Al Westerfield
I saw the first chapter of Daredevils of the Red Circle on TV as a kid. I never forgot it but never saw the rest. Almost 60 years later I saw the famous tunnel scene again in the TCM presentation The Republic Story. Finally I knew the name of the serial. I purchased the video tape with some trepidation because first and last episodes are always the best, often with dross in between. I loved it. Great action, great stunts, great plot, great villains. I recently dubbed my copy to DVD so I had the chance to watch it again. Still loved it.I have a soft spot in my heart for the serials of my youth, particularly The Phantom Empire. I've walked through the entrance to Murania at Bronson Canyon and the steps outside the control room at Griffith Observatory. I watch it and other syfy serials regularly. But despite the lack of futuristic hokum I have to admit that Daredevils is a notch above any serial I've seen.
whpratt1
In the Year 1939 you would have to visit the movie theater for about twelve weeks in a row in order to find out the complete ending to this film. This film involves three Circus Stuntmen who are acrobats and one of their brothers is killed which is caused by #39013, Harry Crowel in revenge for Horace Granville sending him to jail who was his former partner in his business. Carole Landis, (Blanche Granville)"I Wake Up Screaming" is the daughter to Horace Granville and finds out about a wicked scheme that #39013 has planned against her farther and if she tells her father will die. There is plenty of action, secret doors, secret panels and plenty of bombs being set off, with water rushing through tunnels and more and more. Great Classic film from 1939, this one you will really enjoy.
antonio1952
This serial made at the peak of Republic's serial making may be the finest serial ever made. It has the best music score of any serial and a great serial cast including Charles Middleton, Herman Brix, C. Montague Shaw, David Sharpe and Charles Quigley. Also pretty Carole Landis and Miles Mander and you have one of the most energetic serials you will ever see. If you have never seen a serial and want to see one this may be the one to watch. It has been voted in the top 10 of an expert panel of serial fans appearing on all 25 panelist's lists.
Paul Curtis
This Republic serial is about as good as they get. The chapter ending involving a tunnel under the river is quite memorable, as I pass through the Lincoln Tunnel every morning on the way to work.I was also impressed with the always-excellent Charles Middleton (best remembered as Ming the Merciless) as the villain. Everytime we see him in a movie, my girlfriend gasps "39013!"...which is pretty remarkable when you think about it. How many numerically-named characters do YOU remember from old movies?
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