Pulp Adventure and Mystery!
The pulps were cheaply printed story magazines, usually focusing on specific genres. Their name was derived from the cheap wood pulp paper used for printing, as opposed to the "slicks," the higher end magazines like Colliers and The Saturday Evening Post. The pulps built many of the conventions of various genres, including mystery, sci-fi, fantasy, and horror. This list will focus on films and tv series that follow in the pulp tradition of plot driven stories, with bare bones characterization and a fast pace. Pulp covers a lot of ground, so I will stick with films that are pretty much derived directly from the pulp magazines themselves or are stories inspired by the pulp pioneers. Most will be in the adventure vein, though I'll try to mix things up. I've also included some of the pulp predecessors, from the Victorian Era. I've included serials and other films that drew major inspiration from the pulps, even if they didn't originate there.
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- DirectorGilbert M. 'Broncho Billy' AndersonStarsJ. Barney SherryPaula BlacktonRaffles and his pal Bunny are introduced to the audience in a close range portrait which shows them in animated conversation discussing some of their exploits. A lawn party is in progress at the residence of the rich Mrs. Vandergrist, and Raffles assisted by Bunny, is seen plying his profession and cleverly relieving the guests of their valuables. He extracts watches from the gentlemens pockets, politely relieves the ladies of their diamonds and jewelry, and then diverts suspicion to one of the waiters by placing his own watch in the waiter's pocket, then raising an outcry that he has been robbed. Immediately several others discover that they too, have been robbed, and the luckless waiter, upon being searched, is found to have Mr. Raffles' watch in his pocket and is, of course, believed to be the guilty party, and is hustled off by a burly policeman, while Raffles and Bunny slip away in the confusion. The guests are now leaving the lawn party, being driven away in carriages and automobiles. Raffles has marked for his next victims a prominent society couple, and proceeding to where their private carriage is waiting he throttles the coachman into insensibility and dresses himself in the coachman's livery. He then boldly drives up to the house, and Bunny, his confederate, politely escorts the victims to the carriage. They drive away, and in a lonely portion of the road the carriage stops and its occupants find themselves looking down the barrel of a revolver held by a masked highwayman. Raffles quickly relieves them of their jewelry and valuables, the lady promptly faints, and the cracksman mounts to the box and drives away. Part 2: The cracksman and his pal are seen cautiously approaching a house which they intend to burglarize. Bunny scales a ladder, pries open the window, and hands out the ''swag" to Raffles. A maid servant discovers them and gives the alarm, just as they are about to leave with their booty. A gardener and a footman suddenly appear around the corner of the house and a fierce struggle ensues in which Bunny is finally captured, but Raffles escapes. Running through the grounds, he hides behind some shrubbery and, opening his bag, brings forth a policeman's helmet and uniform, which he rapidly dons, and then rushes back to the scene of action. Bunny is still struggling with his captors, who turn him over to the supposed policeman. Raffles directs them to alarm the household and drags Bunny away. When out of sight Raffles quickly removes his uniform, and they make their escape. Those who have read the Raffles stories will remember that Mr. Raffles moves in the very best society and is never for a moment suspected of being a highwayman. This scene shows him leaving one of the swell clubs of which he is a member, accompanied by a rich clubman. They part at the foot of the steps and Raffles, hastening around the block, quickly disguises himself and when the clubman approaches suddenly steps out from the doorway and, at the point of a revolver, relieves him of his watch, diamonds and spare cash, His victim, however, decides not to submit tamely to being robbed and is, therefore, promptly "knocked out" and, while he is lying insensible on the pavement, Raffles rapidly removes his disguise and calls for help. See comes up on a run and is directed down the street, while Raffles and a bystander assist the clubman into a conveyance. Part 3: A messenger is seen leaving a bank carrying a bag of money. Raffles and Bunny follow him, having previously prepared a bag of exactly similar size and appearance. Passing through a quiet } street, they approach the bank messenger and Bunny roughly collides with him, throwing him to the ground. The bag falls from his grasp for an instant and Raffles deftly changes the bags, assisting the messenger to his feet and handing him the dummy bag, while Bunny gets away with the money as fast as his legs can carry him. The messenger, however, is suspicious and, opening the bag, discovers he has been duped. He raises a terrible outcry and starts after Raffles and Bunny, calling 'Stop thief!" while a motley crowd follows behind. The fugitives are being hard pressed, so Raffles leads the chase after himself, while Bunny doubles down a side street and escapes. Raffles then rounds the corner and makes a lightning and sensational change in his appearance. The audience see him deftly transform himself into an old and decrepit looking man with a white beard, black glasses and a slouch hat. As the crowd, with the policeman at its head, surge around the corner they meet an infirm looking old gentleman who mumblingly tells them that the man they are chasing. has gone on down the street. They dash by and Raffles goes in the opposite direction, removing his disguise as he runs. Unfortunately he drops the white beard and the policeman, returning after a fruitless chase, finds it and realizes that he has been foiled. He immediately runs in the direction taken by Raffles and is just in time to see him letting himself into his apartments. The policeman telephones for assistance and they arrange to capture Raffles in his rooms. Raffles safely regains his apartments, thinking he has eluded his pursuers. He removes his hat and coat and is just lighting the inevitable cigarette when the door is burst open and he finds himself confronted by three stalwart policemen and the bank messenger. With his customary coolness he says, ''Well, gentlemen, you have caught me at last,'' and asks permission to put on his hat and coat signifying that he will go with them. Stepping forward to the hat rack he reaches for his garments and then with lightning-like; rapidity, darts into the door of the cupboard, which he slams behind him and securely fastens on the inside. he police try in vain to open the door and finally shatter the panels, smashing the door from its hinges. They dash through the opening and as they disappear, Raffles calmly steps out of the wardrobe, which is connected with the cupboard by a secret panel. Stopping long enough to pick up the bag of money which they, in their excitement have left on the floor, he waves them an ironical adieu and disappears through the door leading to the street.First Raffles adaptation. AJ Raffles is the prototype Gentleman Thief, a counterpart to Sherlock Holmes. he generally ends up on the side of angels and would influence such later characters as the Saint.
