List of film serials
{{Short description|None}}
{{for|a list of serials by studio|List of film serials by studio}}
A list of film serials by year of release.
1910s
1920s
1930s
(Film prints exist unless noted otherwise)
| class="wikitable" |
| Production Company
! Title ! Chapters ! Genre ! Director ! Cast ! Notes |
|---|
| colspan="8" style="text-align:center; background:#ffdead;"|1930 |
| Ben Wilson Productions
| 10 | First serial with full sound; print existsLowe, Denise (2004). An Encyclopedic Dictionary of Women in Early American Films, 1895-1930. Haworth Press. pp. 234–236. {{ISBN|0-7890-1843-8}}. |
| Mascot Pictures
| 12 | Western | Rin Tin Tin, Buzz Barton, Joe Bonomo, June Marlowe | Print exists; also released as a feature version |
| Talking Picture Epics Inc.
| Across the World with Mr & Mrs Martin Johnson | | Travelogue | Tour visits Australia, Hawaii, Tanganyika and the Belgian Congo |
| | Hunting Tigers in India
| 82 minutes | Filmed in 1929; later re-edited into a 3-episode series |
| Universal Pictures
| 10 | Jack Perrin, Louise Lorraine, Francis Ford, Jay Novello | Partial sound; an incomplete print exists in Universal's vault |
| | The Lightning Express
| 10 | Western, Railroad | Louise Lorraine, Lane Chandler, Al Ferguson, James Pierce | Based on the "Whispering Smith" character created by novelist Frank H. Spearman; Remake of Whispering Smith Rides (1927); considered a lost film |
| | Terry of the Times
| 10 | Crime | Reed Howes, Lotus Thompson, Sheldon Lewis, | Universal's last partial sound serial; considered a lost film |
| | The Indians are Coming
| 12 | Western | Tim McCoy, Allene Ray, Francis Ford | First Universal all-talking serial; based on a novel The Great West That Was by "Buffalo Bill" CodyCline, William C. In the Nick of Time: Motion Picture Sound Serials. McFarland & Company, 1997, pg. 10; {{ISBN|0-7864-0471-X}} |
| colspan="8" style="text-align:center; background:#ffdead;"|1931 |
| Les Films Osso
| Méphisto | 4 | Mystery | Henri Debain and Georges Vinter | French |
| Mascot Pictures
| 10 | Western | Tom Tyler, Dorothy Gulliver, William Desmond, Joe Bonomo, Kermit Maynard | |
| | King of the Wild
| 12 | Jungle | Richard Thorpe, B. Reeves Eason | Walter Miller, Nora Lane, Boris Karloff, Mischa Auer | Also released in South America as a feature version called "Bimi" |
| | The Vanishing Legion
| 12 | Western | Ford Beebe and B. Reaves Eason | Harry Carey, Edwina Booth, Rex King of the Wild Horses, Boris Karloff (voice only), Frankie Darro, Yakima Canutt, Joe Bonomo | |
| | The Galloping Ghost
| 12 | Sports | B. Reaves Eason and Benjamin H. Kline | Football star Harold "Red" Grange, Dorothy Gulliver, Lon Chaney Jr. (uncredited) | |
| | The Lightning Warrior
| 12 | Western, Animal adventure | Benjamin H. Kline and Armand Schaefer | Rin Tin Tin, Frankie Darro, Lafe McKee | This was Rin Tin Tin's last role, being replaced in 1932 by Rin Tin Tin Jr.{{cite news|url=https://www.npr.org/2012/01/09/144319530/rin-tin-tin-a-silent-film-star-on-four-legs|title=Rin Tin Tin: A Silent Film Star On Four Legs|first=Susan|last=Orlean|website=NPR.org}} |
| Metropolitan Pictures
| The Sign of the Wolf | 10 | Western | Forrest Sheldon and Harry S. Webb | Rex Lease, Virginia Brown Faire, Rex the Wonder Dog | |
| Syndicate Pictures
| The Mystery Trooper | 10 | Western | Stuart Paton and Harry S. Webb | Robert Frazer, Buzz Barton | Reissued in 1935 as "Trail of the Royal Mounted" with chapter titles all renamed |
| Universal Studios
| 10 | Crime | Kenneth Harlan, Edna Murphy | a lost film |
| | Heroes of the Flames
| 12 | Crime/ Firefighters | Tim McCoy, Andy Devine, Joe Bonomo, Walter Brennan (uncredited) | Print was rediscovered and preserved by Universal, but is not available on DVD |
| | Danger Island
| 12 | Jungle | Kenneth Harlan, Lucile Browne, Walter Miller, Andy Devine | a lost film |
| | Battling with Buffalo Bill
| 12 | Western | Tom Tyler, Lucile Browne, Chief Thundercloud | Based on a novel The Great West That Was by "Buffalo Bill" Cody |
| | The Spell of the Circus
| 12 | Crime | Francis X. Bushman Jr., Alberta Vaughn | considered a lost film |
| colspan="7" style="text-align:center; background:#ffdead;"|1932 |
| Mascot Pictures
| 12 | Crime, Aviation | John Wayne's first serial | Edited into a feature film version when released years later on video"Miscellaneous notes: 'The Shadow of the Eagle' (1932)." TCM, 2019 |
| | The Last of the Mohicans
| 12 | Western | Ford Beebe and B. Reeves Eason | Harry Carey, Hobart Bosworth | Based on the novel by James Fenimore Cooper |
| | The Hurricane Express
| 12 | Railroad | J. P. McGowan and Armand Schaefer | John Wayne, Shirley Grey, Glenn Strange, Fred Toones | Later released as a feature version as wellCline, William C. (1984). "Filmography". In the Nick of Time. McFarland & Company, Inc. {{ISBN|0-7864-0471-X}}. |
| | The Devil Horse
| 12 | Western | Harry Carey, Noah Beery, Frankie Darro, Lane Chandler | |
| RKO Radio Pictures
| 12 | Western | Spencer Gordon Bennet, Thomas L. Storey | Lon Chaney Jr. (as The Black Ghost), Francis X. Bushman Jr. | Based on a novel by Courtney Ryley Cooper; also released theatrically in 1932 as a 70-minute feature version called The Black Ghost.{{cite web | url=https://creepyclassics.com/last-frontier-the-1932-alpha-dvd/ | title=LAST FRONTIER, THE (1932/Alpha) - DVD }} |
| Universal Pictures
| 12 | Crime | Ray Taylor and Henry MacRae | US/British co-production with British cast, released in Europe as Lloyd of the C.I.D.; a.k.a. The Green Spot Mystery (the feature version); a lost film |
| | The Airmail Mystery
| 12 | Aviation | James Flavin, Lucile Browne, Al Wilson, Walter Brennan | a lost film |
| | Heroes of the West
| 12 | Western | Noah Beery Jr., Onslow Stevens, Diane Duval | based on the novel "The Tie That Binds" by Peter B. Kyne; the novel was made into another serial in 1938 called Flaming FrontiersCline, William C. (1984). "In Search of Ammunition". In the Nick of Time. McFarland & Company, Inc. p. 10. {{ISBN|0-7864-0471-X}}. |
| | Jungle Mystery
| 12 | Jungle | Tom Tyler, Noah Beery Jr., Cecilia Parker, William Desmond | based on a novel "The Ivory Trail" by Talbot Mundy;Cline, William C. (1984). "2. In Search of Ammunition". In the Nick of Time. McFarland & Company, Inc. pp. 11. {{ISBN|0-7864-0471-X}}. A complete print exists but only in Universal's vault |
| | The Lost Special
| 12 | Railroad | Frank Albertson, Cecilia Parker | Based on a story The Lost Special by Arthur Conan Doyle |
| colspan="7" style="text-align:center; background:#ffdead;"|1933 |
| Mascot Pictures
| 12 | Mystery | Colbert Clark and Albert Herman | Bela Lugosi's first sound serial | Also exists as a feature version |
| | The Three Musketeers
| 12 | Foreign Legion | Colbert Clark and Armand Schaefer | John Wayne, Jack Mulhall, Ruth Hall, Lon Chaney Jr., Raymond Hatton, Robert Frazer | Chaney's appearance is mainly in the first chapter; Edited later into a 1946 feature version called Desert Command |
