Most Helpful Customer Reviews
25 of 25 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
One of Columbia's better serial efforts, June 21, 2000
This review is from: Shadow [VHS] (VHS Tape)
Serial fans know that the chapterplays churned out by Columbia were seldom up to the standard of those made by Republic (compare BATMAN to THE ADVENTURES OF CAPTAIN MARVEL for proof), lacking the imagination, polish, and furious pace found in the more famous studio's releases. THE SHADOW comes as a bit of surprise, then, after reading some negative comments on it. It must be pointed out that the character of the Shadow existed in several incarnations during his time. The radio version is the most famous, with his powers of invisibility, pretty assistang Margo Lane, and eerie laughter. The pulp hero, by contrast, did not become invisible and was a far more physical, though still eerie and mysterious, entity, with a vast network of operatives at his disposal. In addition to these, there was a lesser known version that ran as a newspaper strip and featured in his own comic for several years. This took its cue mainly from the pulps, but made the Shadow even more earthly and eliminated nearly all of his operatives. The Columbia serial version takes its cue mainly from this incarnation. Toss in radio's Margo Lane, (Harry) Vincent from the pulps and add The Black Tiger, a villain with the radio Shadow's gift for invisiblity and you've got an immensely enjoyable experience. Most of the faults found in Columbia serials are certainly present, like woefully unimaginative chapter endings (how many roofs can fall on the Shadow?), some indifferent pacing, and a reliance on coincidence that's staggering even for a serial. However, this one improves on Columbia's other efforts in two important departments. First, the photography is great, frequently dark, appropriately shadowy, and much more impressive than the ugly, nonexistent photography found in, say, BATMAN. The scene in which the Black Tiger makes himself invisible in order to address his (particularly idiotic) minions is very atmospheric, and you'd better like it, because it's repeated in every chapter. Second, this is an unusually well acted serial. Victor Jory is ideal casting as Lamont Cranston/The Shadow. Jory was a successful stage actor who mainly played supporting roles in feature films and rarely got the opportunity to play the leading man. While starring in a Columbia serial may have been a step down from his stage work, Jory clearly relishes ths spotlight, turning in a whirlwind performance that's never less than perfect. And he looks exactly like the illustrations of Cranston in the comics and pulps, too. He's ably supported by a cast of serial/b-movie veterans including Veda Ann Borg as Margo and Roger Moore as Vincent. And never has a serial villain's true identity been more obvious than it is in THE SHADOW. This, along with the sadly unavailable THE SPIDER'S WEB, is one of Columbian's best serials, proving that maybe they should have just stuck to pulp characters. Enjoy.
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:
2.0 out of 5 stars
Half-serious, half-ridiculous cliffhanger for fans, December 14, 1999
This review is from: Shadow [VHS] (VHS Tape)
Radio's "Lamont Cranston" had a fine sense of justice, a sly sense of humor, and "the power to cloud men's minds." In the serial version, however, The Shadow terrorizes the underworld, takes no nonsense from anyone, and is plainly visible in hat and cloak. Although Victor Jory plays Cranston earnestly, the serial just barely takes itself seriously: when the hammy villain speaks his lines with an overdone sneer, or when Jory sneaks up on some gangsters DISGUISED AS A TREE, it's hard to accept the film as a legitimate drama. But there are some good moments, including very clever staging for the villain, who materializes as a vaporous beam of light. Serial fans will enjoy this most, and Jory's performance is the best part of the show (he's got The Shadow's trademark laugh down cold!).
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
VICTOR JORY had the voice and physical skills!, December 31, 2004
This review is from: Shadow [VHS] (VHS Tape)
Star JORY always delivered his lines with a quick response. Reminding me of Basil Rathbone who did the same in his movies. And JORY could play villian as he was that carpertbagger in "GONE WITH THE WIND". But here, he could use that voice, and his athletic skills to indeed BE the SHADOW in the movies. There were other leading actors in other Shadow features ,but JORY indeed WAS---- THE SHADOW in the Serial during the wonderful Saturday theatre afternoon days. Complete with the usual expected fist-fights,explosions,mystery voice,etc..and-" how will he ever get out of that situation?" episode ending...this whole serial looks good,sounds good and is fun to watch.And those tough fans of the SHADOW radio program were not dissapointed,even though Orson Wellse could not have played JORY's part! (You OTR fans know what I mean here.)
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
|
|
Most Recent Customer Reviews
|