- DirectorEdwin S. PorterStarsWilliam V. RanousThe Proposal: The gentleman burglar walking with his lady love. They admire the grandeur and beauty of nature. He proposes and she accepts. She does not suspect his occupation. Turning Over a New Leaf: The thieves' den. The gang drinking and playing cards. The gentleman burglar arrives. Announces his coming wedding. Apprises them of his decision to quit his life of crime. He bids them good-bye and departs. Engaged to Another: Reception hall of the girl's home. A rival lover sues for her hand. She informs him of her engagement to another. He leaves her in sadness. Two Years Later: The gentleman burglar returns with his bride to her father's house. The joyous greeting. The happy family together playing with the baby on the lawn. All return to the house except the husband. A former pal appears. The latter demands money under the threat of exposure. The gentleman burglar in a quandary. Attempts to steal some money from his father-in-law's desk. Is discovered and turned out of the house. He returns to his former haunts, where a quarrel ensues. The light extinguished. Two pistol shots. The gentleman burglar smokes a cigar while his pal lies dead at his feet. The alarm and his arrest. A Lapse of Five Years: The gentleman burglar in prison stripes working in the quarry with other prisoners. During the return march to the prison at evening, he evades the keeper's watchful eye and escapes. Climbs the prison wall and reaches the water. Secures a boat and gets away without discovery. He returns to the old den. Tells of his escape. Changes his clothes and starts out again with his life of crime. Married Again: The former lover has since married the burglar's wife. She believes her first husband dead. Fond memories of him still cling to her as she views his picture. Her husband arrives with the daughter now quite grown. All retire for the night. The gentleman burglar enters the house through a window. His child discovers him. They do not recognize each other. They talk. He realizes who she is. Discovered by his former rival. The shock kills the gentleman burglar. The truth is kept from the wife and she never knows that the man she loved was nothing more than a common thief.First cinematic Arsene Lupin. Lupin is a thief, whose father was wrongly accused of theft. Arsene seeks revenge on the particulars involved and then continues a spectacular career. His victims usually have it coming and he is often at odds with Josephine Balsamo, heir to the family of the alchemist and con-man Cagliostro.
- DirectorC. Douglas CarlileStarsC. Douglas CarlileRussell BarryA detective poses as a cleric to save a squire's daughter from marrying a murderer.Sexton Blake was a British detective, in the model of Sherlock Holmes, who appeared in magazine adventures for several decades. sci-fi writer Michael Moorcock even edited his magazines, in his younger days.
- DirectorLouis FeuilladeStarsRené NavarreEdmund BreonGeorges MelchiorInspector Juve is tasked to investigate and capture an infamous criminal Fantomas.Serial adaptation of the French pulp villain. Fantomas is a supercriminal who brings death and destruction in his wake, while pursued by journalist Fandor and Inspector Juve. The start of a long cinematic association with Fantomas.
- DirectorLouis FeuilladeStarsMusidoraÉdouard MathéMarcel LévesqueAn intrepid reporter and his loyal friend battle a bizarre secret society of criminals known as The Vampires.Legendary serial about Irma Vep (shuffle the name around a bit and you'll see) and the Vampires, a gang of criminals. Musidora is Irma Vep, the heroine of the story, appearing in a rather shocking (for the time) leotard. There are twists and turns galore.
- DirectorGeorge Loane TuckerStarsGerald AmesManora ThewKenelm FossAn inspector tries to catch a gentleman thief.Early silent film about the gentleman thief from the French pulp stories. Lupin's father is framed for a crime and the son takes up crime to strike back at society, though he is more of an anti-hero, targeting the corrupt.
- DirectorLouis FeuilladeStarsRené CrestéMusidoraRené PoyenA twelve-part serial following the adventures of the masked vigilante Judex as he fights against criminals led by the corrupt banker Favrauxom.Inspired by French pulp literature. This serial features a cloaked avenger who seeks revenge of the corrupt banker who destroyed his family. It owes much to Dumas' Count of Monte Cristo, and predates The Shadow.
- DirectorGeorge IrvingStarsJohn BarrymoreChristine MayoH. Cooper CliffeGentleman burglar Raffles tries to get his hand on a priceless pearl.John Barrymore stars as the English gentleman thief.
- DirectorScott SidneyStarsElmo LincolnEnid MarkeyTrue BoardmanReared by a childless ape, the orphaned heir of the Greystokes becomes one of the apes. Then Dr Porter organises a rescue expedition, and his beautiful daughter Jane catches his attention. Has Tarzan of the Apes found the perfect mate?Tarzan was one of the first pulp heroes to make it to the screen, played by Elmo Lincoln. Burroughs was one of the masters of pulp adventure, with multiple Tarzans, John Carter of Mars, Carson of Venus, David Innes in Pellucidar, and other tales. I may point out some other Tarzan films along the way, but will skip the bulk.
- DirectorFred NibloStarsDouglas FairbanksMarguerite De La MotteNoah BeeryA seemingly idiotic fop is really the courageous vigilante Zorro, who seeks to protect the oppressed.The first Zorro film, with Douglas Fairbanks. It departed greatly from the Johnston McCulley novel, but became the template for future Zorros.
- DirectorEdward SedgwickStarsEdward RosemanEdna MurphyJohnnie WalkerFantomas, a master criminal, offers to give up his life of crime if the authorities promise not to prosecute him for his past crimes. He is enraged when they refuse his ultimatum, and determines to terrorize the city into submitting to his demands.American serial with Fantomas, though he bears little resemblance to the French character. He goes up against an American detective, Fred Dixon. It was called Diablos in France, to distance it from the original.
- DirectorGeorge MelfordStarsRudolph ValentinoAgnes AyresRuth MillerA charming Arabian sheik becomes infatuated with an adventurous, modern-thinking Englishwoman and abducts her to his home in the Saharan desert.Silent film with Rudolph Valentino. It drew heavily from pulp tales of romantic desert warriors.
- DirectorFritz LangStarsRudolf Klein-RoggeAud Egede-NissenGertrude WelckerArch-criminal Dr. Mabuse sets out to make a fortune and run Berlin. Detective Wenk sets out to stop him.Fritz Lang's first Mabuse film is a serial, focusing on the criminal genius and hypnotist. The film documents the corruption of the Weimar era, which would ultimately give way to the Nazis. Mabuse never acts directly, always working through a network of agents and cutouts. He was inspired by Prof. Moriarty, but the German character would go on to inspire other characters, like Keyser Soze, in the Usual Suspects.
- DirectorHarry O. HoytStarsWallace BeeryBessie LoveLloyd HughesThe first film adaptation of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's classic novel about a land where prehistoric creatures still roam.Based on the novel by Arthur Conan Doyle, featuring Professor Challenger and the discovery of a hidden land with dinosaurs. The effects are crude but effective, for the period.