| | Fighting with Kit Carson
| 12 | Western | Colbert Clark and Armand Schaefer | Johnny Mack Brown, Noah Beery Sr., Noah Beery Jr., Lane Chandler | Released theatrically as a feature film version in 1946 |
| | The Wolf Dog
| 12 | Western | Colbert Clark and Harry L. Fraser | Rin Tin Tin Jr., Frankie Darro, George Lewis | Rin Tin Tin Jr.'s first serial film, having replaced the original dog star in 1932Orlean, Susan (2011). Rin Tin Tin: The Life and the Legend. New York: Simon & Schuster. {{ISBN|978-1-4391-9013-5}}. |
| | The Mystery Squadron
| 12 | Aviation | Colbert Clark and David Howard | Bob Steele, J. Carrol Naish, Guinn "Big Boy" Williams | |
| Principal Pictures
| 12 | Jungle | Buster Crabbe, Jacqueline Wells | Based on the Tarzan novels by Edgar Rice Burroughs; only the edited feature version still exists |
| Universal Studios
| 12 | Northern | Tom Tyler, Jacqueline Wells, William Desmond | ( Only the first 6 chapters are available on DVD, but the British Film Institute (BFI) holds a complete 35mm print of all 12 chapters) |
| | The Phantom of the Air
| 12 | Aviation | Tom Tyler, William Desmond, Walter Brennan | |
| | Gordon of Ghost City
| 12 | Western | Buck Jones, Madge Bellamy, William Desmond | Based on the novel "Oh Promise Me!" by Peter B. Kyne |
| | The Perils of Pauline
| 12 | Evalyn Knapp, William Desmond | Sound remake of the 1914 eponymous serial |
| colspan="7" style="text-align:center; background:#ffdead;"|1934 |
| Mascot Pictures
| 12 | Jungle | David Howard and Armand Schaefer | Clyde Beatty, Syd Saylor, Gabby Hayes | Followed by a sequel Darkest Africa in 1936 |
| | Burn 'Em Up Barnes
| 12 | Sports (auto racing) | Colbert Clark and Armand Schaefer | Frankie Darro, Jack Mulhall, Lola Lane | Loose remake of the 1921 silent film of the same name{{cite web|url=http://www.silentera.com/video/burnEmUpBarnesHV.html|title=Silent Era : Home Video Reviews|website=www.silentera.com}} |
| | The Law of the Wild
| 12 | Western, Animal adventure | B. Reeves Eason and Armand Schaefer | Rin Tin Tin Jr., Rex the Wonder Horse, Bob Custer, Ben Turpin, Richard Alexander | |
| | Mystery Mountain
| 12 | Western | Otto Brower and B. Reeves Eason | Ken Maynard, Syd Saylor, Tarzan the Wonder Horse, Gene Autry (uncredited) | |
| Principal Pictures
| 12 | Fantasy | Bela Lugosi, Maria Alba | Based on the popular Chandu the Magician radio program; later released as two separate feature versions"Looking Back," Fairbanks Daily News-Miner, February 26, 1934. |
| Romance Productions Incorporated
| Young Eagles | 12 | Boy Scouts, Jungle | Edward Laurier, Vin Moore | Bobby Cox, Jim Vance | |
| Universal Pictures
| 12 | Maritime | |
| | The Vanishing Shadow
| 12 | Onslow Stevens, William Desmond | |
| | The Red Rider
| 15 | Western | Buck Jones, Grant Withers, William Desmond | Based on the short story "The Redhead from Sun Dog" by W. C. Tuttle; a remake of Buck Jones' earlier 1931 film The Range Feud |
| | Tailspin Tommy
| 12 | Aviation | Maurice Murphy, Noah Beery Jr., Grant Withers | Based on the "Tailspin Tommy" newspaper comic strip by Hal Forrest Holtz, Allan (2012). American Newspaper Comics: An Encyclopedic Reference Guide. Ann Arbor: The University of Michigan Press. p. 374. {{ISBN|9780472117567}} |
| colspan="7" style="text-align:center; background:#ffdead;"|1935 |
| Burroughs-Tarzan Enterprises
| The New Adventures of Tarzan | 12 | Jungle | Based on the Tarzan character created by Edgar Rice Burroughs |
| Mascot Pictures
| 12 | Otto Brower and B. Reeves Eason | Gene Autry, Frankie Darro, Smiley Burnette | Considered the first Science-Fiction WesternBroughton, Lee (September 19, 2016). Critical Perspectives on the Western: From A Fistful of Dollars to Django Unchained. Rowman & Littlefield. p. 29. {{ISBN|978-1-4422-7243-9}}. |
| | The Miracle Rider
| 15 | Western | Otto Brower and B. Reeves Eason | |
| | The Adventures of Rex and Rinty
| 12 | Crime, Animal adventure | B. Reeves Eason and Ford Beebe | Kane Richmond, Smiley Burnette, Rin Tin Tin Jr., Rex the Wonder Horse | |
| | The Fighting Marines
| 12 | War | B. Reeves Eason and Joseph Kane | Grant Withers, Adrian Morris, Richard Alexander, Jason Robards Sr. | Last Mascot serial; Mascot merged into Republic Pictures |
| Screen Attractions
| 12 | Jungle | Used extensive stock footage from Jungle Goddess (1922)Erish, Andrew A. (2012). Col. William N. Selig, the Man Who Invented Hollywood. University of Texas Press. p. 127. {{ISBN|9780292742697}}. |
| Super Serial Productions Inc.
| 12 | Science Fiction, Jungle | Wm. (stage) Boyd, Kane Richmond, Claudia Dell, Gabby Hayes | later edited into four different feature versions |
| Universal Pictures
| 12 | Western | Johnny Mack Brown, Raymond Hatton, Chief Thundercloud | Based on the book The Great West That Was by William "Buffalo Bill" CodyCline, William C. (1984). "Filmography". In the Nick of Time. McFarland & Company, Inc. pp. 212. {{ISBN|0-7864-0471-X}}. |
| | The Call of the Savage
| 12 | Jungle |Based on a story "Jan of the Jungle" by Otis Adelbert Kline; later edited into a 70-minute feature version called Savage FuryHarmon, Jim; Donald F. Glut (1973). "6. Jungle "Look Out The Elephants Are Coming!"". The Great Movie Serials: Their Sound and Fury. Routledge. p. 132. {{ISBN|978-0-7130-0097-9}}. |
| | The Roaring West
| 15 | Western | Buck Jones, Frank McGlynn Sr., William Desmond | |
| | Tailspin Tommy in the Great Air Mystery
| 12 | Aviation | Clark Williams, Jean Rogers, Noah Beery Jr., Grant Withers |
| colspan="7" style="text-align:center; background:#ffdead;"|1936 Beginning of the Golden Age of Serials[http://www.imagesjournal.com/issue04/infocus/introduction4.htm Images] – The Golden Age of the Serial, retrieved 29 June 2007 |
| Republic Pictures
| 15 | Jungle | B. Reeves Eason and Joseph Kane | Clyde Beatty, Manuel King, Elaine Shepard, Lucien Prival | First Republic serial; sequel to "The Lost Jungle" (1934); later reissued as King of the JunglelandCline, William C. (1984). "Filmography". In the Nick of Time. McFarland & Company, Inc. p. 210. {{ISBN|0-7864-0471-X}}. |
| | Undersea Kingdom
| 12 | Fantasy | B. Reeves Eason and Joseph Kane | Ray (Crash) Corrigan, Lois Wilde, Smiley Burnette | Later released as a 100-minute feature version entitled Sharad of AtlantisCline, William C. (1984). "Filmography". In the Nick of Time. McFarland & Company, Inc. p. 215. {{ISBN|0-7864-0471-X}}. |
| | The Vigilantes Are Coming
| 12 | Western | Ray Taylor and Mack V. Wright | Robert Livingston, Ray Corrigan, Guinn "Big Boy" Williams, Raymond Hatton | Later re-edited into six 26-minute episodes for television |
| | Robinson Crusoe of Clipper Island
| 14 | Maritime | Ray Taylor and Mack V. Wright | Mala, Rex, Mamo Clark | released in 1966 as a feature version called Robinson Crusoe of Mystery Island |
| Stage & Screen Productions (Weiss Bros.)
