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| Books on Movie Serials; A Complete Listing | |
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| Tweet Topic Started: Mar 22 2017, 08:29 AM (3,075 Views) | |
| The Batman | Apr 9 2017, 10:57 AM Post #106 |
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Thanks for all the updates and clarifications, John. I really appreciated your efforts and they will be added to the list. |
| Always be yourself! Unless you can be Batman...then always be Batman! | |
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| John Doe | Apr 9 2017, 11:50 AM Post #107 |
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Thanks! FYI, per google's translate function, "La Suite Au Prochain Episode" means "To be continued in the next episode". |
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| The Batman | Apr 9 2017, 07:57 PM Post #108 |
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Merci, monsieur. |
| Always be yourself! Unless you can be Batman...then always be Batman! | |
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| Barcroft | Apr 10 2017, 07:04 AM Post #109 |
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Bats, Here's another book: Forgotten Horrors - Early Talkie Chillers from Poverty Row - George E. Turner and Michael H. Price The book cover quite a few early Mascot and Independent serials made in the 30's. A very interesting book. ISBN 0-498-02136-X Barcroft |
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| The Batman | Apr 10 2017, 08:19 AM Post #110 |
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Thanks, Bart, I hope to do some updating today, so I'll make sure to get that one on there. |
| Always be yourself! Unless you can be Batman...then always be Batman! | |
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| The Batman | Apr 10 2017, 08:29 AM Post #111 |
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Finished reading William Witney's biography, In a Door, Into a Fight, Out a Door, Into a Chase: Moviemaking Remembered by the Guy at the Door, on the weekend and found it to be quite superb. Some random things I learned: - why ROBINSON CRUSOE OF CLIPPER ISLAND was an unusual 14 chapters (spoiler alert: they were over-budget at 12 chapters, so cobbled together two more to stretch it out. - why John Carroll wasn't brought back to play Zorro in Republic's follow-up serial, ZFL (spoiler alert: he was a dick) - why Witney directed Don "midget" Barry, again, after the disaster of their serial collaboration (spoiler alert: because John English wouldn't do it) Also learned Witney's favorite of his serials is DRUMS OF FU MANCHU. And one of his he really doesn't like, the "stinker": SPYSMASHER. Bet it ruined a lot of peoples' day when they read that. A highly recommended book, one of the best serial books that I have read so far. I rank it up there with the two silent serial tomes by Ed Hulse. Must reading for the serial fan. PS - It is alluded (on Witney's website, not the book) that putting this effort together led to the stroke that impaired Witney for his remaining years. A real shame, as he has plans to release at least two more volumes on his life. We are the poorer for this missed opportunity. |
| Always be yourself! Unless you can be Batman...then always be Batman! | |
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| Pa Stark | Apr 10 2017, 09:49 AM Post #112 |
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Bats, I met Witney a couple of times at serial conventions, and he was one of the most interesting guests. At first he didn't get that involved, but then he opened up and told us fans his thoughts. He told us he just finished directing I ESCAPED FROM DEVIL'S ISLAND, and told us it is a terrible movie, and not to go see it. He had to direct the script he was handed, and when a fan asked him why he took the assignment, he said he has to eat like everyone else. When us fans told him how wonderful we thought his serials were, he thought we got together to pull a joke on him. He really didn't think the serials he directed in his early 20's were that great. He had almost no ego. He wasn't a real fun guest like "Crash" Corrigan, but he earned the respect of everyone for his honesty and sincerity. |
| Honest and Lovable Pa Stark | |
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| The Batman | Apr 10 2017, 10:42 AM Post #113 |
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Thanks, Pa, I meant to ask about memories from serial fans like yourself that had the chance to meet him. I would have liked to meet him after reading the book, it proves he was a real character. And sounds like a real decent man, too. Thinking more about the book, and Mr. Witney, I realized I have and have seen all of his serials except HAWK OF THE WILDERNESS (which I have, but haven't watched yet). Not only that, I've enjoyed all of them and many are ranked among my favourite serials. While reading the book, I found myself anxious to revisit each serial, as he brought them up. A good a reason as any to watch some of the best in the sound cliffhanger oeuvre. |
| Always be yourself! Unless you can be Batman...then always be Batman! | |
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| The Batman | Apr 12 2017, 06:40 AM Post #114 |
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OK, just started the first volume of a two book set on serials that I don't recall anyone ever mentioning. Granted, they only came out in 2007, but I know we have a few dedicated serial fans here, so I am surprised they haven't been brought up. The books are called Classic Cliffhangers, Volume 1: 1914-1940 and Classic Cliffhangers, Volume 2: 1941-1956, by a Hank Davis who is also apparently a writer for Big Reel magazine, and a Canadian to boot! Anyone familiar with his work, or know/have met the man? Does he post on movie boards, heck, is he hanging around here for all I know. Some comments/questions on what I have read so far. I'm hoping RR reads this and provides his valuable feedback. - Mr. Davis managed to get none other than Adrian Booth to do the introduction to Volume One. It's a very nice intro and Ms. Booth even gives a shout out to the "sweet guys at the Serial Squadron". Sorry guys, no mention of the Balcony. - The author provides a list of places to find movie serials (don't forget, this was back in 2007) that includes VCI, Alpha, the Serial Squadron, Grapevine, Sinister Cinema and Millcreek. He also adds a site called Finders Keepers Classics, which I'd