- DirectorHenri DesfontainesStarsRené NavarreElmire VautierLucien DalsaceA phantom appears in the Louvre museum in the middle of the night in search of something in the dark corridors.Based on the novel of the same name, about a mysterious phantom that haunts the Louvre. The ghost turns out to be a criminal. Features Renee Navarre, of Fantomas fame.
- DirectorRoland WestStarsChester MorrisUna MerkelWilliam BakewellA master criminal terrorizes the occupants of an isolated country mansion.Early mystery film, based on the pulpy novel. It would influence everything from the Shadow to Batman.
- DirectorGeorge FitzmauriceHarry d'Abbadie d'ArrastStarsRonald ColmanKay FrancisDavid TorrenceA distinguished English gentleman has a secret life--he is the notorious jewel thief the press has dubbed "The Amateur Cracksman". When he meets a woman and falls in love he decides to "retire" from that life, but an old friend comes to him with a predicament that entails him committing one last job.Ronald Coleman stars as the English gentleman thief in this memorable film.
- DirectorRoy Del RuthStarsBebe DanielsRicardo CortezDudley DiggesA lovely dame with dangerous lies employs the services of a private detective, who is quickly caught up in the mystery and intrigue of a statuette known as the Maltese Falcon.The Maltese Falcon was originally serialized in Black Mask, the detective pulp. This film follows the book relatively closely; but, unlike the more famous version, it was produced before the Hayes Code. As such, there are some more suggestive elements, such as the strip search of a woman, a woman appearing in a bath tub, and homosexual innuendo. Sam Spade is the definitive hard-boiled detective.
- DirectorW.S. Van DykeStarsHarry CareyEdwina BoothDuncan RenaldoTwo white traders in the darkest Africa of the 1870s find a missionary's daughter, who was captured as a child by a savage tribe and now worshiped as a goddess.One of the seminal jungle films which would influence everything from King Solomon's Mines, to Tarzan and Indiana Jones.
- DirectorGeorge CochraneStarsThurston HallCharlotte WyntersFrank ShannonThe story is about a bank president who has been stealing from the bank. One night, as he is working on the books to cover his crimes,a visitor arrives with a gun. In the conversation that ensues it is revealed the visitor is an escaped convict that was a formed employee of the bank who was railroaded to prison to cover the crooked banker's crime. As with other entries in this series,there is a shadow projected every so often with a voice forecasting what is to come.The first of 6 shorts, featuring The Shadow, using radio voice Frank Readick.
- DirectorKarl FreundStarsBoris KarloffZita JohannDavid MannersA resurrected Egyptian mummy searches Cairo for the girl he believes to be his long-lost princess.Boris Karloff stars as the mummy Imhotep, in this horror classic. The story is straight out of Weird Tales, stylistically.
- DirectorCharles BrabinCharles VidorStarsBoris KarloffLewis StoneKaren MorleyEnglishmen race to find the tomb of Genghis Khan before the sinister Fu Manchu does.The evil doctor from the Sax Rhomer stories, played by Boris Karloff. Fu Manchu was a Yellow Peril fable and the stories are deeply racist, but would influence many of the great villains to come.
- DirectorW.S. Van DykeStarsJohnny WeissmullerNeil HamiltonC. Aubrey SmithA trader and his daughter set off in search of the fabled graveyard of the elephants in deepest Africa, only to encounter a wild man raised by apes.First of the Johnny Weismuller series, which launched the "Me Tarzan, you Jane," cliché. The literary Tarzan spoke perfect English. This, alongside the newspaper strip, did more to shape Tarzan in the eyes of the general public.
- DirectorPál FejösStarsThomy BourdelleTania FédorJean WormsThe Marquise de Langrune invites her friends at her castle in Beaulieu. Among them is Lord Beltham who also came to bring her a significant sum of money. The mysterious Fantômas kills the Marquise during the night. Inspector Juve is sent on his trail.Fantomas talkie, from France.
- DirectorJack ConwayStarsJohn BarrymoreLionel BarrymoreKaren MorleyA detective is tasked to capture an elusive thief called Arsene Lupin.John Barrymore would star in this version of the French thief.
- DirectorFritz LangStarsRudolf Klein-RoggeOtto WernickeThomy BourdelleA criminal mastermind uses hypnosis to rule the rackets after death.Fritz Lang returns to the criminal genius in this film. Mabuse is believed dead, but the writings of a madman in an asylum suggests differently. This was Lang's last German film, before fleeing the country. It also features Inspektor Lohman, from Lang's film M, played by the same actor. Lohman would also turn up as Mabuse's adversary in the 60s Mabuse films.
- DirectorRobert F. HillStarsBuster CrabbeJulie BishopEdward WoodsMary Brooks' father, who has been studying ancient tribes, falls into the hands of the people of Zar, god of the Emerald Fingers. Tarzan helps Mary locate her father, rescues everyone from the High Priest of Zar and takes Mary to his cave.Buster Crabbe takes on the role of Tarzan, in this serial version. Burroughs was less than happy, though.
- DirectorMerian C. CooperErnest B. SchoedsackStarsFay WrayRobert ArmstrongBruce CabotA film crew goes to a tropical island for a location shoot, where they capture a colossal ape who takes a shine to their blonde starlet, and bring him back to New York City.The classic tale of an expedition to find a living monster and bring it back as an attraction. This had everything the pulps did well, plus a lot of heart. It also has the dubious distinction of being Adolf Hitler's favorite film.
- DirectorCedric GibbonsJames C. McKayJack ConwayStarsJohnny WeissmullerMaureen O'SullivanNeil HamiltonThe idyllic life of Tarzan and Jane is challenged by men on safari who come seeking ivory, and come seeking Jane as well.The second outing for Weismuller, featuring some pre-code skinny dipping, which was edited out of later reruns at the theater and on tv.
- DirectorDavid HowardArmand SchaeferStarsClyde BeattySyd SaylorCecilia ParkerAnimal trainer Clyde Beatty heads a rescue party in search of his girl, Ruth, and her father who get lost looking for an uncharted island. His dirigible crashes into the jungles of the island. When he locates Ruth, he learns that her father has disappeared. The ensuing search is hindered by greedy gold hunters and wild animals.Clyde Beatty stars in this tale of hidden jungle cities.