| 15 | Western | Rex Lease, Frank McGlynn Jr., Chief Thundercloud | features characters General Custer, Calamity Jane and Wild Bill Hickok |
| Stage & Screen Productions (Weiss Bros.)
| 15 | Mystery | Jack Mulhall, Mae Busch, Rex Lease, Richard Alexander | A Craig Kennedy mystery; also released as a 70-minute feature versionPitts, Michael R. Poverty Row Studios, 1929-1940: An Illustrated History of 55 Independent Film Companies McFarland & Co., 2005 |
| Stage & Screen Productions (Weiss Bros.)
| 15 | Mystery | Ralph Graves, Ruth Mix, Dave O'Brien, Yakima Canutt | |
| Universal Pictures
| The Adventures of Frank Merriwell | 12 | Sports | Ford Beebe and Clifford Smith | Donald Briggs, Jean Rogers, Carla Laemmle | Based on the Frank Merriwell novels by Gilbert Patten |
| | Flash Gordon
| 13 | Buster Crabbe, Jean Rogers, Frank Shannon, Charles Middleton, Glenn Strange (as "the Gocko") | Based on the comic strip by Alex Raymond; later re-released as two different feature versions, "Rocket Ship" (72 min.) and "Spaceship to the Unknown" (90 min.)Kennard, Roy, Science Fiction Serials: A Critical Filmography of the 31 Hard SF Cliffhanger, McFarland & Co Inc, 1 October 1998, page 40 |
| | The Phantom Rider
| 15 | Western | Buck Jones, Charles King | |
| | Ace Drummond
| 13 | Aviation | Ford Beebe and Clifford Smith | John King, Jean Rogers, Noah Beery Jr., Lon Chaney Jr. | Based on a comic strip by Eddie Rickenbacker |
| Victory Pictures (Sam Katzman)
| 15 | Also exists as a feature version |
| colspan="7" style="text-align:center; background:#ffdead;"|1937 |
| Columbia Pictures
| 15 | Jungle | Harry L. Fraser and George Melford | Frank Buck | First Columbia serial (produced by Weiss Bros.); later released as a 70-minute feature version called "Jungle Terror". |
| | The Mysterious Pilot
| 15 | Aviation | Produced by Weiss Brothers; based on a novel "The Silver Hawk" by William Byron MoweryWeiss, Ken and Ed Goodgold. To Be Continued: A Complete Guide to Motion Picture Serials. New York: Bonanza Books, 1973. {{ISBN|0-517-166259}}. |
| Republic Pictures
| 15 | Crime | Alan James, Ray Taylor | Ralph Byrd, Smiley Burnette, Kay Hughes |Based on the famous comic strip by Chester Gould |
| | The Painted Stallion
| 12 | Western | Alan James, William Witney, Ray Taylor | Ray Corrigan, Hoot Gibson, Duncan Renaldo, Yakima Canutt | Featured characters Kit Carson, Jim Bowie and Davy Crockett; later re-edited into a six-episode TV series, as well as a 72-minute feature versionMathis, Jack (1995). Valley of the Cliffhangers Supplement. Jack Mathis Advertising. pp. 3, 10, 22–23. {{ISBN|0-9632878-1-8}}. |
| | S.O.S. Coast Guard
| 12 | Maritime, Science fiction | Alan James, William Witney | Ralph Byrd, Bela Lugosi, Richard Alexander | Also exists as a 71-minute feature version including some newly added footage |
| | Zorro Rides Again
| 12 | Western | William Witney, John English | John Carroll, Noah Beery, Duncan Renaldo, Richard Alexander | Based on the Zorro character created by novelist Johnston McCulley; later released as a six-episode TV series, as well as a 68-minute eponymous feature version.Mathis, Jack (1995). Valley of the Cliffhangers Supplement. Jack Mathis Advertising. pp. 3, 10, 26–27. {{ISBN|0-9632878-1-8}}. |
| Universal Pictures
| 12 | Jungle | Ford Beebe and Clifford Smith | Grant Withers, Henry Brandon, Raymond Hatton | Based on the popular comic strip by Alex Raymond |
| | Secret Agent X-9
| 12 | Crime | Ford Beebe and Clifford Smith | Scott Kolk, Jean Rogers, Henry Brandon, Lon Chaney Jr. | Based on the comic strip by Dashiell Hammett and Alex Raymond |
| | Wild West Days
| 13 | Western | Ford Beebe and Clifford Smith | Johnny Mack Brown, Chief Thundercloud | Based on the novel "Saint Johnson" by William R. BurnettCline, William C. (1984). "2. In Search of Ammunition". In the Nick of Time. McFarland & Company, Inc. pp. 10. {{ISBN|0-7864-0471-X}}. |
| | Radio Patrol
| 12 | Crime | Ford Beebe and Clifford Smith | Grant Withers, Robert Armstrong | Based on the popular comic strip by Eddie Sullivan and Charles SchmidtCline, William C. (1984). "2. In Search of Ammunition". In the Nick of Time. McFarland & Company, Inc. pp. 18. {{ISBN|0-7864-0471-X}}. |
| | Tim Tyler's Luck
| 12 | Jungle | Ford Beebe and Wyndham Gittens | Frankie Thomas, William Benedict | Based on the popular comic strip created by Lyman Young Stedman, Raymond William (1971). "4. Perilous Saturdays". Serials: Suspense and Drama By Installment. University of Oklahoma Press. pp. 119. {{ISBN|978-0-8061-0927-5}}. |
| Victory Pictures (Sam Katzman)
| 15 | Crime | Ralph Byrd, Joan Barclay, Dickie Jones | Last independent American serial; also released as a 73-minute feature version |
| colspan="7" style="text-align:center; background:#ffdead;"|1938 |
| Columbia Pictures
| The Secret of Treasure Island | 15 | Jungle | Don Terry, Gwen Gaze, Walter Miller, Grant Withers | Last serial produced by Weiss Bros.; based on a serialized story "Murder at Pirate Castle" (1936) by L. Ron Hubbard; Bela Lugosi was originally slated to co-starMalko, George (1970). Scientology: The Now Religion. Delacorte Press. p. 38. {{ISBN|1-112-96373-1}}. |
| | The Great Adventures of Wild Bill Hickok
| 15 | Western | Mack V. Wright and Sam Nelson | William Elliott, Frankie Darro, Dickie Jones, Ray Mala, Chief Thundercloud, Kenne Duncan | |
| | The Spider's Web
| 15 | Superhero | Ray Taylor and James W. Horne | Warren Hull, Kenne Duncan, Iris Meredith, Nestor Paiva, Byron Foulger | Based on a popular 1930s pulp magazine; followed by a sequel The Spider Returns (1941)Stedman, Raymond William (1971). "5. Shazam and Good-by". Serials: Suspense and Drama By Installment. University of Oklahoma Press. pp. 122–123. {{ISBN|978-0-8061-0927-5}}. |
| Republic Pictures
| 15 | Western | William Witney and John English | Lee Powell, Chief Thundercloud, Herman Brix, Lane Chandler | Based on the popular 1930s radio program; later released as a 69-minute feature version called Hi-Yo Silver"Hi-Yo Silver". American Film Institute. Archived from the original on May 1, 2018. |
| | The Fighting Devil Dogs
| 12 | William Witney and John English | Later re-edited into a 69-minute feature version for TV, retitled Torpedo of Doom |
| | Dick Tracy Returns
| 15 | Crime | William Witney and John English | Ralph Byrd, Charles Middleton, David Sharpe | Based on the famous comic strip by Chester Gould; re-released theatrically in July 1948 |
| | Hawk of the Wilderness
| 12 | Jungle | William Witney and John English | Herman Brix, Mala, Monte Blue, Noble Johnson | based on the novel by William L. Chester{{cite web|url=http://www.sf-encyclopedia.com/entry/chester_william_l|title=Authors : Chester, William L : SFE : Science Fiction Encyclopedia|website=www.sf-encyclopedia.com}} later re-edited and released to TV as The Lost Island of Kioga |
