Movie Serials of the '30s, Part 4 Quiz

Answer: Darkest Africa

Clyde must try and rescue the sister of a boy he meets in "Darkest Africa", Republic Pictures' first serial. It was re-released in 1948 as "Batmen of Africa" because in both versions there were, surprise, Batmen. In the film there are tigers, which are native only to Asia not Africa - Oops! The film was shot in Texas and California.

Answer: The Undersea Kingdom

The second of Republic's serial releases, "The Undersea Kingdom", was the third cheapest to make, completed in 25 days and later re-released in 1966 as "Sharad of Atlantis" for TV. Smiley Burnette, Gene Autry's sidekick, has a comedic part and Lon Chaney, Jr. fills a supporting role as Captain Hakur of the Black Robes.

Answer: The Vigilantes Are Coming

"The Vigilantes Are Coming" has a cross between Zorro and the Lone Ranger called The Eagle, who has the ability to conjure up whips out of thin air. His outer persona is that of a meek church organist whom the villains never seem to realize in 12 chapters that this is The Eagle.

The General wants gold and his cohort the Russian Count wants to colonize the town for Mother Russia (good luck on that).

Answer: Custer's Last Stand

"Custer's Last Stand" was later in the year released as a feature film. Many historic figures pop up for no apparent reason like Wild Bill Hickok, Calamity Jane, Buffalo Bill and Mrs. Custer, played by Tom Mix's daughter Ruth. This is the first of three serials by Weiss Productions, which folded in 1936 due to the Great Depression.

Answer: The Clutching Hand

"The Clutching Hand" is played by one actor with the voice of another and is the second of three serials by Weiss Production. Tom Mix's daughter, Ruth, appears again plus Charles Lochner, who changed his name to Jon Hall (TVs "Ramar of the Jungle). In the novel Dr. Gironda was the villain, the 'clutching hand' was a separate character with both merging for the film and his identity never revealed.

Answer: The Adventures of Frank Merriwell

"The Adventures of Frank Merriwell" was first seen in comics, then in little books, then to radio in 1934 as a three time a week 15-minute serial. Some actors or names you may recognize like Edward Arnold (the first Nero Wolfe), Jean Rogers (Dale Arden with Flash Gordon), Dickie Jones, Monte Montague, and Carlos Montalban (older brother of Ricardo) can all be seen in this serial.

Answer: Flash Gordon

"Flash Gordon" was partially filmed at Bronson Caves, California. Sometimes when the actors speak, the video is not synchronized, much like a dubbed movie. Watch for Flash underwater with the octopus and his hair and clothes are dry. If you've ever seen footage of Lindbergh's landing in Paris, you'll see the same when Flash returns to Earth.

Answer: The Phantom Rider

While galloping full-out, Buck as The Phantom Rider manages to whip on his white disguise which was shown to be a bit difficult to don even while standing. Cactus Jack and his Saddle Tramps provide the vocals like "The Old Chisholm Trail". Lots of gunfights, stampedes (one has Buck in jail as the herd comes through), fisticuffs and horseback chases.

Answer: Ace Drummond

"Ace Drummond" is a G-Man from Washington sent to Mongolia to thwart The Dragon from his attempts to derail an airline from establishing a connecting hub there. Jean Rogers, Flash Gordon's gal, plus Lon Chaney Jr. and Noah Beery Jr. have roles in this film. It was later released at the end of the year as "Squadron of Doom".

Answer: Robinson Crusoe of Clipper Island

"Robinson Crusoe of Clipper Island" is the only sound serial with 14 chapters and was edited into "Robinson Crusoe of Mystery Island" in 1966. It stars Mala, hero of "Eskimo" along with Mamo Clark, "wife" of Clark Gable in "Mutiny on the Bounty". Mala, by the way, is a Jewish Alaskan in this fourth Republic serial of 1936.