight To The Death!; 15. The Harvest of Hate! • Produced by Henry MacRae; directed by Ford Beebe & Ray Taylor; original story by Oliver Drake, screenplay by Sherman L. Lowe, George H. Plympton, Basil Dickey, Jack O'Donnell; starring Dick Foran, Leo Carrillo, Buck Jones, Charles Bickford, Guinn 'Big Boy' Williams, Lon Chaney Jr., Noah Beery Jr., Jean Kelly Brooks, Richard Alexander, James Blaine, Monte Blue, Glenn Strange, Roy Barcroft, Jack Rockwell, Ethan Laidlaw, Frank Austin, Charles Thomas, William Hall, James Guilfoyle, Ernie Adams, Rod Cameron, Ivor McFadden, Jim Farley, Bud Osborne, Jack Perrin, Tombstone's horse Silver, Jim's horse Smoke
full credits at IMDb • serial entry at Wikipedia
V.C.I. Video b&w Blu-ray [11/2020] 2 disks for $17.49
V.C.I. Video b&w DVD [11/2020] 2 disks for $13.99
Reel Vault b&w DVD [7/2015] for $13.01
V.C.I. Video b&w DVD [8/2005] for $13.99
V.C.I. Video b&w VHS [6/2002] for $18.95
"Riders of Death Valley: Chapters 1-15" - possibly 90-minute edited-down feature
Alpha Video b&w DVD [4/2005] for $6.98

"Sea Raiders" 12-chapter serial [Oct 1941] /tt0034161/
starring the Dead End Kids: Billy Halop, Huntz Hall, Gabriel Dell, Hal E. Chester, Bernard Punsly
https://www.amazon.com/Dead-End-Kids-Raiders-Volumes/dp/B000YDKAK8/

'Dick Tracy vs. Crime Inc.' 15-chapter serial aka 'Dick Tracy vs. The Phantom Empire'  "Dick Tracy vs. Crime Inc." 15-chapter serial [Republic Pictures Dec 1941 & Oct 1953]
re-released as "Dick Tracy vs. The Phantom Empire" in 1953; Dick Tracy goes up against a villain known as The Ghost, who can turn himself invisible. Chapter Titles: 1) The Fatal Hour; 2) The Prisoner Vanishes; 3) Doom Patrol; 4) Dead Man's Trap; 5) Murder At Sea; 6) Besieged; 7) Sea Racketeers; 8) Train of Doom; 9) Beheaded; 10) Flaming Peril; 11) Seconds To Live; 12) Trial By Fire; 13) The Challenge; 14) Invisible Terror; and 15) Retribution • Directed by John English & William Witney; starring Ralph Byrd, Michael Owen, Jan Wiley, John Davidson, Ralph Morgan, Kenneth Harlan, John Dilson, Howard C. Hickman, Robert Frazer, Robert Fiske, Jack Mulhall, Hooper Atchley, Anthony Warde, Chuck Morrison
V.C.I. Ent. b&w DVD [10/2008] 2 disks for $13.99
full credits at IMDb • serial entry at Wikipedia
watch complete serial [1/2016 upload; 3:32:52] online at YouTube

"Don Winslow of The Navy" 12-chapter serial [Jan 1942] /tt0034664/ starring Don Terry
https://www.amazon.com/Don-Winslow-Navy-Volumes-Complete/dp/B000YDKAGW/

"Gang Busters" 13-chapter serial [March 1942] /tt0034767/
fictional story loosely based on the popular true-crime radio show
https://www.amazon.com/Gang-Busters-Volumes-Complete-Serial/dp/B000YDKAHG/

Spy Smasher 1942 12-chapter movie serial  "Spy Smasher" 12-chapter serial [Republic Pictures April 1942]
Alan Armstrong, aka Spy Smasher, battles Nazi villain The Mask and his gang of saboteurs. Chapter Titles: 1. America Beware; 2. Human Target; 3. Iron Coffin; 4. Stratosphere Invaders; 5. Descending Doom; 6. The Invisible Witness; 7. Secret Weapon; 8. Sea Raiders; 9. Highway Racketeers; 10. 2700° Fahrenheit; 11. Hero's Death; and 12. V...; a 100-minute TV movie was edited down from the serial footage and syndicated in 1966 as "Spy Smasher Returns". Directed by William Witney; starring Kane Richmond, Marguerite Chapman, Sam Flint, Hans Schumm, Tristram Coffin, Franco Corsaro, Hans von Morhart, Georges Renavent, Rudolph Anders, Henry Zynda, Paul Bryar, Tom London, Richard Bond, Crane Whitley, John James & Yakima Canutt
A.T.I. b&w DVD [9/2013] for $11.90
full credits at IMDb • serial entry at Wikipedia

watch the first chapter free online at Internet Archive
#1 [28:35] • the other chapters are not uploaded (2016)