| Universal Studios
| 15 | Buster Crabbe, Jean Rogers, Charles Middleton, Frank Shannon, Richard alexander, Kenne Duncan | Based on the comic strip by Alex Raymond; later retitled Space Soldiers' Trip to Mars for TV release |
| | Flaming Frontiers
| 15 | Western | Alan James and Ray Taylor | Johnny Mack Brown, Charles Middleton, Chief Thundercloud | based on "The Tie That Binds" (a novel) by Peter B. Kyne; later re-edited for TV release in 1966 |
| | Red Barry
| 13 | Crime | Buster Crabbe, Wheeler Oakman, Philip Ahn | Based on the comic strip by Will GouldCline, William C. (1984). In the Nick of Time. McFarland & Company, Inc. {{ISBN|0-7864-0471-X}}. |
| colspan="7" style="text-align:center; background:#ffdead;"|1939 |
| Columbia Pictures
| 15 | Aviation | Ray Taylor and James W. Horne | Robert Paige, Richard Fiske, James Craig, Lorna Gray | |
| | Mandrake the Magician
| 12 | Fantasy | Sam Nelson and Norman Deming | Based on the popular comic strip created by Lee Falk |
| | Overland with Kit Carson
| 15 | Western | Sam Nelson and Norman Deming | Bill Elliott, Richard Fiske, Iris Meredith, Kenne Duncan | |
| Republic Pictures
| 15 | Western | William Witney and John English | Robert Livingston, Chief Thundercloud, Glenn Strange, Duncan Renaldo | Based on the popular 1930s "Lone Ranger" radio program |
| | Daredevils of the Red Circle
| 12 | Adventure | William Witney and John English | Charles Quigley, Herman Brix, David Sharpe, Carole Landis, Charles Middleton | Later re-edited into six 26-minute episodes for televisionMathis, Jack (1995). Valley of the Cliffhangers Supplement. Jack Mathis Advertising. pp. 3, 10, 38–.39. {{ISBN|0-9632878-1-8}}. |
| | Dick Tracy's G-Men
| 15 | Crime | William Witney and John English | Ralph Byrd, Irving Pichel, Ted Pearson, Phylis Isley | Based on the famous comic strip by Chester Gould; re-released theatrically in Sept., 1955Mathis, Jack (1995). Valley of the Cliffhangers Supplement. Jack Mathis Advertising. pp. 3, 10, 40–41. {{ISBN|0-9632878-1-8}}. |
| | Zorro's Fighting Legion
| 12 | Western | William Witney and John English | Based on the Zorro character created by novelist Johnston McCulley; later re-edited into six 26-minute episodes for TV |
| Universal Pictures
| 12 | Boy scouts | Alan James and Ray Taylor | Jackie Cooper, Jason Robards Sr., Bill Cody Jr. | |
| | Buck Rogers
| 12 | Ford Beebe and Saul A. Goodkind | Buster Crabbe, Henry Brandon, Philson Ahn, Anthony Warde, Constance Moore, Jackie Moran, Kenne Duncan | Based on the popular comic strip by Philip Francis Nowlan; later re-edited into 2 separate feature versions, Destination Saturn and Planet OutlawsKinnard, Roy (1998). Science Fiction Serials: A Critical Filmography of the 31 Hard SF Cliffhangers. McFarland & Co. p. 69. {{ISBN|978-0786437450}}. |
| | The Oregon Trail
| 15 | Western | Ford Beebe and Saul A. Goodkind | Johnny Mack Brown, Fuzzy Knight, Roy Barcroft | |
| | The Phantom Creeps
| 12 | Ford Beebe and Saul A. Goodkind | Bela Lugosi, Edward Van Sloan, Regis Toomey, Ed Wolff (as the Robot) | Also exists as a 78-minute feature version; contains stock footage from The Invisible Ray (1936)Stedman, Raymond William (1971). "3. At This Theater Next Week". Serials: Suspense and Drama By Installment. University of Oklahoma Press. p. 95. {{ISBN|978-0-8061-0927-5}}. |
1940s
| class="wikitable" |
| Production Company
! Title ! Chapters ! Genre ! Director ! Cast ! Notes |
|---|
| colspan="7" style="text-align:center; background:#ffdead;"| 1940 |
| Columbia Pictures
| 15 | Crime/ Superhero | Victor Jory, Robert Fiske, Veda Ann Borg | Based on the radio program and pulp magazine series |
| | Terry and the Pirates
| 15 | Jungle | William Tracy, Granville Owen | Based on the "Terry and the Pirates" newspaper comic strip created by Milton Caniff |
| | Deadwood Dick
| 15 | Western | Don Douglas | Character loosely based on "Zorro"{{cite web | url=https://www.allmovie.com/movie/v140237 | title=Deadwood Dick (1940) - James W. Horne | Synopsis, Characteristics, Moods, Themes and Related | AllMovie }} |
| | The Green Archer
| 15 | Mystery | Victor Jory, Iris Meredith, James Craven, Kenne Duncan | Based on the 1923 novel by Edgar Wallace{{cite web|url=http://gutenberg.net.au/ebooks09/0900031h.html|title=The Green Archer|website=gutenberg.net.au}} |
| Republic Pictures
| 15 | William Witney and John English | Henry Brandon, Olaf Hytton, William Royle, Dwight Frye | Based on the character created by Sax Rohmer; also released as a 69-minute feature version with an altered endingMathis, Jack (1995). Valley of the Cliffhangers Supplement. Jack Mathis Advertising. pp. 3, 10, 44–45. {{ISBN|0-9632878-1-8}}.{{cite web|url=https://www.britannica.com/topic/Fu-Manchu|title=Fu Manchu | fictional character|website=Encyclopedia Britannica}} |
| | Adventures of Red Ryder
| 12 | Western | William Witney and John English | Don "Red" Barry, Noah Beery Sr., Tommy Cook, Maude Pierce Allen | Based on the western comic strip by Fred Harmon{{cite web|url=http://blogs.denverpost.com/library/2012/11/08/popular-red-ryder-comic-strip-created-pagosa-springs-artist-fred-harman/4619/|title=Red Ryder Comic Strip Created by Pagosa Springs Artist Fred Harman|website=The Archive}} |
| | King of the Royal Mounted
| 12 | Northern | William Witney and John English | Allan Lane, Robert Strange, Herbert Rawlinson | Based on the comic strip written by Zane Grey; also released as a 68-minute feature version called The Yukon Patrol{{cite web|url=https://www.erbzine.com/zanegrey/comics2.html|title=ZG Comics II: King of the Royal Mounted and Big Little Books|website=www.erbzine.com}} |
| | Mysterious Doctor Satan
| 15 | William Witney and John English | Eduardo Ciannelli, Robert Wilcox, C. Montague Shaw, Tom Steele (as the Robot) | Features a hero called "The Copperhead"; originally written as a never-produced Republic "Superman" serial; later re-edited into a seven episode TV series, as well as a 100-minute feature version called Doctor Satan's RobotMathis, Jack. Valley of the Cliffhangers Supplement. Barrington, Illinois: Jack Mathis Advertising, 1995. {{ISBN|0-9632878-1-8}}.{{Cite book | url=https://books.google.com/books?id=zA1eCgAAQBAJ&q=dr.+satan+intended+superman+screenplay&pg=PA98 |title = Science Fiction Serials: A Critical Filmography of the 31 Hard SF Cliffhangers; with an Appendix of the 37 Serials with Slight SF Content|isbn = 9781476604138|last1 = Kinnard|first1 = Roy|date = 13 August 2015| publisher=McFarland }} |
| Universal Pictures
| 13 | Ray Taylor and Ford Beebe | Gordon Jones, Keye Luke, Anne Nagel | Based on the popular radio program by George W. Trendle and Fran Striker; some home video versions are heavily edited |
