So true about Hollywood stuntmen and women, I don't know what Kind of medical coverage was available but I've heard many stories of these folks gettin' hurt during fight scenes to this day.
One of the great Golden Age heroes. No powers, all fists. Richmond was a great fit for the role, and the stunts look amazing. I was introduced to the character in an episode of Justice League Unlimited: "Patriot Act", which is one of my favorites. He was voiced by Nathan Fillion. The episode pays tribute to the Richmond serial very well. I highly recommend it. Also, Pringles are indeed suitable currency.
Yes. Just read Vigilante: City Lights, Prairie Justice by James Robinson and it was great. Golden age Hollywood and the mob, super noir and stylized. I want to see Spy Smasher, Vigilante, Sandman, and other nonpowered golden age heroes operating behind enemy lines sabotaging the Axis or collecting Intel. They kind of did this with JSA: the liberty files but I want something with Vigilante and Spy Smasher.
John Constantine Dude I want to say thank you for mentioning the Vigilante he's One of my favourite Characters in DC There are a lot of underrated superheroes that don't get enough of The spotlight
I've never seen this serial - but this review of its production already makes me appreciate it even more! Those were heady, exciting days for Hollywood and its exemplary production talent!
Another exciting video with amazing research! I love that you went the extra mile on the all-star team of stuntmen who worked on the Spy Smasher serial. Those guys are all too often forgotten and deserve much more than whatever they got to make those movies so action packed! Thank you FizzFop1
have you thought about doing a video on Edgar Rice Burroughs and his characters Tarzan and John Carter they'd bridge the gap between your golden age film serial videos and your comic/pulp mag vids as he's pretty much the only guy to work on all 3?
My favorite Republic serial, hands down. I've had it on VHS for many years. A few others I recommend you review: Mysterious Dr. Satan (aka Dr. Satan's Robot), The Masked Marvel, King of the Rocketmen, Undersea Kingdom, G-Men vs. The Black Dragon, The Master Key. Also, I'd enjoy features on stuntman/actor Tom Steele, actor Tristram Coffin, and Republic's special effects team of Howard and Theodore Lydecker.
another good one. also I believe that "spy smasher" is what James bond calls his pen15. PS I can never call Capitan marvel "shazam". shazam is the wizard.
Take a look at Republic's "Perils of Nyoka" : it's very cheesy, especially the killer gorilla, but the fight in the Egyptian temple at the end of episode 1 will look kind of familiar to anyone who's seen Indiana Jones.
Sorry you haven't gotten more views over the years, but I've always appreciated how you bring the lesser known superheroes to my attention with your videos. Your writing and editing quality is not what I'd expect for older super media. I hope you get your computer straitened out, and that your able to continue making your videos.
The BlackHawk serial gives Reed Crandall a shoutout. Kirk Alyn the first Superman plays BlackHawk. Like Kirk Alyn Tom Tyler also played 2 characters: Captain Marvel and The Phantom. Buster Crabbe and Kane Richmond did 3 characters. Kane Richmond: Spy Smasher, The Shadow and Brick Bradford. Bustet Crabbe: Tarzan, Flash Gordon and Buck Rogers. Enjoy your videos, thank you for your wonderful work.
I came across this serial years ago and I remember it being really good and now I know why. I love this channel, the subject matter and the production are all very good. I love your pacing, the writing, and the info you give. I always look forward to the next video and thank you for shining some light on these forgotten gems.
In 1966 when the movie serial was found after being lost and having copyright expired it was shown on television in an edited version called Spy Smasher Returns roughly at the same time Batman reappeared on the screen through Adam West
It’s a perfect time for another fine FizzFop video. Thank you so much. We laughed out loud a lot. Neither of us have heard of Spy Smasher, so this introduction is perfect. We’ll check out the serial soon. We hope you are safe & healthy. 🙏😊
Now I know what I'm watching tonight after work! Also, when Yakima worked on Ben Hur with Charleton Heston, Heston was scared of actually doing the chariot driving as he wasn't experienced with that.Yakima famously said "What are worried about Chuck? I guarantee you're going to win the race!" :)
Zorro's Fighting Legion ...Flash Gordon.... Captain Marvel (favorite).. Phantom Empire (second favorite).... thank you Matinee at the Bijou... and thank you for this great video
Interestingly, Spy Smasher's costume (or one like it) later showed up in Star Wars being worn by the character known as Pons Limbic or 'Brainiac' in the Cantina.
Awesome video as always. I always remember being interested in spay smasher but never diving into his stuff like I did with stardust the super wizard or the original Daredevil but now I'm quite hyped to do so. I still think the creations of Fletcher Hanks could make an interesting episode same goes for the rocket man film serial. Also I just thought I should mention that I'm thinking about starting a blog.