"Junior G-Men of The Air" 12-chapter serial [June 1942] /tt0034930/
starring the Dead End Kids: Billy Halop, Huntz Hall, Gabriel Dell, Bernard Punsly, Frankie Darro
https://www.amazon.com/Junior-G-Men-Air-Volumes-Complete/dp/B000YDKAIU/

"Perils of Nyoka" 15-chapter serial [Republic June 1942] /tt0035181/
sequel to "Jungle Girl" [June 1941]; starring Kay Aldridge, Clayton Moore, William 'Billy' Benedict, Lorna Gray
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Perils_of_Nyoka
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EjfBUnI7OCw [3.37]

"Nyoka and The Tigermen" [re-release April 1952]
https://www.amazon.com/Nyoka-Tigermen-VHS-Kay-Aldridge/dp/B000003NZG/ vhs

"Nyoka and The Lost Secrets of Hippocrates" TV movie [1966] /tt0060769


"The Return of Nyoka The Jungle Girl" [2010]
90-minute video release starring Nicola Rae, 'gorilla man' Chris Casteel
http://www.amazon.com/RETURN-JUNGLE-Pierce-Knightly-Casteel/dp/B00E1QQ35K/ DVD-R

"Nyoka The Jungle Girl Rides Again" [2011]
90-minute video release starring Nicola Rae, 'gorilla man' Chris Casteel, Pierce Knightly
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SiHJmm7eBfY

"Nyoka and The Lost Amulet of Vultura" [Sept 2014] /tt4610970/
90-minute video release starring Nicola Rae, 'gorilla man' Chris Casteel, Pierce Knightly
https://www.amazon.com/Amulet-Vultura-Pierce-Knightly-Casteel/dp/B00NPDE32A/
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZD_LNOTu9wA

The Secret Code 1942 15-chapter movie serial  "The Secret Code" 15-chapter serial [Columbia Pictures Sept 1942]
Police Lieutenant Dan Barton is thrown off the force so that he can infiltrate a gang of Nazi spies; he disguises himself as the Black Commando to prevent the Nazis from getting a secret formula. Chapter Titles: 1. Enemy Passport; 2. The Shadow of The Swastika; 3. Nerve Gas; 4. The Sea Spy Strikes; 5. Wireless Warning; 6. Flaming Oil; 7. Submarine Signal; 8. The Missing Key; 9. The Radio Bomb; 10. Blind Bombardment; 11. Kars of The Enemy; 12. Scourge of The Orient; 13. Pawn of The Spy Ring; 14. Dead Men of The Deep; and 15. The Secret Code Smashed; also released as a feature film. • Directed by Spencer Gordon Bennet; starring Paul Kelly, Anne Nagel, Trevor Bardette, Rudolph Anders, Clancy Cooper, Gregory Gaye, Ludwig Donath, Selmer Jackson & Beal Wong
indep b&w DVD-R [2/2013] 2 disks - out of prodn/scarce
full credits at IMDb • serial entry at Wikipedia

"Adventures of Smilin' Jack" serial [Jan 1943] /tt0035611/
https://www.amazon.com/Adventures-Smilin-Jack-Brown/dp/B00HXH5X8M/

"G-Men vs. The Black Dragon" 15-chapter serial [Jan 1943] /tt0035913/
https://www.amazon.com/G-Men-Vs-Black-Dragon-Cameron/dp/B01K5Z8MHM/
https://www.amazon.com/G-Men-vs-Black-Dragon-Cameron/dp/B000LWN24S/

"Don Winslow of The Coast Guard" serial [April 1943] /tt0035819/
https://www.amazon.com/Don-Winslow-Coast-Guard-Terry/dp/B006T5GTIW/