- DirectorOtto BrowerB. Reeves EasonStarsGene AutryFrankie DarroBetsy King RossWhen the ancient continent of Mu sank beneath the ocean, some of its inhabitant survived in caverns beneath the sea. Cowboy singer Gene Autry stumbles upon the civilization, now buried beneath his own Radio Ranch. The Muranians have developed technology and weaponry such as television and ray guns. Their rich supply of radium draws unscrupulous speculators from the surface. The peaceful civilization of the Muranians is corrupted by the greed from above, and it becomes Autry's task to prevent all-out war, ideally without disrupting his regular radio show.Cowboys and underground civilizations clash in this serial from mascot. Gene Autrey is the singing hero, who is caught between marauders from Murania and greedy radium-seekers.
- DirectorHarry RevierStarsWilliam 'Stage' BoydKane RichmondClaudia DellAn evil scientist plots to take over the world from his base in Africa, where he has invented a machine that can cause earthquakes.Jungle tale of explorers and a hidden city, featuring Clyde Beatty.
- DirectorLansing C. HoldenIrving PichelStarsHelen GahaganRandolph ScottHelen MackA group of explorers search of the legendary "flame of life," a mysterious force that bestows immortality.First adaptation of H Rider Haggard, which drew elements from several of the Ayesha novels. Haggard was a huge influence on the pulp writers, along with Kipling, Poe, Talbot Mundy, Stevenson, and several others of the Victorian Age.
- DirectorEdward A. KullWilbur McGaughStarsBruce BennettUla HoltAshton DearholtTarzan goes to Guatemala to find his lost friend, D'Arnot. On the way he helps Major Matling search Mayan ruins for hidden jewels and an idol containing the formula for a powerful explosive.Herman Brix stars as Tarzan, with Burroughs involvement.
- DirectorB. Reeves EasonJoseph KaneStarsRay CorriganLois WildeMonte BlueCrash Corrigan, a recent graduate of Annapolis, and Diana, a go-getting reporter, join Professor Norton for a search for the source of a string of earthquakes, Atlantis. They ride Prof. Norton's rocket submarine searching the sea and little Billy Norton, the professor's son stows away, of course. When they find Atlantis they are caught in a war between peaceful Atlanteans, note their white capes, and war-monging Atlanteans, note their black capes. After many harrowing moments for Crash, Diana, Prof. Norton and Billy, they barely get away with their lives when they escape a tower of Atlantis raised to the surface for the sole purpose of dominating or destroying the Earth (Which one depends on the compliance of the upper world dwellers.)Republic's answer to Flash Gordon, though on a smaller scale. it has more exciting stunts, but a cheaper look and worse acting, though plenty of beefcake.
- DirectorWells RootStarsRobert LivingstonHeather AngelSig RumanThe Commandant is making life rough for the colonials in Spanish California. While trying to help, Zorro is charged with the murder of the new Governor, but in the end he triumphs over the evil Commandant.Early Zorro talkie, though not quite as exciting as the Mark of Zorro.
- DirectorB. Reeves EasonJoseph KaneStarsClyde BeattyManuel KingElaine ShepardA 15-episode serial in which Beatty goes to darkest Africa to rescue the Goddess of Joba, who is being held by the high priest.Animal trainer Clyde Beatty stars in this jungle adventure of hidden cities. Sequel, of sorts, to the Lost City.
- DirectorFrederick StephaniRay TaylorStarsBuster CrabbeJean RogersCharles MiddletonFlash Gordon, Dale Arden and Dr. Alexis Zarkov visit the planet Mongo to thwart the evil schemes of Emperor Ming the Merciless, who has set his planet on a collision course with Earth.Flash Gordon started life as a comic strip, but it was heavily influenced by sci-fi and fantasy pulp stories of the time, including ER Burrough's John Carter stories. The serial had a feature budget and it shows on screen, though some of the acting could have used a boost. Exciting, and occasionally campy, stuff.
- DirectorRobert StevensonGeoffrey BarkasStarsPaul RobesonCedric HardwickeRoland YoungWhite hunter Allan Quartermain and his enigmatic guide help a young Irish woman locate her missing father in unexplored Darkest Africa.First adaptation of the H Rider Haggard novel. The hero, Allan Quatermain, was a big influence on Indiana Jones.
- DirectorHarry L. FraserGeorge MelfordStarsFrank BuckSasha SiemelReginald DennyIn the Asian province of Seemang where the Bay of Bengal meets the jungle, Chandler Elliott (John St. Polis) owns a large and prosperous rubber plantation. His attractive daughter, Dorothy (Charlotte Henry), is engaged to neighboring planter Tom Banning (William Bakewell) but troubles are brewing for both plantations. When a load of rubber is put on a riverboat to be taken to port, the boat is attacked by river pirates and the crew is killed and the shipment stolen. Jim Murphy (LeRoy Mason). Elliott's plantation manager, is plotting with others to force Elliott to to sell his plantation. Adventurer Frank Hardy (Frank Buck)determines to find out who is behind the plot.This was Columbia's answer to Republic's Clyde Beatty serials. This one stars Frank Buck (Bring 'em Back Alive) as the hero, a soldier of fortune who helps the owner of a rubber plantation. The cast was a little more top drawer than Republic's efforts.
- DirectorLynn ShoresStarsRod La RocqueAgnes AndersonJames BlakeleyLamont Cranston assumes his secret identity as "The Shadow", to break up an attempted robbery at an attorney's office. When the police search the scene, Cranston takes on an impersonation of the attorney.Early Shadow mystery film, starring Rod Laroque. These were more sedate than the pulps or the radio show. Lamont Cranston is more detective than pulp hero, here.
- DirectorHenri Diamant-BergerStarsJules BerryGabriel SignoretSuzy PrimArsène Lupin decides to run a detective agency in addition to being a gentleman thief. As a detective he happens to cooperate with police in order to unveil the criminal activities of a villain.French Lupin talkie.
- DirectorRoy William NeillStarsGeorge ArlissMargaret LockwoodJohn LoderWhen customs and excise men arrive at the village of Dymchurch in Kent, they uncover an intricate smuggling network being coordinated by the local parson, Dr Syn. Unknown to all but a few locals Dr Syn also hides a secret past, that he was once the notorious pirate Captain Clegg.Early adaptation of the novels about a country vicar who secretly leads a band of smugglers and pirates. It was more famously adapted by Disney.
- DirectorFrank CapraStarsRonald ColmanJane WyattEdward Everett HortonWhen a revered diplomat's plane is diverted and crashes in the peaks of Tibet, he and the other survivors are guided to an isolated monastery at Shangri-La, where they wrestle with the invitation to stay.Based on the James Hilton novel, this features Ronald Coleman. A group of people find themselves shanghaied in an airplane and set down near the fabled city of Shangri-La. There, no one grows old and they have conquered disease. However, there is a catch. The novel and the film inspired many a pulp and comic book hero, with its Tibetan utopia. The novel was a favorite of FDR, who when asked where the Doolittle Raiders had struck from, he joked, "From our base in Shangri-La!" which led to the USS Hornet being dubbed the Shangri-La.