| | Flash Gordon Conquers the Universe
| 12 | Ray Taylor and Ford Beebe | Buster Crabbe, Carol Hughes, Charles Middleton, Frank Shannon, Ray Mala | Based on the famous comic strip by Alex Raymond; later released as three separate re-edited feature versions, entitled "Purple Death from Outer Space", "Perils from the Planet Mongo" and "Space Soldiers Conquer the Universe".Harmon, Jim; Donald F. Glut (1973). "2. "We Come from 'Earth', Don't You Understand?"". The Great Movie Serials: Their Sound and Fury. Routledge. p. 44. {{ISBN|978-0-7130-0097-9}}. |
| | Winners of the West
| 13 | Western | Ray Taylor and Ford Beebe | Dick Foran, Anne Nagel, Roy Barcroft | |
| | Junior G-Men
| 12 | Crime | John Rawlins and Ford Beebe | Dead End Kids, Little Tough Guys, David Sharpe | |
| colspan="7" style="text-align:center; background:#ffdead;"| 1941 |
| Columbia Pictures
| 15 | Western | Buck Jones, Raymond Hatton, Dorothy Fay, Kenne Duncan | Remake of a 1932 Buck Jones western film also called "White Eagle" |
| | The Spider Returns
| 15 | Crime/ Superhero | Warren Hull, Kenne Duncan, Mary Ainslee | Based on the 1930s pulp magazine character "The Spider"; sequel to The Spider's Web (1938); an 80-minute feature version exists that was shown in England |
| | The Iron Claw
| 15 | Mystery | Charles Quigley, Joyce Bryant, Alex Callam | |
| | Holt of the Secret Service
| 15 | Crime | Jack Holt, Evelyn Brent, Tristram Coffin | |
| Republic Pictures
| Adventures of Captain Marvel | 12 | William Witney and John English | Tom Tyler, William Benedict, Louise Currie, Kenne Duncan | Based on the popular Captain Marvel comic book series; later reissued to theaters in 1953 as Return of Captain Marvel |
| | Jungle Girl
| 15 | Jungle | William Witney and John English | Frances Gifford, Tom Neal, Gerald Mohr, Emil Van Horn (as the Gorilla) | Based on the 1932 novel "Jungle Girl" by Edgar Rice Burroughs; re-released to theaters in 1947; followed by a sequel The Perils of Nyoka (1942) |
| | King of the Texas Rangers
| 12 | Western | William Witney and John English | Slingin' Sammy Baugh, Neil Hamilton, Duncan Renaldo, Kenne Duncan | Later re-edited into six 26-minute episodes for televisionMathis, Jack. Valley of the Cliffhangers Supplement. South Barrington, Illinois: Jack Mathis Advertising, 1995. {{ISBN|0-9632878-1-8}}. |
| | Dick Tracy vs. Crime, Inc.
| 15 | Crime | William Witney and John English | Ralph Byrd, Ralph Morgan, John Davidson, Jan Wiley | Based on the famous comic strip by Chester Gould; later re-released theatrically in 1952 as Dick Tracy vs. Phantom Empire; featured stock footage from Deluge (1933) |
| Universal Pictures
| The Green Hornet Strikes Again! | 15 | John Rawlins and Ford Beebe | Warren Hull, Keye Luke, Anne Nagel | Based on the Green Hornet radio program by George W. Trendle and Fran Striker |
| | Sky Raiders
| 12 | Aviation | Ray Taylor and Ford Beebe | Donald Woods, Billy Halop, Robert Armstrong, Eduardo Ciannelli | |
| | Riders of Death Valley
| 15 | Western | Ray Taylor and Ford Beebe | Buck Jones, Dick Foran, Leo Carrillo, Lon Chaney Jr., Glenn Strange, Roy Barcroft, Richard Alexander | |
| | Sea Raiders
| 12 | Maritime | Ray Taylor and Ford Beebe | The Dead End Kids and the Little Tough Guys, Richard Alexander | |
| colspan="7" style="text-align:center; background:#ffdead;"| 1942 |
| Columbia Pictures
| 15 | Dave O'Brien, James Craven | Based on the "Captain Midnight" radio adventure serial broadcast from 1938 to 1949 |
| | Perils of the Royal Mounted
| 15 | Western | Robert Kellard, Kenneth MacDonald, Iron Eyes Cody, Kermit Maynard | |
| | The Secret Code
| 15 | Spy | Paul Kelly, Anne Nagel, Frank Shannon, Kenne Duncan | Features a hero called "The Black Commando"Harmon, Jim; Donald F. Glut (1973). "10. The Long-Underwear Boys "You've Met Me, Now Meet My Fist!"". The Great Movie Serials: Their Sound and Fury. Routledge. pp. 273–274. {{ISBN|978-0-7130-0097-9}}. |
| | The Valley of Vanishing Men
| 15 | Western | Bill Elliott, Slim Summerville, Kenne Duncan | |
| Republic Pictures
| 12 | Kane Richmond, Tristram Coffin, Marguerite Chapman | Based on the Fawcett Comics "Spy Smasher" character; later released to TV as a 100-minute feature version Spy Smasher Returns |
| | Perils of Nyoka
| 15 | Jungle | Kay Aldridge, Clayton Moore, Lorna Gray, Charles Middleton, Tristram Coffin, William Benedict, Kenne Duncan | Based on the 1932 Edgar Rice Burroughs novel "Jungle Girl"; later re-released to theatres in 1952 as "Nyoka and the Tiger Men"; later released to TV as a 100-minute feature version called "Nyoka and the Lost Secrets of Hippocrates" |
| | King of the Mounties
| 12 | Northern | Allan Lane, Peggy Drake | Originally intended to be the 2nd Spy Smasher serial; recently restored by SerialSquadron.com, completing Chapter Three.{{cite web | url=https://serialsquadron.com/serials/mounties/index.html | title=Mountie Cliffhangers }} |
| Universal Pictures
| 12 | Maritime | Ray Taylor and Ford Beebe | Don Terry, Anne Nagel | Based on the popular comic strip by Commander Frank V. Martinek |
| | Gang Busters
| 13 | Crime | Ray Taylor and Noel M. Smith | Kent Taylor. Irene Hervey, Ralph Morgan, Robert Armstrong | Based on the popular "Gang Busters" radio program; re-released theatrically in 1949Harmon, Jim; Donald F. Glut (1973). "8. The Detectives "Gangbusters!"". The Great Movie Serials: Their Sound and Fury. Routledge. p. 194. {{ISBN|978-0-7130-0097-9}}. |
| | Junior G-Men of the Air
| 12 | Aviation | Ray Taylor, Lewis D. Collins | The Dead End Kids, Turhan Bey, William Benedict, Lionel Atwill, Frankie Darro | |
| | Overland Mail
| 15 | Western | John Rawlins and Ford Beebe | Lon Chaney Jr., Noah Beery Sr., Noah Beery Jr., Don Terry, Bob Baker | Based on the short story by Johnston McCulley; later released as a feature version called "The Indian Raiders" |
| colspan="7" style="text-align:center; background:#ffdead;"| 1943 |
| Columbia Pictures
| Batman | 15 | Lewis Wilson, Douglas Croft, J. Carrol Naish, Charles Middleton, Kenne Duncan | Based on the popular comic book series from DC Comics; reissued theatrically in 1965 |
| | The Phantom
| 15 | Jungle/ Superhero | Tom Tyler, Jeanne Bates, frank Shannon | Based on Lee Falk's popular newspaper comic strip ; followed by a 1955 sequel The Adventures of Capt. AfricaWollstein, Hans J. "Adventures of Captain Africa (1955)". The New York Times. Archived from the original on April 11, 2008. Retrieved 2011-02-28. |
| Republic Pictures
| 15 | Spy | Rod Cameron, Roland Got, George J. Lewis | Later released as a 100-minute feature version called Black Dragon of Manzanar; followed by a 1943 sequel called Secret Service in Darkest Africa |