The Batman 1943 15-chapter movie serial  "The Batman" 15-chapter serial [Columbia Pictures April 1943 & July 1954]
Due to post-Pearl Harbor sentiment, the original serial included racist anti-Japanese dialogue; Batman & Robin battle Dr. Daka, who has invented a radium-powered death ray and a device that turns people into radio-transmitting pseudo-zombies. Chapter Titles: 1. The Electrical Brain; 2. The Bat's Cave; 3. The Mark of The Zombies; 4. Slaves of The Rising Sun; 5. The Living Corpse; 6. Poison Peril; 7. The Phony Doctor; 8. Lured By Radium; 9. The Sign of The Sphinx; 10. Flying Spies; 11. Nipponese Trap; 12. Embers of Evil; 13. Eight Steps Down; 14. The Executioner Strikes; and 15. The Doom of The Rising Sun • Directed by Lambert Hillyer; based on the DC Comics character; starring Lewis Wilson {as Batman}, Douglas Croft {as Robin}, J. Carrol Naish, Shirley Patterson, Frank Austin & William Austin {as butler Alfred}
Sony Pictures b&w DVD [10/2005] 2 disks for $12.49
Goodtimes Home Video Volume 1 b&w VHS [1990] out of prodn/many used
Goodtimes Home Video Volume 2 b&w VHS [1990] out of prodn/many used
27"x40" Chapter 14 poster {as at left} from Amazon for $12.59
more "The Batman" 1943 serial posters from Amazon
full credits at IMDb • serial entry at Wikipedia

"Secret Service in Darkest Africa" 15-chapter serial [July 1943] /tt0036337/
'15 daring dynamic punch-packed episodes' starring Rod Cameron, Joan Marsh, Duncan Renaldo

"Manhunt In The African Jungle" [1943]
https://www.amazon.com/MANHUNT-AFRICAN-JUNGLE-Cliffhanger-Cameron/dp/B00DPMYS3U/
https://www.amazon.com/Manhunt-African-Jungle-VHS-Cameron/dp/6300209318/
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RiqX9B01z9I [1:51]

"Adventures of The Flying Cadets" serial [Sept 1943] /tt0035613/
https://www.amazon.com/Adventures-Flying-Cadets-13-Chapters/dp/B0009HLCNS/

'The Phantom' serial 1943 starring Tom Tyler  "The Phantom" 15-chapter serial [Columbia Pictures Dec 1943]
Based on the long-running Sunday comic strip created in 1936 by Lee Falk. An archeologist, greedy treasure hunters, and foreign spies each seek the Lost City of Zoloz; the spies stir up the peaceful natives and kill The Phantom, so his young son inherits the Skull Throne and all its dangers.
Directed by B. Reeves Eason; starring Tom Tyler & Jeanne Bates
V.C.I. Ent. b&w DVD [1/2001] 2 disks for $14.99
V.C.I. Ent. b&w VHS [3/2000] 2 tapes - out of prodn/used
full credits from IMDb • serial entry at Wikipedia

"Daredevils of The West" serial [Republic 1943] /tt0035780/
re-discovered 65 years after the film vanished

"Captain America" 15-chapter serial
[Republic Feb 1944, re-release May 1953]
halfsheet poster for 'Captain America' 1944 Republic 15-chapter serial   Superhero Captain America battles the evil forces of archvillain The Scarab, who poisons his enemies and steals a secret device capable of destroying buildings by sound vibrations. In the serial, Captain America's real name is Grant Gardner and he is the city's district attorney. Chapter Titles: 1. The Purple Death; 2. Mechanical Executioner; 3. Scarlet Shroud; 4. Preview of Murder; 5. Blade of Wrath; 6. Vault of Vengeance; 7. Wholesale Destruction; 8. Cremation In The Clouds; 9. Triple Tragedy; 10. The Avenging Corpse; 11. The Dead Man Returns; 12. Horror On The Highway; 13. Skyscraper Plunge; 14. The Scarab Strikes; and 15. The Toll of Doom
Directed by Elmer Clifton & John English; based on the comic book character by Jack Kirby & Joe Simon; starring Dick Purcell, Lorna Gray, Lionel Atwill, Charles Trowbridge, Russell Hicks, George J. Lewis, John Davidson, Norman Nesbitt, Hugh Sothern, Tom Chatterton, Robert Frazer, John Hamilton, Crane Whitley, Edward Keane, John Bagni, Jay Novello, Lynton Brent, John Daheim, George DeNormand, Fred Graham, Duke Green, Charles Hutchison, Bert LeBaron, Paul Marion, Post Park, Gil Perkins, Allen Pomeroy, Jeffrey Sayre, George Sherwood, Ben Taggart, Ken Terrell, Dale Van Sickel, Edward Van Sloan, Joe Yrigoyen; re-released in May 1953 as "Return of Captain America"
Starry Night Video b&w DVD [12/2016] for $10.00
P.R. Studios b&w DVD [2/2009] for $16.99
Video Treasures/Republic b&w VHS [10/93] for $10.99
serial credits at IMDb • serial entry at Wikipedia
watch official 'Return' trailer [8/2016 upload; 1:53] online at YouTube
watch full serial [12/2014 upload; 4:02:57] online at YouTube