- DirectorCharles LamontStarsRod La RocqueAstrid AllwynThomas E. JacksonLamont Cranston (Rod La Rocque), amateur criminologist and detective, with a daily radio program, sponsored by the Daily Classic newspaper, has developed a friendly feud that sometimes passes the friendly stage with Police Commissioner Weston (Thomas E. Jackson). He complains to his managing editor, Edward Heath (Oscar O'Shea), over the problems that have developed in his department since Phoebe Lane (Astrid Allwyn) has been hired as his assistant. He is advised to forget it since she is the publisher's niece. During his broadcast about Honest John (William Pawley), a famous safe cracker who has served his time, Phoebe gives him a note that the Metropolitan Theatre is to be robbed at eight o'clock and she is so insistent that he adds it as his closing note. Off the air, he learns she got the information from a man she met in a café who had an honest face. Cranston goes to the theatre where Weston and his men have gathered and, of course, nothing happens but, across town, a safe is blown at the home of international banker Gerald Morton (John St. Polis) and the banker is killed. Cranston arrives there ahead of the police and discovers enough evidence to show him that it wasn't just a simple robbery with the banker accidentally killed. The irate Weston has him jailed as a material witness, but Phoebe comes through with a habeas corpus in time for him to make his broadcast. Honest John crashes into the studio with a gun and demands that Cranston exonerates him over the air from the police suspicion that he committed the robbery. Weston rushes to the studio but Honest John has escaped. Cranston takes Phoebe on a tour of night clubs hoping she will spot the man who gave her the robbery message. She does and Cranston poses as a new arrival from Europe and learns that the man is Flotow (Wilhelm von Brincken) and his companion is Starkov (Tenen Holtz'). They make a date for lunch the next day. While they are waiting for him to join them for lunch, Cranston breaks into Flathow's apartment where he meets Phoebe who also has had the same idea. A phone call is answered and Morton's butler says there is a meeting at the Morton home that afternoon.Sequel to The Shadow Strikes, with even less to do with the pulp and radio hero.
- DirectorJames W. HorneRay TaylorStarsWarren HullIris MeredithRichard FiskeA crime fighter known as The Spider battles a villain called The Octopus, who is out to sabotage America and install his own government.This movie serial adapted the pulp hero, The Spider. The pulp character wore a suit, cloak, and fright mask. This version has the suit and cloak, but has a mask/hood with web outlines, topped by a fedora. Stan Lee has said that Spider-Man was inspired (name wise) by the Spider, and the masks certainly parallel one another. The serial did well enough to spawm a sequel. The Spider was one of the most violent of the pulp heroes. Writer Norvell Paige contributed to the script of the serial.
- DirectorFord BeebeRobert F. HillFrederick StephaniStarsBuster CrabbeJean RogersCharles MiddletonWhen a deadly Nitron ray strikes Earth, Flash Gordon and his friends travel to Mars to battle Ming the Merciless and his new ally Queen Azura.Sequel Flash Gordon serial, with Ming interfering on Mars. Flash to the rescue! Excellent follow up that may be better than the first.
- DirectorJohn EnglishWilliam WitneyStarsReed HadleySheila DarcyWilliam CorsonThe masked hero leads a fighting force to fight a villian who plots the conquest of The Republic of Mexico.Zorro fights to stop a group of men from stirring up trouble in the territories of the young nation of Mexico. the villains are using the ficticious Don Del Oro to stir up the Yaqqi's. Zorro leads a band of masked men who work to bring peace.
- DirectorFord BeebeSaul A. GoodkindStarsBuster CrabbeConstance MooreJackie MoranA 20th Century pilot named Buck Rogers and his young friend Buddy Wade awake from 500 years in suspended animation to find that the world has been taken over by the outlaw army of Killer Kane.Buck Rogers began life as a story in a sci-fi pulp, which spawned a comic strip, which spawned this excellent serial. buster Crabbe is the hero.
- DirectorGeorge StevensStarsCary GrantJoan FontaineVictor McLaglenIn 19th century India, three British soldiers and a native waterbearer must stop a secret mass revival of the murderous Thuggee cult before it can rampage across the land.It takes its inspiration from the Kipling poem, but the story is straight out of Talbot Mundy. British soldiers clash with the murderous Thugee cult. It inspired Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom.
- DirectorSam WoodWilliam WylerStarsDavid NivenOlivia de HavillandMay WhittyMan about town and first class cricketer A.J. Raffles keeps himself solvent with daring robberies. Meeting Gwen from his schooldays and falling in love all over again, he spends the weekend with her parents, Lord and Lady Melrose. A necklace presents an irresistible temptation, but also in attendance is Scotland Yard's finest, finally on the trail.David Niven gets his chance at the gentleman thief. niven would later get to play a similar role, and Sir Charle Lytton, the Phantom, in the original Pink Panther.
- DirectorRouben MamoulianStarsTyrone PowerLinda DarnellBasil RathboneA young Spanish aristocrat must masquerade as a fop in order to maintain his secret identity of Zorro as he restores justice to early California.The greatest of all the Zorro films, starring Tyrone Power as the hero and Basil Rathbone as the villainous Capitan Esteban. Great stuff, with one of the best duels in filmdom. Rathbone knew his fencing and Power was no slouch either.
- DirectorJames W. HorneStarsVictor JoryVeda Ann BorgRoger MooreThe Shadow battles 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.Serial version of the pulp avenger. The serials had restrictions on them, so they weren't as violent as the pulps, with more fistfights than gunshots. The Shadow was one of the more violent, though nowhere near as wild and violent as The Spider. The Shadow's creator, Walter Gibson (under the house name Maxwell Grant) also ghostwrote Harry Blackstone's books and also was an authority on stage magic, including Houdini's tricks.
- DirectorJohn EnglishWilliam WitneyStarsHenry BrandonWilliam RoyleRobert KellardThe nefarious Dr. Fu Manchu searches for the keys to the tomb of Genghis Khan, in order to fulfill a prophecy that will enable him to conquer the world. His nemesis, Dr. Nayland Smith, and his associates fight to keep the evil doctor from getting his hands on the keys.Republic serial, based on the evil doctor. The gang is all here, plus a new American hero. Exciting stuff from top serial director William Witney.