| | Daredevils of the West
| 12 | Western | Allan Lane, Kay Aldridge, Chief Thundercloud, Jay Silverheels, Kenne Duncan | Film was incomplete for years, but was restored and released on DVD in 2011 |
| | Secret Service in Darkest Africa
| 15 | Spy | Rod Cameron, Duncan Renaldo, Joan Marsh | Later re-released theatrically in 1954 as Manhunt in the African Jungles; later released as a feature version called The Baron's African War |
| | The Masked Marvel
| 12 | Tom Steele, Louis Currie, Tom Steele, Johnny Arthur | Later released as a 100-minute feature version called Sakima and the Masked Marvel |
| Universal Pictures
| The Adventures of Smilin' Jack | 13 | Aviation | Ray Taylor, Lewis D. Collins | Tom Brown, Keye Luke, Sidney Toler, Turhan Bey, Jay Novello | Based on the popular newspaper comic strip by Zack Mosley |
| | Don Winslow of the Coast Guard
| 13 | War | Ray Taylor and Lewis D. Collins | Don Terry, Philip Ahn, Nestor Paiva, Walter Sande | Based on the popular newspaper comic strip "Don Winslow of the Navy" by Frank V. Martinbek |
| | Adventures of the Flying Cadets
| 13 | Aviation | Ray Taylor and Lewis D. Collins | Johnny Downs, Bobby Jordan, Robert Armstrong, William Benedict, Robert Armstrong, Billy Halop, Eduardo Ciannelli, Ian Keith | |
| colspan="7" style="text-align:center; background:#ffdead;"| 1944 |
| Columbia Pictures
| 15 | Adventure | Gilbert Roland, Charles Middleton, Chief Thundercloud, Elmo Lincoln | |
| | Black Arrow
| 15 | Western | B. Reeves Eason and Lew Landers | Robert Scott, Charles Middleton, Elmo Lincoln | |
| Republic Pictures
| 15 | Elmer Clifton and John English | Dick Purcell, Lionel Atwill, Edward Van Sloan, Lorna Gray, Kenne Duncan | Based on the popular comic book series by Marvel Comics; the chapters were re-released theatrically in 1953 as The Return of Captain America |
| | The Tiger Woman
| 12 | Jungle | Linda Stirling, Allan Lane, Duncan Renaldo, George J. Lewis, Kenne Duncan | Re-released theatrically in 1951 as Perils of the Darkest Jungle; released in 1966 as a feature version called Jungle Gold |
| | Haunted Harbor
| 15 | Maritime | Kane Richmond, Roy Barcroft, Kay Aldridge, Kenne Duncan | Based on the novel by Ewart Adamson (aka Dayle Douglas); re-released theatrically in 1951 as Pirates' Harbor |
| | Zorro's Black Whip
| 12 | Western | Linda Stirling, Francis McDonald, George J. Lewis | Based on the Zorro character created by Johnston McCulley, but due to legalities, the character was called "The Black Whip" (not Zorro) in this serial; re-released theatrically in 1957Mathis, Jack (1995). Valley of the Cliffhangers Supplement. Jack Mathis Advertising. pp. 3, 10, 80–81. {{ISBN|0-9632878-1-8}}. |
| Universal Pictures
| 13 | Mystery | Ray Taylor and Lewis D. Collins | Milburn Stone, Martin Kosleck, Ralph Morgan, Edgar Kennedy, Fuzzy Knight | |
| | Raiders of Ghost City
| 13 | Western | Ray Taylor and Lewis D. Collins | Dennis Moore, Lionel Atwill, Wanda McKay, Virginia Christine | |
| | Mystery of the River Boat
| 13 | Western | Ray Taylor and Lewis D. Collins | Robert Lowery, Mantan Moreland, Lyle Talbot | |
| colspan="7" style="text-align:center; background:#ffdead;"| 1945 End of the Golden Age of Serials |
| Columbia Pictures
| 13 | Crime | Joan Woodbury, Kane Richmond, Syd Saylor, Wheeler Oakman | Based on the popular comic strip created by Dale Messick |
| | The Monster and the Ape
| 15 | Robert Lowery, Ralph Morgan, Willie Best, Ray Corrigan (as the Ape) | |
| | Jungle Raiders
| 15 | Jungle | Kane Richmond, Carol Hughes, Charles King, Veda Ann Borg | |
| | Who's Guilty?
| 15 | Mystery | Howard Bretherton and Wallace Grissell | Robert Kent, Amelita Ward, Charles Middleton, Minerva Urecal | |
| Republic Pictures
| 15 | Jungle/ science fiction | Linda Stirling, Richard Bailey, Roy Barcroft, Kenne Duncan | Re-released theatrically in 1956; later released as a 100-minute feature version called Captain Mephisto and the Transformation Machine |
| | Federal Operator 99
| 12 | Crime | Marten Lamont, Helen Talbot, Lorna Gray, George J. Lewis | Re-released theatrically in 1956; later reissued as a feature version called F.B.I. 99Mathis, Jack (1995). Valley of the Cliffhangers Supplement. Jack Mathis Advertising. pp. 3, 10, 84–85. {{ISBN|0-9632878-1-8}}. |
| | The Purple Monster Strikes
| 15 | Spencer Gordon Bennet and Fred C. Brannon | Linda Stirling, Dennis Moore, Roy Barcroft, James Craven, Kenne Duncan | Re-released theatrically in 1957; later released as a 100-minute feature version called D-Day on Mars |
| Universal Pictures
| 13 | Jungle | Ray Taylor and Lewis D. Collins | Ruth Roman, Edward Norris, Douglas Dumbrille, Clarence Muse | Later re-edited into a feature version called Jungle Safari in 1956 |
| | The Master Key
| 13 | Crime | Ray Taylor and Lewis D. Collins | Milburn Stone, Lash Larue, Dennis Moore, Byron Foulger | |
| | Secret Agent X-9
| 13 | Spy | Ray Taylor and Lewis D. Collins | Lloyd Bridges, Keye Luke, Samuel S. Hinds | Based on the comic strip created by Dashiell Hammett and Alex Raymond |
| | The Royal Mounted Rides Again
| 13 | Northern | Ray Taylor and Lewis D. Collins | Bill Kennedy, George Dolenz, Milburn Stone, Robert Armstrong | |
| colspan="7" style="text-align:center; background:#ffdead;"| 1946 |
| Columbia Pictures
| 15 | Aviation | William Bakewell, Wheeler Oakman, Jennifer Holt | Based on the "Hop Harrigan" comic book published by DC Comics |
| | Chick Carter, Detective
| 15 | Crime | Lyle Talbot, George Meeker, Charles King, Pamela Blake | Based on the popular radio program "Chick Carter, Boy Detective" |
| | Son of the Guardsman
| 15 | Medieval adventure | Bob Shaw, Robert "Buzz" Henry, Jock Mahoney | Based on the Robin Hood legend (but Robin Hood is not a character in the film) |
| Republic Pictures
| 12 | Western | Spencer Gordon Bennet and Fred C. Brannon | Robert Kent, Peggy Stewart, Kenne Duncan, Roy Barcroft, Chief Thundercloud | later re-released theatrically in 1954 as "Ghost Riders of the West"Mathis, Jack (1995). Valley of the Cliffhangers Supplement. Jack Mathis Advertising. pp. 3, 10, 88–89. {{ISBN|0-9632878-1-8}}. |
| | King of the Forest Rangers
| 12 | Northern | Spencer Gordon Bennet and Fred C. Brannon | Larry Thompson, Helen Talbot, Anthony Warde | Later re-edited into six 26-minute episodes for television |
| | Daughter of Don Q
| 12 | Crime | Spencer Gordon Bennet and Fred C. Brannon | Lorna Gray, Kirk Alyn, LeRoy Mason, Roy Barcroft | Features a female "Zorro" character called Dolores Quantero |
| | The Crimson Ghost
| 12 | William Witney and Fred C. Brannon | Charles Quigley, Linda Stirling, Clayton Moore, Kenne Duncan, I. Stanford Jolley | Also released to TV in the 1950s as a six-episode TV program; later released as a 100-minute feature version called Cyclotrode X; one of the few serials ever to be colorized on home video |