"The Great Alaskan Mystery" 13-chapter Western serial [April 1944] /tt0036878/
https://www.amazon.com/Great-Alaskan-Mystery-Volumes-Complete/dp/B000YDKAHQ/
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1CFSzIAeRUs [1:29]

"The Tiger Woman" 12-chapter film serial [Republic Pictures May 1944] /tt0037378/
https://www.amazon.com/Tiger-Woman-Jungle-Goddess-Darkest/dp/6301216326/ vhs
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SkzF9cqs4is [1:48]
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLLCezLJkA_nrJ0uHhfO0kDheaTMhe8dXZ = all 12 chapters

edited feature "Jungle Gold" [1945] /tt0274965/
https://www.amazon.com/Jungle-Gold-Linda-Stirling/dp/B007012LV8/

edited feature "Perils of The Darkest Jungle" [1953 re-release]
https://www.amazon.com/Tiger-Woman-Jungle-Goddess-Darkest/dp/6301216326/

Raiders of Ghost City 1944 film serial  "Raiders of Ghost City" 13-chapter Western serial [Universal Pictures July 1944]
"Thirteen chapters of flaming lead!" - During the Civil War, two Union agents are assigned to stop robbery of gold shipments from California by a gang of Prussians pretending to be Confederates; the good guys win. Chapter titles: 1. Murder By Accident; 2. Flaming Treachery; 3. Death Rides Double; 4. Ghost City Terror; 5. The Fatal Lariat; 6. Water Rising; 7. Bullet Avalanche; 8. Death Laughs Last; 9. Cold Steel; 10. Showdown; 11. The Trail To Torture; 12. Calling All Buckboards; and 13. Golden Vengeance • Directed by Lewis D. Collins & Ray Taylor; written by Luci Ward & Morgan Cox; starring Dennis Moore, Wanda McKay, Lionel Atwill, Joe Sawyer, Regis Toomey, Virginia Christine, Eddy Waller, Emmett Vogan, Addison Richards, Rex Lease, Ray Teal & Chief Thundercloud
Alpha Home Ent. b&w DVD [7/2006] for $5.98
V.C.I. Ent. b&w DVD [7/2006] out of prodn/used (bonus features include bios & theatrical trailers)
full credits at IMDb • serial entry at Wikipedia • watch all 13 episodes free online at Internet Archive

"Mystery of The River Boat" 13-chapter film serial [Oct 1944] /tt0037114/
https://www.amazon.com/Mystery-Riverboat-Robert-Lowery/dp/B00HXH5WJM/
https://www.amazon.com/Mystery-Riverboat-VHS-Robert-Lowery/dp/6301778251/
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QdP2tMxIUHw [1:31]
http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLckT6UY6rkg2-PphXne4qMde1vxwfmmot = all 13 chapters

Zorro's Black Whip 1944 film serial starring Linda Stirling  "Zorro's Black Whip" 12-chapter Western serial [Republic Pictures Nov 1944]
In Idaho Territory circa 1890, a local tyrant kills the newspaper owner for promoting statehood; the dead man's sister dons a mask & cape and uses her whip to wreak vengeance against the bad guys, aided by a handsome government agent. Chapter Titles: 1. The Masked Avenger; 2. Tomb of Terror; 3. Mob Murder; 4. Detour To Death; 5. Take Off That Mask!; 6. Fatal Gold; 7. Wolf Pack; 8. The Invisible Victim; 9. Avalanche; 10. Fangs of Doom; 11. Flaming Juggernaut; and 12. Trail of Tyranny • Directed by Spencer Gordon Bennet & Wallace Grissell; starring Linda Stirling, George J. Lewis, Lucien Littlefield & Francis McDonald
Echo Bridge Home Ent. b&w DVD [4/2003] for $4.98
Alpha Home Ent. b&w DVD [11/2007] 2 disks for $15.96
Republic Pictures b&w VHS [5/95] out of prodn/used
full credits at IMDb • serial entry at Wikipedia • watch all 12 episodes free online at Internet Archive

Zorro Cliffhanger Collection DVD box set  "Zorro Cliffhanger Collection, 1937-44" DVD Box Set
V.C.I. Video b&w DVD [12/2003] for $26.99
Passport Video {lesser quality} b&w DVD [1/2006] 5 disks for $13.49
contains three 12-chapter serials: "Zorro Rides Again" [1937] starring John Carroll; "Zorro's Fighting Legion" [1939] starring Reed Hadley; and "Zorro's Black Whip" [1944] starring Linda Stirling; extras include trailers & actor bios
each serial is also available individually above

more Zorro stuff (movies, synopses, books, author info) can be found on the
'El Zorro' Page at 'Readers of The Purple Sage' Western Bookstore