- DirectorJohn EnglishWilliam WitneyStarsEduardo CiannelliRobert WilcoxWilliam NewellA mad scientist plots the domination of America and only the masked hero, The Copperhead, can stop him.This Republic serial featured a hero known as The Copperhead. The hero wears a suit and a chain mail hood. The serial was originally written for Superman, but National/DC passed and took the Man of Steel to Columbia. Republic retooled it for their own hero, though he is just a mortal. The serial has a few cheats in the cliffhangers, but is very exciting.
- DirectorFord BeebeRay TaylorStarsGordon JonesWade BotelerKeye LukeA newspaper publisher and his Korean servant fight crime as vigilantes who pose as a notorious masked gangster and his aide.The Green Hornet debuted on radio (as did the Shadow); however, his adventures shared the same attributes as The Shadow, Doc Savage and other pulp heroes. So, in my book, he counts. The serial features the Hornet and Kato (Chalie Chan's No. 1 Son and Blind Master Po on Kung-Fu) would fight a separate criminal in each installment, defeating the whole criminal empire by the end, in a departure from most serials. Thus, it was more like a prototype of a tv series, or more in tune with the radio format.
- DirectorJames W. HorneStarsVictor JoryIris MeredithJames CravenThe struggle over the Bellamy estate ends with Michael Bellamy accused of murder and killed on the way to prison, while his brother Abel Bellamy takes control of the estate for his own nefarious plans.Serial based on the Edgar Wallace novel, about a man masquerading as a ghost to gain revenge of the person who tried to have him killed. It inspired the comic hero Green Arrow, as much as Robin Hood, as well as the Centaur Comics hero, the Arrow.
- DirectorFord BeebeRay TaylorStarsBuster CrabbeCarol HughesCharles MiddletonA ravaging plague has struck the Earth threatening no less than global extinction. This alien disease is believed to be the evil spawn of Ming, the merciless Emperor of Planet Mongo. The world's only hope now rests with Flash Gordon.Buster Crabbe's last outing, which would inspire Hoth and the Star Wars title crawls.
- DirectorFord BeebeJohn RawlinsStarsWarren HullWade BotelerAnne NagelA wealthy publisher uses a disguise and calls himself the Green Hornet to fight crime in his city.The gang was back for more, though the lead was recast. It followed the same structure as the first, with a stand-alone adventure in each episode, which would lead to the ultimate defeat of the criminal boss in the finale. The Hornet's gas gun was a Mauser with CO2 cartridges added in front of the magazine well, giving it a unique look for the serials.
- DirectorJohn HustonStarsHumphrey BogartMary AstorGladys GeorgeSan Francisco private detective Sam Spade takes on a case that involves him with three eccentric criminals, a gorgeous liar and their quest for a priceless statuette, with the stakes rising after his partner is murdered.The classic version of the Dashiell Hammett story. Bogey is the quintessential tough guy and set the pattern for every private eye to follow. John Huston's script and direction are brilliant.
- DirectorJohn EnglishWilliam WitneyStarsFrances GiffordTom NealTrevor BardetteDr. Meredith has been driven from civilization by the criminal activities of his twin brother Bradley. With his infant daughter, he settles in the African jungle. But the Masamba tribes possess vast diamond mines coveted by crooks.Francis Gifford stars as Nyoka Jones, a white heroine in the African jungle, who tries to protect diamond mines from unscrupulous outsiders. The story was created by Edgar Rice Burroughs, though the serial departs heavily from the source.
- DirectorJames W. HorneStarsDave O'BrienDorothy ShortJames CravenSecret Service Major Steel (Joseph W. Girard), is one of the few men in America aware of the fact that Captain Albright (Dave O'Brien) is also Captain Midnight, daring masked aviator dedicated to fighting gangsters and enemies of America. When murderous bombing attacks are made on West Coast munitions plants, Steel sends for Albright and asks him to track down the mysterious Ivan Shark (James Craven), the foreign agent mastermind behind the attacks. Shark has learned about an ingenious range finder, invented by John Edwards (Bryant Washburn) and makes plans to obtain a model of the invention. Edwards instructs his daughter, Joyce (Dorothy Short), to bring the model to Albright for safekeeping in his mountain laboratory. Shark takes Edwards prisoner by Albright assures Joyce that her father will be saved and an end put to Shark's reign of terror. Dressing as Captain Midnight and enlisting the aid of his friends, Chuck (Sam Edwards) and Ichabod Mudd (Guy Wilkerson), Captain Midnight delivers on his promises fourteen chapters later.Captain Midnight first appeared on radio, but his adventures recalled those of pulp aviators, like G-8. The serial suffers a bit, in terms of the aviation thrills, as it couldn't really do actual aerial stunts, given the budget.
- DirectorWilliam WitneyStarsKay AldridgeClayton MooreWilliam 'Billy' BenedictIt's intrepid Nyoka and her friends versus Vultura, Queen of the Desert, on a quest for the Golden Tablets of Hippocrates.Sequel to the Jungle Girl, with Kay Aldridge as Nyoka, facing a villainess from a desert kingdom, as she searches for the lost healing Tablets of Hippocrates. Plenty of cliffhangers and action.
- DirectorRichard ThorpeStarsJohnny WeissmullerMaureen O'SullivanJohnny SheffieldTarzan and Jane go to New York to rescue Boy after he is kidnapped into a circus.The gang comes to the urban jungle, in a nice departure for the Weismuller series.
- DirectorSpencer Gordon BennetStarsWilliam ForrestLouise CurrieJohnny ArthurA mysterious detective called The Masked Marvel battles Japanese saboteurs intent on blowing up America.Tom Steele appears under the mask of this tremendously pulpy serial hero. The conceit is that one of 5 men, working for an insurance company, is secretly the Masked Marvel. They work to stop a band of saboteurs, with exciting stunts and cliffhangers.
- DirectorB. Reeves EasonStarsTom TylerJeanne BatesErnie AdamsThe Phantom's clan has ruled the jungle tribes for centuries. He battles Dr. Bremmer who plans to build an airfield and gets greedy when Professor Davidson and his niece Diana arrive to search for the treasure of the lost city of Zoloz.The Phantom was born in a comic strip, but his adventures were pure pulp, mixing jungle adventure and masked heroes. The serial finds The Ghost Who Walks murdered in the first episode, so that his son must take over and defeat a band of criminals. The pacing is very good and it is one of Columbia's best. Tom Tyler, who also played Captain Marvel, is the hero and looks the part. Devil is a German sherpherd, rather than a wolf.