| Universal Pictures
| 13 | Western | Ray Taylor and Lewis D. Collins | Paul Guilfoyle, Virginia Christine, Kenne Duncan | |
| | Lost City of the Jungle
| 13 | Jungle | Ray Taylor and Lewis D. Collins | Russell Hayden, Jane Adams, Lionel Atwill, Keye Luke | (Atwill died during filming) |
| | The Mysterious Mr. M
| 13 | Lewis D. Collins and Vernon Keays | Richard Martin, Pamela Blake, Dennis Moore | Last Universal serial |
| colspan="7" style="text-align:center; background:#ffdead;"| 1947 |
| Columbia Pictures
| 15 | John Hart, Rosemary LaPlanche, Pierre Watkin, Wheeler Oakman, Charles Middleton | Based on the popular radio program "Jack Armstrong, the All-American Boy" |
| | The Vigilante
| 15 | Western/ Superhero | Ralph Byrd, Ramsay Ames, Lyle Talbot | Based on the DC Comics character, The Vigilante (character) |
| | The Sea Hound
| 15 | Maritime | Walter B. Eason and Mack V. Wright | Buster Crabbe, Jimmy Lloyd, Pamela Blake | Based on the 1940s radio program The Sea Hound featuring the seafaring character Capt. SilverHickerson, Jay. The Ultimate History of Network Radio Programming and Guide to All Circulating Shows. Hamden, Connecticut: Jay Hickerson, Box 4321, Hamden, CT 06514, second edition December 1992, page 355. |
| | Brick Bradford
| 15 | Kane Richmond, Rick Vallin, Carol Forman, John Merton, John Hart | Based on the Brick Bradford newspaper comic strip created by Clarence GrayHoltz, Allan (2012). American Newspaper Comics: An Encyclopedic Reference Guide. Ann Arbor: The University of Michigan Press. p. 83. {{ISBN|9780472117567}}. |
| Republic Pictures
| 13 | Western | Spencer Gordon Bennet and Fred C. Brannon | George Turner, Peggy Stewart, Roy Barcroft | Based on the Zorro character created by novelist Johnston McCulley; later re-edited into six 26-minute episodes for televisionMathis, Jack (1995). Valley of the Cliffhangers Supplement. Jack Mathis Advertising. pp. 3, 10, 96–97. {{ISBN|0-9632878-1-8}}. |
| | Jesse James Rides Again
| 13 | Western | Clayton Moore. Linda Stirling | First of Republic's three "Jesse James" serials; re-released theatrically in March 1955 Mathis, Jack (1995). Valley of the Cliffhangers Supplement. Jack Mathis Advertising. pp. 3, 10, 98–99. {{ISBN|0-9632878-1-8}}. |
| | The Black Widow
| 13 | Spy | Spencer Gordon Bennet and Fred C. Brannon | Bruce Edwards, Carol Forman, Ramsay Ames, Anthony Warde, I. Stanford Jolley | Also re-edited into six 26-minute episodes for TV; later released as a 100-minute feature version called "Sombra, the Spider Woman" |
| colspan="7" style="text-align:center; background:#ffdead;"| 1948 |
| Columbia Pictures
| 15 | Western | Robert Kellard, Peggy Stewart, Robert "Buzz" Henry, I. Stanford Jolley | Based on a character in "Calling All Boys" (a comic book) and a novel called The Last Frontier by Courtney Ryley Cooper |
| | Superman
| 15 | Kirk Alyn, Noel Neill, Pierre Watkin, Tommy Bond, Carol Forman, Herbert Rawlinson | Based on the famous DC Comics comic book character; followed by a 1950 sequel Atom Man Vs. Superman |
| | Congo Bill
| 15 | Jungle | Spencer Gordon Bennet, Thomas Carr | Don McGuire, Cleo Moore, Jack Ingram | Based on the famous DC Comics comic book character |
| Republic Pictures
| 12 | Crime | Clayton Moore, Roy Barcroft, Ramsay Ames | Later released as a 100-minute feature version entitled Code 645 |
| | Dangers of the Canadian Mounted
| 12 | Northern | Jim Bannon, Anthony Warde, Virginia Belmont | Re-released theatrically in 1965; also released as a 100-minute feature version called R.C.M.P. and the Treasure of Genghis KhanRainey, Buck (June 8, 2015). Serials and Series: A World Filmography, 1912-1956. {{ISBN|9781476604480}}. |
| | Adventures of Frank and Jesse James
| 13 | Western | Fred C. Brannon, Yakima Canutt | Clayton Moore, Noel Neill, George J. Lewis, Steve Darrell | Re-released theatrically in 1956 |
| colspan="7" style="text-align:center; background:#ffdead;"| 1949 |
| Columbia Pictures
| 15 | Aviation, Science fiction | Spencer Gordon Bennet, Thomas Carr | Tom Neal, Tristram Coffin, Forrest Taylor | Based on the "Bruce Gentry" newspaper comic strip created by Ray Bailey |
| | Batman and Robin
| 15 | Robert Lowery, Johnny Duncan, Jane Adams, Lyle Talbot | Based on the famous DC Comics comic book characters; re-released theatrically in 1965 |
| | Adventures of Sir Galahad
| 15 | Fantasy | George Reeves, Nelson Leigh, William Fawcett, Hugh Prosser | Based on the King Arthur legend |
| Republic Pictures
| Federal Agents vs. Underworld, Inc | 12 | Crime | Kirk Alyn, Rosemary Planche, Roy Barcroft, Carol Forman, Tristram Coffin | Later released as a 100-minute feature version called "The Golden Hands of Kurigal" |
| | Ghost of Zorro
| 12 | Western | Clayton Moore, Roy Barcroft, George J. Lewis, | Based on the Zorro character created by novelist Johnston McCulley; later released as a 69-minute feature version as wellMathis, Jack (1995). Valley of the Cliffhangers Supplement. Jack Mathis Advertising. pp. 3, 10, 110–111. {{ISBN|0-9632878-1-8}}. |
| | King of the Rocket Men
| 12 | Tristram Coffin, Mae Clarke, James Craven, I. Stanford Jolley | Inspired by the Buck Rogers serial character; re-released theatrically in 1956; released as a 65-minute feature version called Lost Planet Airman Harmon, Jim and Donald F. Glut. "8. The Detectives "Gangbusters!"; "9. The Superheroes "Could Superman Knock Out Captain Marvel"; "11. New Masks for New Heroes "Get That Masked Trouble Maker". The Great Movie Serials: Their Sound and Fury. London: Routledge Publishing, 1973. {{ISBN|978-0-7130-0097-9}}. |
| | The James Brothers of Missouri
| 12 | Western | Noel Neill, Keith Richards, Robert Bice, Roy Barcroft |
| | Radar Patrol vs Spy King
| 12 | Spy | Kirk Alyn, John Merton, Tristram Coffin, George J. Lewis | |
1950s
| class="wikitable" |
| Production Company
! Title ! Chapters ! Genre ! Director ! Cast ! Notes |
|---|
| colspan="7" style="text-align:center; background:#ffdead;"| 1950 |
| rowspan=3|Columbia Pictures
| 15 | Western | Jock Mahoney, Dickie Moore, Peggy Stewart, George J. Lewis | Based loosely on the life of Buffalo Bill Cody |
| Atom Man vs. Superman
| 15 | Kirk Alyn, Noel Neill, Lyle Talbot, Tommy Bond | Based on the Superman comic book character published by DC Comics |
| Pirates of the High Seas
| 15 | Maritime/ Jungle | Spencer Gordon Bennet, Thomas Carr | Buster Crabbe, Lois Hall, Tristram Coffin | |
| Great Britain Instructional
| The Mystery of the Snakeskin Belt:pt:The Mystery of the Snakeskin Belt | 8 | Jungle adventure | Frank Cadman | Colin Barlow, Ursula Strachey, Cyril Wentzel | British; Last independent serial; filmed in ZimbabweThe Children's Newspaper, 11 September 1948 |