"Brenda Starr, Reporter" 13-chapter serial [Columbia Jan 1945] /tt0037556/
http://www.genordell.com/stores/spirit/cartoonists2.htm#BSR

"Jungle Queen" 13-chapter serial [Jan 1945] starring Ruth Roman
https://www.amazon.com/Jungle-Queen-Ruth-Roman/dp/B0013K1AJ6/

"Manhunt of Mystery Island" 15-chapter serial [March 1945]
https://www.amazon.com/Manhunt-Mystery-Island-Richard-Bailey/dp/B01GOZDNL2/
https://www.amazon.com/Manhunt-Mystery-Island-Linda-Stirling/dp/B00AGKHG4M/

"The Master Key" 13-chapter serial [April 1945] /tt0037904/
https://www.amazon.com/Master-Key-Milburn-Stone/dp/B000E97HW6/

15-chapter serial 'The Monster and The Ape'  "The Monster and The Ape" 15-chapter serial [Columbia Pictures April 1945]
After a scientist unveils his new Metalogen Man, his assistants are killed by a gorilla named Thor and the robot is stolen; Chapter Titles: 1. The Mechanical Terror; 2. The Edge of Doom; 3. Flames of Fate; 4. The Fatal Search; 5. Rocks of Doom; 6. A Friend In Disguise; 7. A Scream In The Night; 8. Death In The Dark; 9. The Secret Tunnel; 10. Forty Thousand Volts; 11. The Mad Pro-fessor; 12. Shadows of Destiny; 13. The Gorilla At Large; 14. His Last Flight; and 15. Justice Triumphs • Directed by Howard Bretherton; written by Royal K. Cole & Sherman L. Lowe; starring Robert Lowery, George Macready, Ralph Morgan, Carole Mathews, Willie Best, Jack Ingram, Anthony Warde, Ted Mapes, Eddie Parker, Stanley Price, Charles King, Bud Osborne, Kenneth MacDonald, Ray Corrigan {as Thor}, John Elliott, Kit Guard
Cheezy Media b&w DVD [7/2010] for $12.90
Cheezy Media b&w DVD [9/2013] for $4.00 + s/h from distributor
full credits at IMDb • serial entry at Wikipedia

Secret Agent X-9 serial 1945  "Secret Agent X-9" 13-chapter serial [Universal July 1945]
American, Australian & Chinese agents join forces against the Nazis & the Japanese over the formula for a synthetic jet fuel. Based on the 1930s comic strips written by Dashiell Hammett; starring Lloyd Bridges, Keye Luke, Jan Wiley, Victoria Horne, Samuel S. Hinds, Cy Kendall, Jack Overman, Benson Fong & Arno Frey
V.C.I. Ent. b&w DVD [1/2003] 2 disks for $17.99
V.C.I. Ent. b&w VHS [2/2003] 2 tapes for $28.49
1945 serial credits from IMDb • serial entry at Wikipedia

"Federal Operator 99" 12-chapter serial [July 1945 & Oct 1956] /tt0037694/
https://www.amazon.com/Federal-Operator-VHS-Maurice-Cass/dp/6302944945/ 2 tapes

The Royal Mounted Rides Again 13-chapter serial  "The Royal Mounted Rides Again" 13-chapter serial [Universal Pictures Oct 1945]
Filmed in Big Bear Valley, California; when a mill owner is found murdered, suspicion falls on a mine owner, whose son is a Canadian Mountie. Chapter Titles: 1. Canaska Gold; 2. The Avalanche Trap; 3. River On Fire; 4. Skyline Target; 5. Murder Toboggan; 6. Ore Car Accident; 7. Buckboard Runaway; 8. Thundering Water; 9. Dead Men For Decoys; 10. Derringer Death; 11. Bight Trail Danger; 12. $20 Doubloons; and 13. Flaming Showdown • Directed by Lewis D. Collins & Ray Taylor; starring Bill Kennedy, Daun Kennedy, Milburn Stone, George Dolenz, Robert Armstrong, Tom Fadden, Paul E. Burns, Danny Morton & Addison Richards
V.C.I. Video b&w DVD [5/2007] for $16.95
full credits at IMDb • serial entry at Wikipedia