never heard of, anyone dealt with these guys before? The book is broken down into chapters, one for each serial he discusses. In his forward, the author does state he won't be talking about every sound serial and that between the two volumes about 100 serials will be discussed. From what I have seen, it appears he is only discussing serials that are available and he has seen. All good. In addition to sound serials, he does start off with two silent serials, as he considers them classics of the form: THE PERILS OF PAULINE and THE MASTER MYSTERY. I can't argue that, I enjoy them both. OK, questions/comments, by serial: No comments on The Perils of Pauline, the author didn't add to or contradict anything I've read before. The Master Mystery: - Author states this is the first serial to include a mechanical man/robot – true? - Says there are sources indicating this was originally either a 13 or 15 episode serial – have we learned which is correct in the last 10 years? Tarzan the Tiger: - Here's a good one. According to the author, the part of Queen La of Opar is played by Kithnou, and also notes that the part is often incorrectly attributed to Lilian Worth. Intrigued, I head over to IMDb (I know, not 100% reliable) and they say that the part is played by Lilian Worth (under the name Mademoiselle Kithnou). OK, interesting. So, heading over to Wiki for more reliable info (ha-ha) I find this "Mademoiselle Kithnou was a dancer and actress of mixed Indian and European descent from Puducherry, at that time in French India, or possibly from Mauritius". But no mention of Lillian Worth. Ok, then. Back to IMDb, where I find Mademoiselle Kithnou has her own IMDb page, with no reference to Lilian Worth or TARZAN THE TIGER. So, which is it? RR, I surely hope you can help here. - The author says Ford Beebe is credited with writing the title cards - true? I'll be back, with more comments and queries based on the author's remaining serial entries. |
| Always be yourself! Unless you can be Batman...then always be Batman! | |
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| John Doe | Apr 12 2017, 04:16 PM Post #115 |
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There is one more Batman serial book by Van Hise, a combination of the other two Batman serial books in one volume: Van Hise, James Serial Adventures of the Complete Batman and Robin, the Boy Wonder 1989 (paperback) Pioneer Books Amazon does not properly differentiate this one. This is his book on Batman (1943): https://d1466nnw0ex81e.cloudfront.net/n_iv/600/573607.jpg This is his book on Batman and Robin (1949): https://d1466nnw0ex81e.cloudfront.net/n_iv/600/573531.jpg And this is his book that is the combo volume of the two above: https://d1466nnw0ex81e.cloudfront.net/n_iv/600/3342908.jpg There were three main editions of Forgotten Horrors, each with a slightly different title: Turner, George E. and Price, Michael H. Forgotten Horrors: Early Talkie Chillers from Poverty Row 1979 A. S. Barnes & Co. in USA, 1980 Gazelle Book Services Ltd in UK (hardcover) 1986 Eclipse Books (paperback, slightly revised) Turner, George E. and Price, Michael H. Forgotten Horrors: The Definitive Edition 1999 and 2009 (paperback) Midnight Marquee Press Turner, George E. and Price, Michael H. Forgotten Horrors: The Original Volume -- Except More So 2012 (paperback) CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform There are probably many other books that contain something on serials. I bet most every book on the history of Columbia or Universal would mention they made serials, and even contain some pictures. Probably lots of books on sci-fi or western films do too. There may be other actors who appeared in serials that have books about them which mention their serials - John Wayne for instance. So, I'm thinking at this point we probably hit the end of the road & have all the books specifically about serials, plus a bunch more. Edited by John Doe, Apr 13 2017, 01:32 PM.
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| The Batman | Apr 13 2017, 07:20 AM Post #116 |
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Thanks, John. Well, it looks like I do have a James Van Hise book, the one on the second Batman and Robin serial. I knew I had it, but didn't remember who wrote it, and have been meaning to dig it out and add it to the list. Appreciate listing the different editions, too, very helpful. And I hear you about specific serial books, but I highly welcome any additions, especially biography related ones. So don't stop now! |
| Always be yourself! Unless you can be Batman...then always be Batman! | |
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| Sgt King | Apr 13 2017, 07:42 PM Post #117 |
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Say Batman, where exactly is your serial book list with all these updated additions (hopefully with added notes)? |
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| Pa Stark | Apr 13 2017, 07:44 PM Post #118 |
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Right at the beginning of this thread on page one. |
| Honest and Lovable Pa Stark | |
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| The Batman | Apr 14 2017, 07:24 PM Post #119 |
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And I still have a few additions to make to that list, from the information provided by our fellow Balconeers. John, Willie, Bart, Pa, etc, I do appreciate all you have provided. |
| Always be yourself! Unless you can be Batman...then always be Batman! | |
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| riddlerider | Apr 14 2017, 11:45 PM Post #120 |
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Balcony Gang, Foist Class
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The thing about Lillian Worth playing La in Tarzan the Tiger is one of those mistakes that have been picked up countless times. It was initially made by Gabe Essoe in his 1968 book Tarzan of the Movies, which was the first book on the subject and a reference we all relied on for years. Worth did play La, but in the 1921 serial Adventures of Tarzan, not Tarzan the Tiger. Of course, we didn't know that back in the day. It was only when Tiger was unearthed in the '80s that we learned about Kithnou. She didn't have much of a career in film; other than Tarzan the Tiger she's best known for her supporting role in Rex Ingram's Mare Nostrum. She sure was sexy, though. Yes, Ford Beebe wrote the titles and got screen credit. |
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