- DirectorSpencer Gordon BennetStarsRod CameronJoan MarshDuncan RenaldoAn American secret agent travels to Africa to infiltrate a German spy ring.Rex Bennett, the hero from G-Men vs the Black Dragon, is back. This time, he has infiltrated the SS and is working to stop a Nazi effort to bring Arab tribes into revolt in North Africa. Furniture and fists fly in this one. Rex Bennett could have been a great pulp hero.
- DirectorSpencer Gordon BennetWilliam WitneyStarsRod CameronRoland GotConstance WorthAmerican, British and Chinese secret agents battle the Japanese Black Dragon Society, a secretive ring that smuggles enemy agents into the U.S. disguised as mummies.Here, we have a group of government agents (from the US, UK, and China) fighting a Japanese sabotage ring, the Black Dragon Society. The serial is chocked full of fights and stunts and exciting cliffhangers. The female lead, in a rare occurrence, gets to use a Tommy Gun, rescuing one of the men. She still ends up tied to death traps, but even Lois Lane didn't get to save Superman, in the serials.
- DirectorFord BeebeStarsCharles KorvinElla RainesJ. Carrol NaishA rich but naive young woman is in possession of some priceless jewels. She doesn't realize it, but a gang of jewel thieves does.American film, directed by Ford beebe.
- DirectorPhil RosenWilliam BeaudineStarsKane RichmondBarbara ReadTom DuganSuper-sleuth Lamont Cranston, (aka "The Shadow") investigates the theft of jewels from a grave.First of three films with Kane Richmond (Spy Smasher) as the hero.
- DirectorHoward HawksStarsHumphrey BogartLauren BacallJohn RidgelyPrivate detective Philip Marlowe is hired by a wealthy family. Before the complex case is over, he's seen murder, blackmail and what might be love.Humphrey Bogart now takes on Raymond Chandler, starring as his detective, Phillip Marlowe. The script is by William Falkner and Leigh Brackett, though it is a bit confused (so is the novel). One character thread is completely lost. The film would later inspire the basic plot of The Big Lebowski. The novel, itself, was created by combining elements from two previous Chandler stories from Black Mask: The Killer in the Rain and The Curtain.
- DirectorJean SachaStarsMarcel HerrandSimone SignoretAlexandre RignaultThe invincible bandit faces his daughter, who wants him to end his criminal activities.Another French Fantomas film, considered a lesser effort.
- DirectorErnest B. SchoedsackStarsTerry MooreBen JohnsonRobert ArmstrongA young woman who has raised a giant gorilla from an infant brings him to Hollywood years later seeking her fortune.This jungle tale draws much inspiration from King Kong.
- DirectorLee SholemStarsLex BarkerBrenda JoyceAlbert DekkerTarzan secretly arrives in Blue Valley, the land of the magical fountain of youth, to find the intrepid aviatrix who can save an innocent man. But, is she the same person she used to be? Can Tarzan protect the vale's ultimate mystery?First of Lex Barker's Tarzan films. Barker wanted to change the tone of the character but was told to follow Weismuller's lead.
- DirectorCompton BennettAndrew MartonStarsDeborah KerrStewart GrangerRichard CarlsonAdventurer Allan Quartermain leads an expedition into uncharted African territory in an attempt to locate an explorer who went missing during his search for the fabled diamond mines of King Solomon.Stewart Granger stars in the best known version of the Haggard story, though not the best version of that story. He aids Deborah Kerr as she hunts for her missing father. There is some great scenery and many of the visuals inspired elements of the Indiana Jones films.
- DirectorByron HaskinStarsLex BarkerVirginia HustonGeorge MacreadyEscaped convicts are selling weapons to a warlike native tribe.One of the better of Lex Barker's films, shot partially in Kenya.
- DirectorHenry KingStarsTyrone PowerTerry MooreMichael RennieA half-caste British officer in 19th-century India battles the prejudices of both his Army colleagues and the local populace while trying to help put down a rebellion led by a greedy local ruler.Based on the novel by Talbot Mundy. Mundy was the master of the adventure story, with his hero Jimgrim, as well as his tales of the Nine, of Theosophy. This is his most noted work, though Jimgrim would influence Robert E Howard's El Borak and Indiana Jones.
- DirectorJerry HopperStarsCharlton HestonRobert YoungNicole MaureyAn adventurer searchers for hidden treasure in the Peruvian jungles.Charlton Heston stars as a treasure hunter/adventurer. Definitely an inspiration for Indiana Jones.
- StarsSteve HollandIrene ChamplinJoseph NashSpace hero Flash Gordon and his crew of the Galaxy Bureau of Investigation patrol space, battling space monsters, power-mad alien dictators and other threats to the stability of the universe.Early tv version of Flash that featured shots of the devastated post-war Berlin. Star Steve Holland would act as the model for James Bama's covers for the Bantam Books reprints of Doc Savage.
- DirectorHarold D. SchusterStarsGordon ScottVera MilesPeter van EyckTarzan fights White poachers who trespass on his domain and on lands belonging to the native Sukulu tribe.Gordon Scott takes over as Tarzan, with more location shooting adding scope to the films.
- StarsGlen GordonLester MatthewsClark HowatDr. Fu Manchu, evil genius and possessor of seemingly unlimited financial resources, has pledged to bring about the downfall of western civilization to avenge unknown wrongs of the past. Only Sir Dennis Nayland-Smith of the Yard is able to thwart his evil plans, ranging from assassination to germ attacks to sparking an all-out war.TV series with the evil doctor. Don't really know much about it, though it couldn't have come close to the novels or the movies, with tv restrictions.
- DirectorJacques BeckerStarsRobert LamoureuxLiselotte PulverO.E. HasseSuave gentleman thief Arsène Lupin blends within the French and German upper crust, stealing whatever he wants whenever he wants, and no one can touch him.French film which brought the character back to prominence.
- StarsGuy WilliamsGene SheldonHenry CalvinDon Diego de la Vega opposes the corrupt tyrants of Spanish California as the masked swordsman, Zorro.Guy Williams stars in the Disney tv series. The swordplay was played down in favor of weekly intrigues. The series was a huge hit amongst young baby boomers and would live on for decades.
- Notable French tv series, based on the novels.
- DirectorJames Wong HoweBen ParkerJohn SledgeStarsRichard DerrMark DanielsHelen WestcottLamont Cranston, aka The Shadow, investigates the murder of a New Orleans bandleader.TV pilot for The Shadow. Supposed to be so-so.