| rowspan=3|Republic Pictures
| 12 | Richard Webb, Aline Towne, Lane Bradford, Stanley Price | Later released as a 100-minute feature version called Slaves of the Invisible Monster |
| Desperadoes of the West
| 12 | Western | Richard Powers, Roy Barcroft, I. Stanford Jolley | |
| Flying Disc Man from Mars
| 12 | Walter Reed, Lois Collier, Harry Lauter, James Craven | Reuses the villain's costume from The Purple Monster Strikes (1945); later released as a 75-minute feature version called Missile MonstersMathis, Jack. Valley of the Cliffhangers Supplement. South Barrington, Illinois: Jack Mathis Advertising, 1995. {{ISBN|0-9632878-1-8}}. pg. 122-123. |
| colspan="7" style="text-align:center; background:#ffdead;"| 1951 |
| rowspan=3|Columbia Pictures
| 15 | Western | Spencer Gordon Bennet, Thomas Carr | Jock Mahoney, Virginia Herrick, Myron Healy | |
| Mysterious Island
| 15 | Richard Crane, Marshall Reed, Karen Randle, Tom Tyler (uncredited) | Based on The Mysterious Island by Jules Verne |
| Captain Video: Master of the Stratosphere
| 15 | Spencer Gordon Bennet, Wallace Grissell | Judd Holdren, Larry Stewart, Gene Roth, Skelton Knaggs | Only serial adapted from a television program; reissued theatrically in 1958, 1960, and 1963 |
| rowspan=2|Republic Pictures
| 12 | Western | Ken Curtis, Roy Barcroft, Aline Townes, I. Stanford Jolley | Similar in theme to Zorro; includes stock footage from Zorro's Black Whip (1944) |
| Government Agents vs. Phantom Legion
| 12 | Spy | Walter Reed, Mary Ellen Kay, Dick Curtis | |
| colspan="7" style="text-align:center; background:#ffdead;"| 1952 |
| rowspan=3|Columbia Pictures
| 15 | Jungle | Spencer Gordon Bennet, Wallace Grissell | Buster Crabbe, Gloria Dea, Rick Vallin, Leonard Penn | Based on the 1950s Thun'da comic book series drawn by Frank Frazetta |
| Blackhawk
| 15 | Aviation | Spencer Gordon Bennet, Fred F. Sears | Kirk Alyn, Carol Forman, Rick Vallin, John Crawford | Based on the Blackhawk DC Comics comic book series |
| Son of Geronimo
| 15 | Western | Clayton Moore, Marshall Red, Rick Vallin, Rodd Redwing, Lyle Talbot | |
| rowspan=2|Republic Pictures
| 12 | George D. Wallace, Aline Towne, Roy Barcroft, Clayton Moore | 1st appearance of "Commando Cody"; later released as a 100-minute feature version called Retik, the Moon Menace (some videos were also released under the title Commando Cody vs. the Moon Menace)Mathis, Jack (1995). Valley of the Cliffhangers Supplement. Jack Mathis Advertising. pp. 3, 10, 128–129. {{ISBN|0-9632878-1-8}}. |
| Zombies of the Stratosphere
| 12 | Judd Holdren, Leonard Nimoy, Aline Towne, Lane Bradford, John Crawford | Commando Cody is called "Larry Martin" in this sequel to Radar Men From the Moon; later released as a 70-minute B&W feature version called Satan's Satellites; also available colorized on VHS Home Video at 93 minutes |
| colspan="7" style="text-align:center; background:#ffdead;"| 1953 |
| rowspan=2|Columbia Pictures
| 15 | Judd Holdren, Vivian Mason, Ted Thorpe, Gene Roth |
| The Great Adventures of Captain Kidd
| 15 | Maritime | Derwin Abrahams and Charles S. Gould | Richard Crane, David Bruce, George Wallace, John Crawford, Marshall Reed | Loosely based on the life story of Captain William Kidd |
| rowspan=3|Republic Pictures
| 12 | Jungle | Phyllis Coates, Clayton Moore, Johnny Spencer | Later released as a feature version called U-238 and the Witch Doctor |
| Commando Cody: Sky Marshal of the Universe
| 12 | Franklin Adreon, Fred C. Brannon, Harry Keller | Judd Holdren, Richard Crane, Aline Towne, William Schallert, Lyle Talbot | Released first theatrically in 1953 as a 12-episode serial (each episode was self-contained), then later released to television in 1955 as a 12-episode television series |
| Canadian Mounties vs. Atomic Invaders
| 12 | Bill Henry, Susan Morrow, Arthur Space, | Later released as a 100-minute feature version called Missile Base at Taniak |
| colspan="7" style="text-align:center; background:#ffdead;"| 1954 |
| rowspan=2|Columbia Pictures
| Gunfighters of the Northwest | 15 | Northern | Spencer Gordon Bennet, Charles S. Gould | Clayton Moore, Jock Mahoney, Phyllis Coates, Lyle Talbot, Marshall Reed, Rodd Redwing | |
| Riding with Buffalo Bill
| 15 | Western | Marshall Reed, Rick Vallin, Shirley Whitney | Includes stock footage from Deadwood Dick (1940) |
| rowspan=2|Republic Pictures
| Trader Tom of the China Seas | 12 | Maritime | Phyllis Coates, Harry Lauter, Robert Shayne, Aline Towne, Lyle Talbot | Later released as a 100-minute feature version called Target: Sea of China |
| Man with the Steel Whip
| 12 | Western | Richard Simmons, Barbara Bestar, Roy Barcroft, Dale Van Sickel |Features a character called El Latigo, very similar to Zorro; used stock footage from all of the earlier Republic "Zorro" serialsHarmon, Jim; Donald F. Glut (1973). "12. The Westerns "Who Was That Masked Man!"". The Great Movie Serials: Their Sound and Fury. Routledge. p. 300. {{ISBN|978-0-7130-0097-9}}. |
| colspan="7" style="text-align:center; background:#ffdead;"| 1955 |
| Columbia Pictures
| The Adventures of Captain Africa | 15 | Jungle | John Hart, Rick Vallin, Ben Weldon | Intended as a sequel to The Phantom; includes stock footage from The Phantom, Jungle Menace, and The Desert Hawk |
| rowspan=2|Republic Pictures
| 12 | Jungle | Phyllis Coates, Myron Healy, Arthur Space, David Sharpe (stunt double) | Later released as a 100-minute feature version called The Claw Monsters; includes stock footage from Jungle Girl (serial) and Perils of Nyoka |
| King of the Carnival
| 12 | Crime | Harry Lauter, Robert Shayne, Rick Vallin, Robert Clarke | Last Republic serial. Includes stock footage from Daredevils of the Red Circle |
| colspan="7" style="text-align:center; background:#ffdead;"| 1956 |
| rowspan=2|Columbia Pictures
| 15 | Northern | Dennis Moore, Richard Emory, Kenneth MacDonald, Rick Vallin | Includes stock footage from Perils of the Royal Mounted |
| Blazing the Overland Trail
| 15 | Western | Dennis Moore, Lee Roberts, Kermit Maynard, Norma Brooks | Last Columbia serial; last major-studio serial; Includes stock footage from White Eagle (1941). |
| colspan="7" style="text-align:center; background:#ffdead;"| 1957 |
| Shintoho
| 9 | Japanese tokusatsu film serial; later released to U.S. television as four separate Starman features. |
See also
References
{{reflist}}
External links
- [http://www.serialsquadron.com/ Serial Squadron]
- [http://www.silentera.com/ Silent Era]
- [https://web.archive.org/web/20070203165056/http://serialexperience.com/ Todd Gault's Movie Serial Experience]
- [http://www.inthebalcony.com/ In The Balcony]