Science Fiction Serials: A Critical Filmography of the 31 Hard Sf Cliffhangers, With an Appendix of the 37 Serials With Slight Sf Content (Library Binding)

by Roy Kinnard (Author)

Editorial Reviews

From Booklist
A generation of kids with free Saturdays enjoyed movie serials, 15^-20 minutes of action and cliffhanger endings. Especially with the advent of popular SF writing, science fiction serials were a big draw and presaged the science fiction craze of the 1950s. Covering all 31 SF serials, from The Vanishing to Panther Girl of the Congo this book is the result of in-depth research and commitment. Author Kinnard was able to get valuable information from Buster Crabbe and Jean Rogers (of Flash Gordon fame) and other actors, film curators, and librarians.

Serial entries are arranged in order of original release and include the following: production crew, cast, chapter titles, story (from one to three pages), commentary, and present-day distributor. At least one stock photo accompanies each entry; up to four black-and-white photos or posters may be included. Probably the most interesting section is the comment one in which Kinnard discusses (and sometimes editorializes about) production and studio details, actors' backgrounds and future careers, and off-shoot films and TV programs. He notes how footage and costumes were shared among series; applauds Henry MacRae, who produced the Flash Gordon series, for revitalizing serials for the sound stage; and derides Superman producer Sam Katzman, who helped push the serials toward their demise. The Board has only two complaints. The story line for each serial is presented uninterrupted, so the reader cannot tell where individual episodes begin and end. On a more minor note, Kinnard is especially generous in his appraisal of actress Linda Stirling and her beauty--but doesn't include any pictures of her.

The writing is clear and succinct, and occasional opinions are backed up with sufficient evidence. An appendix lists 37 additional serials with incidental science-fiction elements. This is followed by a brief bibliography and an index. For the academic or public library with a strong SF or serious film readership, this volume is an entertaining and useful, though not vital, addition to the field.

Review
"a fascinating look at these serials...will be useful in most film collections" -- ARBA

"a useful critical guide" -- Interzone

"chapters cover 31 sound serials in chronological order" -- Psychotronic

"clear and succinct...an entertaining and useful...addition to the field" -- Booklist/RBB

"detailed information.... Complete credits and chapter titles are given, along with the storylines, detailed commentaries and information as to video availability" -- Classic Images

"everything you ever wanted to know" -- VideoScope

"the book is a hoot.... The author's research skills and eye for details adds depth" -- ForeWord Magazine

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Product Details

• Library Binding: 217 pages
• Publisher: McFarland & Company (October 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0786405457
• ISBN-13: 978-0786405459
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6.2 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15.2 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 3.5 out of 5 stars See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #980,987 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Big disappointment, November 28, 1999

By	Rory Coker (Austin, TX USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I looked forward to reading this book but found little of interest. For each of 31 serials, none of them "hard sf" despite the subtitle, Kinnard lists credits and cast, story, and comments. Often the story (a nearly unreadable plot summary) exceeds 42 column inches (as for MANHUNT OF MYSTERY ISLAND)--- for no known reasons--- while other serials get less than 6 column inches, with no rationale. I suspect the insanely expanded plot summaries were added to bulk out a very slender book-- less than 200 pages of text. Comments on the serials are repetitive and tend to lack insight or specifics. For instance, the gross overuse of rear projection in FIGHTING DEVIL DOGS is not mentioned. Misprints are few but often hilarous, as "Mephisto lashes Brand with a ship and stalks out of the room," on p. 111. There are odd errors, particularly phonetic spelling of character names!

0 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars One of the Best, March 26, 2000

By	Will Meugniot "Will M" (Los Angeles, CA) - See all my reviews

I've been a serial fan since the Republic serials played on TV in the '60's and found this book to be a refreshing, well researched and even-handed treatment of its subject.