'Lost City of The Jungle' 1946 13-chapter serial  "Lost City of The Jungle" 13-chapter serial [Universal Pictures April 1946]
A new radioactive element is found in the Himalayan province of Pendrang that is said to be a defense against the atomic bomb; war-mongers, a fake archaeologist, and an agent of the United Peace Foundation converge in Pendrang. Universal's second-to-last serial; released in 1951 as TV feature. Chapter Titles: 1. Himalaya Horror; 2. The Death Flood; 3. Wave Length For Doom; 4. The Pit of Pendrang; 5. Fiery Danger; 6. Death's Shining Face; 7. Speedboat Missing; 8. Fire Jet Torture; 9. Zalabor Death Watch; 10. Booby Trap Rendezvous; 11. Pendrang Guillotine; 12. Jungle Smash-up; and 13. Atomic Vengeance • Directed by Lewis D. Collins & Ray Taylor; written by Joseph F. Poland, Paul Huston & Tom Gibson; starring Russell Hayden, Jane Adams, Lionel Atwill {died during filming}, Keye Luke, Helen Bennett, Ted Hecht, John Eldredge, John Mylong, John Miljan, John Gallaudet, George Lynn, Dick Curtis, Arthur Space, Frances Chung, Gene Roth, Ralph Lewis, Clarence Lung, Paul Bryar
V.C.I. Home Video b&w DVD [2001] for $11.47
full credits at IMDb • movie entry at Wikipedia

"The Mysterious Mr. M" 13-chapter serial [July 1946] /tt0038767/
https://www.amazon.com/Mysterious-Mr-VHS-Edmund-MacDonald/dp/6303987699/ 2 tapes

Universal Pictures shut down production of further serial films in mid-1946; three additional serials in pre-production were cancelled:
"The Yukon Sky Patrol", "The Scarlet Horseman Rides Again" (sequel), and "The Evil Eye".

1947 Son of Zorro 13-chapter sound serial starring George Turner  "Son of Zorro" 13-chapter serial [Republic Pictures Jan 1947]
Returning after the Civil War, a young attorney finds his hometown gripped by crooked politicians; legal methods fail, so he dons the costume of his ancestor El Zorro. Chapter titles: 1. Outlaw Country; 2. The Deadly Millstone; 3. Fugitive From Injustice; 4. Buried Alive; 5. Water Trap; 6. Volley of Death; 7. The Fatal Records; 8. Third Degree; 9. Shoot To Kill; 10. Den of The Beast; 11. The Devil's Trap; 12. Blazing Walls; and 13. Checkmate • Directed by Spencer Gordon Bennet & Fred C. Brannon; starring George Turner, Stanley Price, Peggy Stewart, Roy Barcroft, Ed Cassidy, Ernie Adams, Ken Terrell & Edmund Cobb
b&w remastered DVD [undated] 2 disks - out of prodn/scarce
Republic Pictures VHS [5/95] 2 tapes for $11.48
full credits at IMDb • serial entry at Wikipedia

Perils of Pauline 1947 feature film starring Betty Hutton  "The Perils of Pauline" feature film [Paramount July 1947]
This film is now public domain; romanticized account of seamstress Pearl White's discovery and rapid rise to silent serial stardom • Directed by George Marshall; starring Betty Hutton, John Lund, Billy De Wolfe. William Demarest, Constance Collier & Frank Faylen, with silent movie stalwarts William Farnum, Chester Conklin, Paul Panzer, 'Snub' Pollard, Creighton Hale & James Finlayson
ROAN Technicolor DVD [2/2000] for $17.99
Bridgestone Multimedia color VHS [5/98] out of prodn/used
Madacy color VHS [9/97] out of prodn/used
Madacy color VHS [undated] out of prodn/used
full credits from IMDb • movie entry at Wikipedia

Jesse James Rides Again 1947 movie serial  "Jesse James Rides Again" 13-chapter serial [Republic Pictures Aug 1947 & March 1955]
Outlaw Jesse James and his friend meet a pretty young woman and her elderly father, who are being forced off their ranch by a gang because there's oil underneath it. Chapter Titles: 1. The Black Raiders; 2. Signal For Action; 3. The Stacked Deck; 4. Concealed Evidence; 5. The Corpse of Jesse James; 6. The Traitor; 7. Talk or Die!; 8. Boomerang; 9. The Captured Raider; 10. The Revealing Torch; 11. The Spy; 12. Black Gold; and 13. Deadline At Midnight • Directed by Fred C. Brannon & Thomas Carr; starring Clayton Moore, Linda Stirling, Roy Barcroft, John Compton, Tristram Coffin, Tom London, Holly Bane, Eddie Parker, Edmund Cobb, Eddie Parker, Gene Roth & Chester Conklin
Cheezy Flicks Ent. b&w DVD [12/2006] for $13.49
Republic Pictures b&w VHS [5/95] 2 tapes - out of prodn/used
27"x40" yellow poster {as at left} from Amazon for $8.49
more "Jesse James Rides Again" 1947 serial posters from Amazon
full credits at IMDb • movie entry at Wikipedia