- DirectorLewis R. FosterNorman FosterStarsGuy WilliamsHenry CalvinGene SheldonA masked vigilante battles a corrupt commandant by night while masquerading as an aristocrat by day.Disney feature version of Zorro, composed of edited episodes, much like Dr Syn, Alias the Scarecrow (from The Scarecrow of Romney Marsh).
- DirectorJoseph M. NewmanStarsDenny MillerCesare DanovaJoanna BarnesAn English colonel's daughter meets the lord of the jungle who makes her his mate.Denny Miller starred in this rather poor Tarzan. miller would spoof himself later, in an episode of Gilligan's Island.
- DirectorJohn GuillerminStarsGordon ScottAnthony QuayleSara ShaneFour British villains raid a settlement to obtain explosives for use in a diamond mine. In doing so they nearly destroy the settlement, so and Tarzan pursues them to their mine.Gordon Scott film, with Anthony Quayle and young Sean Connery as villains.
- DirectorRobert DayStarsGordon ScottJock MahoneyBetta St. JohnA clever crook and a romantic triangle complicate Tarzan's efforts to bring a wanted criminal to justice.Tarzan must escort a treacherous bank robber to jail, with plenty of action along the way. Jock Mahoney is the bank robber and he would take over the franchise in the next film.
- DirectorFritz LangStarsDawn AddamsPeter van EyckGert FröbeIn 1960s Germany, criminal mastermind Dr. Mabuse uses hypnotized victims and the surveillance equipment of a Nazi-era bugged hotel to steal nuclear technology from a visiting American industrialist.Fritz Lang returned to Germany and the super-criminal with this film. Mabuse is believed dead, but there are signs that the master mind is alive and well. A police inspector hunts him, with aid from a mystic. Meanwhile, Mabuse tries to manipulate a woman into suicide, only to be rescued by an American industrialist, while staying in a hotel which Mabuse controls. the Hotel was built by the Nazis to spy on diplomats and featurs surveillance cameras throughout. great stuff from the master. It was followed by a series of cheaper Mabuse films.
- DirectorHarald ReinlStarsGert FröbeLex BarkerDaliah LaviEvil mastermind Dr. Mabuse is using brainwashed prison inmates to commit crimes but the German police aided by an FBI agent is on his trail.Gert Frobe and Wolfgang Preiss are back, along with Lex Barker as an American agent. Dali Lavi is the love interest for Barker. Frobe is Inspektor Lohman, a character from the original Lang Testament of Dr Mabuse.
- DirectorJohn GuillerminStarsJock MahoneyLeo GordonMark DanaSummoned to India by a dying maharajah, Tarzan attempts to remove an elephant herd from a valley to be flooded upon completion of a modern dam.Jock Mahoney's debut as Tarzan, featuring the first appearance of Jai.
- DirectorWerner KlinglerStarsGert FröbeSenta BergerHelmut SchmidGerman Police Inspector Lohmann investigates a string of crimes resembling Dr. Mabuse's M.O. but Mabuse is in Professor Polland's care inside an insane asylum.Remake of the Fritz Lang film, with the same title (Testament of Dr Mabuse). Gert Frobe, who appeared in Lang's 1000 Eye of Dr Mabuse, plays Inspektor Lohman, who hunts Mabuse. Senta Berger would also appear as the girlfriend of an ex-boxer who is blackmailed into helping Mabuse. Wolfgang Preiss returns as Mabuse.
- DirectorHarald ReinlStarsLex BarkerKarin DorSiegfried LowitzEvil mastermind Dr. Mabuse seeks Professor Erasmus' secret invention, a device that makes one invisible, but a murder in a revue theatre brings the German police and the FBI into the mix.Mabuse has stolen an invisibility ray and is using it to drive an actress (Karin Dor) mad. Not as good as previous entries, but still entertaining enough. The formula is starting to wear thin, though.
- DirectorRobert DayStarsJock MahoneyWoody StrodeTsuruko KobayashiThe spiritual leader of an oriental country is dying. The leader's evil brother is plotting to prevent the youthful heir from assuming his rightful position. Tarzan is summoned to protect him and he must face three tests of strength.Jock Mahoney squares off against Woody Strode in this excellent Tarzan installment. Mahoney contracted dysentery and lost considerable weight, which hampers him on screen.
- 1954–19972h 9mUnrated8.1 (713)TV EpisodeDirectorJames NeilsonStarsPatrick McGoohanGeorge ColeTony BrittonThe adventures of a disguised vicar who fights for justice in 18th-century England.Disney adapted the Dr Synn stories in this 3-part series. Patrick McGoohan is the vicar and smuggler, with George Cole as his number two. Exciting stuff. Disney later edited the segments into a feature film.
- DirectorJames NeilsonStarsPatrick McGoohanGeorge ColeTony BrittonIn eighteenth century England, the mysterious masked rider known as the Scarecrow (Patrick McGoohan) leads a rebel band to save the town of Romney Marsh from King George III's (Eric Pohlmann's) oppression and Naval press gangs.Feature version of The Scarecrow of Romney Marsh.
- DirectorPaul MayStarsPeter van EyckSabine BethmannDieter BorscheThe spirit of the evil Dr. Mabuse takes over the body of a famous professor. The professor/Dr. Mabuse then begins a new crime wave that terrorizes the city.Peter Van Eyck returns to the Mabuse series, having last appeared in Lang's 1000 Eyes of Dr Mabuse. The plot is actually adapted from an Edgar Wallace novel.
- DirectorGeorges FranjuStarsChanning PollockFrancine BergéEdith ScobFavraux, an unscrupulous banker receives a threatening note signed only "Judex", demanding that he pay back the people he has swindled. He refuses, and seemingly faces his fate.Remake of the French silent serial, starring a magician-turned-actor. It's bizarre, that's for certain. Kind of lacks the spark of the serial, not to mention it's rather slow. More of an art-house pulp.
- DirectorAndré HunebelleStarsJean MaraisLouis de FunèsMylène DemongeotThe best men of France - a brave journalist and an extremely energetic commissioner - attack the trail of a mysterious criminal mastermind.Much superior Fantomas film, with Jean Marais in the dual role of Fantomas and the reporter Fandor. Louis Funes is the hapless Inspector Juve, who could give lessons to Clouseau. Lots of fun, with elements of the hit James Bond series, including a flying Citroen car. The mask is rather creepy, to boot!