"The Adventures of Captain Marvel" (1941) is quite simply the best of its genre. Period.
Directed by John English and William Witney this 12-part serial really moves and maintains a generally high standard of quality. And the special effects were truly top-notch. Sure, there were times when the models looked like ... well ... models, but there were also sequences that would make folks believe a man could fly some 37 years before "Superman: The Movie." Frank Coughlan, Jr. made an outstanding "Billy Batson." Young, adventurous, and conscientious. He was no Clark Kent/Peter Parker wallflower. He also has a wonderful chemistry with his sidekicks Louise Currie ("Betty") and William Benedict ("Whitey"). This trio could have easily carried the movie without the super-hero gimmick.
Of course Tom Tyler made a terrific "Captain Marvel." Stoic, gallant, and (surprisingly) edgy. Some folks may be startled to see a super-hero dispensing 1940s justice with a definite 1940s sensibility. Its great.
Anyway, I saved the best for last ... it is now officially for sale on DVD for less than 10 bucks making it, IMO, the most under-rated and under-valued movie out. It's a classic for all the right reasons.
For what "The Adventures of Capt. Marvel" was and designed to be it is a perfect creation.
Directed by John English and William Witney this 12-part serial really moves and maintains a generally high standard of quality. And the special effects were truly top-notch. Sure, there were times when the models looked like ... well ... models, but there were also sequences that would make folks believe a man could fly some 37 years before "Superman: The Movie." Frank Coughlan, Jr. made an outstanding "Billy Batson." Young, adventurous, and conscientious. He was no Clark Kent/Peter Parker wallflower. He also has a wonderful chemistry with his sidekicks Louise Currie ("Betty") and William Benedict ("Whitey"). This trio could have easily carried the movie without the super-hero gimmick.
Of course Tom Tyler made a terrific "Captain Marvel." Stoic, gallant, and (surprisingly) edgy. Some folks may be startled to see a super-hero dispensing 1940s justice with a definite 1940s sensibility. Its great.
Anyway, I saved the best for last ... it is now officially for sale on DVD for less than 10 bucks making it, IMO, the most under-rated and under-valued movie out. It's a classic for all the right reasons.
For what "The Adventures of Capt. Marvel" was and designed to be it is a perfect creation.