The Phantom - Serial
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Movie Reviews of The Phantom - Serial
Movie Review: One of Columbia's Better Serials
Summary: 3 Stars
Columbia Pictures never produced a movie serial comparable to the best Republic cliffhangers. However, "The Phantom" (1943) survives as one of the studio's better efforts, thanks to Tom Tyler's memorable presence in the title role and the assured direction of B. Reeves Eason. Unlike Republic, the Columbia serials were more faithful in terms of comic-strip adaptations. "The Phantom" is no exception. Unfortunately, Columbia lacked the solid production values and crisp pacing of the Republic serials - further hindered by the studio's excessive 15-chapter length. Still, "The Phantom" makes the most of Columbia's low-budget shortcomings with its effective jungle setting and above-average cliffhanging exploits. As "The Ghost Who Walks," Tyler is a terrific action hero and does not rely on a stunt double during the fight scenes. Fans of Lee Falk's comic-strip creation will not be disappointed.Movie Review: A Classic Serial
Summary: 5 Stars
This a must for any fan of The Phantom. It remains true for the majority of it to the original comics and contains some excellent action scenes. I thought Tom Tyler did a great job in the role of The Phantom and even if you are not a fan of the hero this still should take pride of place in anybody's collection as it is a classic serial from beginning to end.Movie Review: Columbia or not, I LIKED IT!
Summary: 5 Stars
I generally agree that Columbia did not turn out a lot of the best serials, but they did a good job, IMHO, on this one. Well, maybe Tom Tyler couldn't act, but he was good enough. There's much to recommend this. The most interesting facet to me was that, unlike most serials, the main character is, in the minds of the bad guys, dead at the end of about nine of the fifteen chapters. This, of course, reinforces the idea of "The man who can not die", or "The Ghost Who Walks". The chapter endings in all serials show the hero in extreme peril, but not usually and continually as a result of a "death trap" plotted by the villains. And so, by the last chapter, even the primary villain is wondering if the Phantom is immortal or not. I also enjoyed the use of Ace, "The Wonder Dog", as the Phantom's dog, "Devil". I am glad that they didn't try to have the main character's white horse featured in the comic strip as part of this serial.
The plot was better than average, a bit more complicated. The chapter endings weren't spectacular, but the action was continuous. So I recommend this, especially to those familiar with the comic strip.
Movie Review: Republic where are you when we need you!
Summary: 3 Stars
I have been a Serial nut since I was 6 years old back in 1939.After looking for years for a Phantom print I finally found one with Amazon. Sorry to say I was somewhat sorry with this Columbia Picures product. In all fairness no one could make a Serial with the quality of Republic Pictures. They had the best directors and technicians in Hollywood. The Phantom I have is good with a very good story line. But the special effects are just not there. And that's what makes a Serial. Tom Tyler is one poor actor but that's his charm. When he made Captian Marvel I think in the entire 15 chapters he only spoke a total of 60 words. William Whitney the director once said that those few words were too much for Tyler. But that's OK for Tom I still enjoy watching him.Movie Review: If you are a fan of the Phantom, you have gotta watch this!
Summary: 5 Stars
Being a huge fan of Lee Falks' Phantom, I have tried to track down this seriel for quite awhile. I was able to obtain from a collecter who had this seriel before it was made available again to the public. Let me just say that Tom Tyler does a great job of playing the Phantom! Obviously this seriel does not have the production value of the Adventures of Captain Marvel, but it does have an excelent storyline that could fit into any Indiana Jones movie. This seriel does a much better job of establishing the mystique of the Phantom with the natives of Bengali and the mystery of the Phantom, the Ghost Who Walks. This has alot of action with the Phantom and Devil and the Phantom battles a gigantic gorilla. This ends up being a guy in an ape suit but it is a pretty cool looking menacing suit and not just a cheesy gorilla outfit. It is overall fun and a blast to watch if you are a Phantom fan. Anyone who enjoys old movie seriels knows the formulas used so don't expect groundbreaking cliffhangers. This may not be the best seriel ever made but it is a very well done seriel and one I recommend if you like action/adventure heroes.