'Brick Bradford' 1947 15-chapter b&w serial - chapter 10 poster  "Brick Bradford: Amazing Soldier of Fortune" 15-chapter serial [Columbia Pictures Dec 1947]
The Brick Bradford character began as a daily & Sunday comic strip [1933-87] by William Ritt & Clarence Gray, later taken over by Paul Norris; stories were also published among the Big Little Book series (circa 1934) and as comic books (circa 1938-1948); this is the only Brick Bradford movie made, and it has Brick and girlfriend June travel to the backside of the Moon to prevent the villain from activating a death ray that could obliterate life on Earth. Chapter Titles: 1. Atomic Defense, 2. Flight To The Moon, 3. Prisoners of The Moon, 4. Into The Volcano, 5. Bradford At Bay, 6. Back To Earth, 7. Into Another Century, 8. Buried Treasure, 9. Trapped In The Time Top, 10. The Unseen Hand, 11. Poison Gas, 12. Door of Disaster, 13. Sinister Rendezvous, 14. River of Revenge, and 15. For The Peace of The World • Produced by Sam Katzman; directed by Spencer Gordon Bennet & Thomas Carr; screenplay George H. Plympton, Arthur Hoerl & Lewis Clay; starring Kane Richmond, Rick Vallin, Linda Leighton/Linda Johnson, Pierre Watkin, Charles Quigley, Jack Ingram, Fred Graham, John Merton, Leonard Penn, Wheeler Oakman, Carol Forman, Charles King, John Hart, Helene Stanley, Robert Barron, Stanley Blystone, George DeNormand, Frank Ellis, Nelson Leigh, Al Ferguson, Noel Neill, Stanley Price, Marshall Reed, Gene Roth
VHS/DVD/Blu-ray not available • full credits at IMDb • serial entry at Wikipedia
watch all 15 chapters [5/2015 uploads] online at YouTube

"Dangers of The Canadian Mounted" 12-chapter serial [April 1948] /tt0040268/
https://www.amazon.com/Dangers-Canadian-Mounted-VHS-Bannon/dp/6303494110/

Superman 15-chapter sci-fi serial  "Superman" 15-chapter sci-fi serial [Columbia Pictures July 1948]
Considered to be the most successful serial of all time • Basic origin story: after arriving on Earth by rocket ship, a boy grows up as mild-mannered Clark Kent; his first battle as adult Superman is against the sinister Spider Lady . . . Chapter Titles: 1. Superman Comes To Earth; 2. Depths of The Earth; 3. The Reducer Ray; 4. Man of Steel; 5. A Job For Superman!; 6. Superman In Danger!; 7. Into The Electric Furnace!; 8. Superman To The Rescue; 9. Irresistible Force!; 10. Between Two Fires; 11. Superman's Dilemma; 12. Blast In The Depths; 13. Hurled To Destruction; 14. Superman At Bay; 15. The Payoff • Produced by Sam Katzman; directed by Spencer Gordon Bennet & Thomas Carr; written by George H. Plympton, Joseph F. Poland, Arthur Hoerl, Lewis Clay & Royal K. Cole; narrated by Knox Manning; starring Kirk Alyn {dual role}, Noel Neill, Tommy Bond, Carol Forman {as Spider Lady}, Virginia Carroll, Ed Cassidy, Mason Alan Dinehart, Ralph Hodges, George Meeker, Jack Ingram, Pierre Watkin, Terry Frost, Charles King, Charles Quigley, Herbert Rawlinson , Forrest Taylor, Stephen Carr, Rusty Wescoatt, Fred Aldrich, Phil Arnold, Jimmy Aubrey, Robert Barron, Roy Butler, James Carlisle, Jack Chefe, Edmund Cobb, Tom Coleman, Sayre Dearing, George DeNormand, Frank Ellis, William Fawcett, Eddie Foster, Jack George, Frank Hagney, Chuck Hamilton, I. Stanford Jolley, Frank Lackteen, Reed Howes, Nelson Leigh, Tom London, George Magrill, Frank O'Connor, Wheeler Oakman, Eddie Parker, Leonard Penn, Stanley Price, Jeffrey Sayre, Charles Schaeffer, Gene Roth, Charles Sherlock, Cap Somers, Paul Stader, Bert Stevens, Emmett Vogan, Glen Walters, Luana Walters, Doodles Weaver, Wally West, Al Wyatt Sr., Peggy Wynne
Warner Home Video b&w VHS set [6/95] 2 tapes - out of prodn/used
full credits at IMDb • movie entry at Wikipedia
watch low-res official trailer [11/2014 upload; 1:58] online at YouTube
available on DVD as part of the "Complete 1948 & 1950 Superman Serials" Box Set [2008]
Warner Home Video DVD set [10/2018] 4 disks for $29.95

