Directors: FREDERICK STEPHANI, RAY TAYLOR. Screenplay: Frederick Stephani, George Plympton, Basil Dickey, Ella O'Neill. Based on the comic strip "Flash Gordon" (or "Speed Gordon" as it was known in Australia) created and drawn by Alex Raymond. Photography: Jerome "Jerry" Ash, Richard Fryer. Film editors: Saul Goodkind, Edward Todd, Alvin Todd, Louis Sackin. Art director: Ralph Berger. Special effects: Norman Dewes. Music adapted from Franz Waxman's score for The Bride of Frankenstein. Producer: Henry MacRae.
A Universal serial in 13 chapters of two reels each. U.S. release: 6 April 1936. Copyright by Universal Productions, Inc. Chapter titles and copyright dates: The Plant of Peril, 18 March 1936; The Tunnel of Terror, 23 March 1936; Captured by Shark Men, 9 April 1936; Battling the Sea Beast, 17 April 1936; The Destroying Ray, 23 April 1936; Flaming Torture, 30 April 1936; Shattering Doom, 6 May 1936; Tournament of Death, 14 May 1936; Fighting the Fire Dragon, 20 May 1936; The Unseen Peril, 27 May 1936; In the Claws of the Tigron, 3 June 1936; Trapped in the Turret, 10 June 1936; Rocketing to Earth, 17 June 1936.
The serial was cut down to a 97-minute feature version called ROCKET SHIP. I have also seen this listed as Spaceship to the Unknown and Atomic Rocketship. TV title: Space Soldiers.
SYNOPSIS: Flash Gordon, Dr Zarkov and Dale Arden blast off to Planet Mongo where they encounter Ming the Merciless, who seeks to conquer the entire universe.
NOTES: Sequels are Flash Gordon's Trip to Mars (1938) and Flash Gordon Conquers the Universe (1940).
COMMENT: This legendary serial is still great fun today. Of course it doesn't have its original impact. Although the sets are still impressive (some refurbished from Bride of Frankenstein), the special effects and props look more than a bit tacky. Instead of breathtaking wonder, they now inspire amusement. Many of the thrills that once brought audiences out in a sweat, now bring chuckles and campy laughter. But there's no denying the pace and sheer energetic gusto of Flash Gordon. This was writer Frederick Stephani's first and last directorial assignment. Ray Taylor had to be called in to help him out, whilst no less than four film editors worked on assembling the footage - which now truly moves with a speed Flash would have been proud of. There are no seams. Stephani's visual flair admirably complements Taylor's vigorous action staging.
The players may lack subtlety, even finesse, but Crabbe certainly looks the part, while Jean Rogers makes an attractive heroine. And who could fail to enjoy Charles Middleton's Ming and Priscilla Lawson's Aura?
A Universal serial in 13 chapters of two reels each. U.S. release: 6 April 1936. Copyright by Universal Productions, Inc. Chapter titles and copyright dates: The Plant of Peril, 18 March 1936; The Tunnel of Terror, 23 March 1936; Captured by Shark Men, 9 April 1936; Battling the Sea Beast, 17 April 1936; The Destroying Ray, 23 April 1936; Flaming Torture, 30 April 1936; Shattering Doom, 6 May 1936; Tournament of Death, 14 May 1936; Fighting the Fire Dragon, 20 May 1936; The Unseen Peril, 27 May 1936; In the Claws of the Tigron, 3 June 1936; Trapped in the Turret, 10 June 1936; Rocketing to Earth, 17 June 1936.
The serial was cut down to a 97-minute feature version called ROCKET SHIP. I have also seen this listed as Spaceship to the Unknown and Atomic Rocketship. TV title: Space Soldiers.
SYNOPSIS: Flash Gordon, Dr Zarkov and Dale Arden blast off to Planet Mongo where they encounter Ming the Merciless, who seeks to conquer the entire universe.
NOTES: Sequels are Flash Gordon's Trip to Mars (1938) and Flash Gordon Conquers the Universe (1940).
COMMENT: This legendary serial is still great fun today. Of course it doesn't have its original impact. Although the sets are still impressive (some refurbished from Bride of Frankenstein), the special effects and props look more than a bit tacky. Instead of breathtaking wonder, they now inspire amusement. Many of the thrills that once brought audiences out in a sweat, now bring chuckles and campy laughter. But there's no denying the pace and sheer energetic gusto of Flash Gordon. This was writer Frederick Stephani's first and last directorial assignment. Ray Taylor had to be called in to help him out, whilst no less than four film editors worked on assembling the footage - which now truly moves with a speed Flash would have been proud of. There are no seams. Stephani's visual flair admirably complements Taylor's vigorous action staging.
The players may lack subtlety, even finesse, but Crabbe certainly looks the part, while Jean Rogers makes an attractive heroine. And who could fail to enjoy Charles Middleton's Ming and Priscilla Lawson's Aura?