Universal's 40th of 69 sound serials. In 1936, the studio entered into an arrangement with King Features Syndicate to bring a number of newspaper comic strip heroes to life on the screen. Most notable, of course, was Flash Gordon. But other Universal/King Features' successes included Ace Drummond, Jungle Jim, Radio Patrol, Tim Tyler's Luck, Buck Rogers, Don Winslow, Secret Agent X-9, Smilin' Jack and Red Barry.
COMMENT: The comic strip may have been rather crudely drawn and naively plotted, but this screen adaptation presents more fascinating twists of story and intriguing turns of action than a dozen dime novels. By serial standards, acting too is particularly impressive, with one of my favorite character actors, Philip Ahn, giving his greatest performance ever. Plus felicitous studies in villainy from William Ruhl and Frank Lackteen, whilst alternate hero Hugh Huntley projects a dashingly ingratiating Philo Vance clone.
Aside from the repetitious theater footage, splendid use is made of stock material, the action spots being well integrated. Undoubtedly the more inventive Alan James handled the theater scenes, plus all the menace in darkened corridors, secret passageways, etc, whilst Beebe directed the more routine stuff.
This serial is admirably choked full of action, which doesn't let up right through to the final reel. True, a couple of weak or cheating cliffhangers detract, but most are thrilling. The story proceeds in a nice straight line, all the complications being cleverly worked in by having no less than two sets of rival heroes and four teams of rival villains. Effective surprises abound in a well-characterized script, one of the most striking being the death of Barry's buddy.
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