Batman & Robin 1949 movie serial, poster for Chapter 15  "Batman and Robin" 15-chapter serial [Columbia Pictures May 1949]
Black-hooded Wizard steals a remote-control device, and Batman & Robin must get it back before the Wizard steals enough diamonds to fuel the device, while also rescuing magazine photographer Vicki Vale from peril. Chapter Titles: 1. Batman Takes Over; 2. Tunnel of Terror; 3. Robin's Wild Ride; 4.Batman Trapped; 5. Robin Rescues Batman; 6. Target - Robin!; 7. The Fatal Blast; 8. Robin Meets The Wizard; 9. The Wizard Strikes Back; 10. Batman's Last Chance; 11. Robin's Ruse; 12. Robin Rides The Wind; 13. The Wizard's Challenge; 14. Batman vs. Wizard; and 15. Batman Victorious • Directed by Spencer Gordon Bennet; characters created by Bob Kane; script co-written by George H. Plympton; starring Robert Lowery {as Batman}, Johnny Duncan {as Robin}, Jane Adams, Lyle Talbot, Eric Wilton {as butler Alfred}, Ralph Graves, Don C. Harvey, William Fawcett, Leonard Penn, Michael Whalen & John Doucette
Sony Pictures b&w DVD [3/2005] 2 disks for $12.49
Sony Pictures b&w VHS [5/97] 2 tapes - out of prodn/used
27"x40" Chapter 15 poster {as at left} from Amazon for $12.59
more "Batman & Robin" 1949 serial posters from Amazon
full credits at IMDb • serial entry at Wikipedia

"King of The Rocket Men" 12-chapter serial [Republic Pictures June 1949] /tt0041547/
https://www.amazon.com/King-Rocket-Men-Tristram-Coffin/dp/B0009ZBVBI/
https://www.amazon.com/King-Rocketmen-VHS-Tristram-Coffin/dp/6300210014/
https://www.amazon.com/Rocketman-King-Rocket-Christopher-Moeller/dp/1565210042/ graphic novelization

"The James Brothers of Missouri" 12-chapter Western serial [Aug 1949] /tt0042611/
https://www.amazon.com/James-Brothers-Missouri-Keith-Richards/dp/B0002SCOMC/

Radar Patrol vs. Spy King 1949 12-chapter serial  "Radar Patrol vs. Spy King" 12-chapter serial [Republic Pictures Nov 1949]
Evil spy Baroda and his aide Nitra are sabotaging plans for a vast defense system of radar stations along America's borders; government agent Chris Calvert and radar scientist sidekick Joan Hughes battle together to put an end to the Spy King • Directed by Fred C. Brannon; written by Royal K. Cole, William Lively & Sol Shor; starring Kirk Alyn, Jean Dean, Anthony Warde, George John, Merton J. Lewis, Eve Whitney, Tristram Coffin, John Crawford, Harold Goodwin, Dale Van Sickel, Tom Steele, Eddie Parker, Forbes Murray, Frank O'Connor, Stephen Gregory, Frank Dae
VHS/DVD/Blu-ray not available • LionsGate b&w VHS [7/95] 2 tapes - out of prodn/used
serial credits at IMDb • movie entry at Wikipedia
watch complete serial online at YouTube: Part 1 [1/2015 upload; 1:27:29] + Part 2 [1/2015 upload; 1:08:09]


back to silent serials • jump to 1950s serials



here on the Silent & Sound Movie Serials Pages at Magic Lantern Video & Book Store

back on Page 1: top of page • books • documentaries & collections • image gallery • links

back on Page 2: silent serials

back on Page 3: sound serials, 1930-1935 • back on Page 4: sound serials, 1936-1939

here on Page 5: sound serials, 1940s • on Page 6: sound serials, 1950s & later

·                         ·

Visiting this webpage from outside the U.S.A.? It is possible to make purchases from these coded Amazon (USA) links
via other Amazon sites: just follow these instructions.

Online sales in association with  search for movie serials on DVD at Amazon

Freedom to Explore: Launched July 2014: Enjoy unlimited access to over 600,000 Kindle Edition titles and thousands of audiobooks on any device for just $9.99 a month — Or start your 30-day free trial!              Amazon Prime offers a range of services, including free shipping. Basic fee is $14.99 per month after 30-day free trial {$180/year} or $139 per year after 30-day free trial. Also student rates. So click here and start your 30-day free trial!

top of this page    ·    back to Magic Lantern homepage