Your video's on comic history are a must see for anyone who is a comic fan. Been reading and collecting for over 40 years and found your video's last year and have thoroughly enjoyed every one I've seen. Please keep up your fantastic work and have you ever set up at comicon and shown your videos and talked comic history with the fans? Or been a guest speaker? Great work!😀👍
I really liked this vid. I love comics and movie history and you did a great job of explaining why some of it is relevant to today. Happy to hear Spy Smasher is available to watch.
I agree Brian! This is one of the few serials that stands the test of time. It's fun and exciting to watch. I can only imagine how audiences reacted to it when it first hit the screens.
Enjoyed the video immensely. I am a fan of the serial and of the character. I was thrilled when Spy Smasher appeared in Jerry Ordway's Power of Shazam. I have an OA page. I bought it because of a cool fight scene that starred Spy Smasher. Such a great character. Thank you for the great information and content. Take care. Best\Steve
another fantastic video! very informative. i have not watched Spy Smasher... but i will now. Would love to see a video on the serials Crimson Ghost and Shazam. thank you for what you do!
My favorite movie serial! Loved it so much I even bought some Golden Age Spy Smasher comic books (back in the 70s, when such things were affordable.) One fairly obscure comic inspired movie worth checking out is the Czech film _Who Wants to Kill Jesse?_ from 1966. I'd love to hear what you think of it.
You should cover the Captain America serial,the very first live action adaptation of a Marvel hero and the last serial to feature a comic book character.
I saw the character for the first time on the Justice League cartoon show. I never knew the history of the character. Thanks for the video. This was very interesting.
Please do "The Gardians"! They were so shitty I never thought somebody outside Russia would know about them) I mean the creators claimed they made something totally different from Marvel & DC, but it's so obvious that Ursus looks like Marvel's Ursa Major, Khan's mask resembles that of Bucky and Ler's powers are same as Terra's. Great video by the way! I was so amazed that the people involved in production worked on so many famose Hollywood movies decades after.
Well done. Wonder why Spy Smasher always wears goggles? The Lydecker did great work on this as well as the others that you single out. One of the main drawbacks to the Capt Marvel serial was the casting of the Billy Batson part. The action and effects were terrific
Hi RSEFX! Thanks for watching! Republic had the bad tendency to take liberties with the source material. It's a shame because I believe they would have done better at the box office and would also be held in higher regard today.
Another excellent episode. I'd like a biography of Martin Nodell the creator of the Green lantern. And why there's barely any mention of the great classic author and character back then.
Hi ricky todd Botelho! Thanks for watching. I should start doing some of the more mainstream heroes. I'll take a look at The Green Lantern and see that turns up.
Yakima did the stunt that Raiders of the Lost Ark did so well when Indy went under the truck that's a homage to Yakima going under the runaway stage coach he was dragged between the horses under the stage coach then climbed up the back of it same as Indy did.
Great serial and a fun, underused character. Jerry Ordway had him appear in his Shazam series a couple times, way back when, but that's the last time I remember seeing him. Besides Shazam, DC really neglects the Fawcett heroes. Rumor has it that there were supposed to be more Fawcett hero serials. The Captain America serial was originally meant for Mr. Scarlet or Minute man, and Rocket man was going to be Bullet man. Shame we never got the full Fawcett movie universe.
David Sharpe was also a frequent Redshirt on STAR TREK: THE ORIGINAL SERIES! Apparently he and Roddenberry got to know each other in the Air Corps during World War II.... it's also been rumored that sharp might've been at least partly responsible for what's come to be called "Kirk Fu"- that very acrobatic, but not realistic fighting style William Shatner used.
Nice! Also, if you happen to be looking for more public domain heroes, here are some detailed on the PDSH wiki which I felt were interesting: Blue Circle - Len Stafford was a young inventor who decided to use the fortune he inherited from his father to fight crime as the Blue Circle. He arranged a pardon for seven reformed "past masters in crime" - in exchange, they agreed to assemble whenever he asked as the Blue Circle Council. The Blue Circle Council provided advice to the Blue Circle and offered more direct assistance if necessary. The Dart - A vigilante of Ancient Republic Rome, Caius Martius was given by the gods the power of flight so that he might fight for the rights of the average citizen. One day, he took on an evil sorcerer and was trapped in a block of stone. Later, he emerged in the modern era from the stone to find himself in an American museum. He takes a new last name, "Wheeler," and begins fighting crime in modern society with his new sidekick, Ace, the Amazing Boy, who joins Dart after witnessing a horrifying drive-by shooting which kills his parents. Dr. Synthe - Dr. Synthe was an enormous energy-based alien from Mo, a planet located a million light years from Earth. Like the rest of his species, he had an ability to create and destroy any object by manipulating electrons. While traveling through the solar system, he crash-landed in Long Island, NY. Or, to be more specific, he crash-landed straight through the boat that belonged to Ray Rogers. The young man hoped to sell the boat in order to raise money to save his terminally ill girlfriend, Betty Jordan. Dr. Synthe tried to ask Ray what planet he was on, only to realize that his form terrified the young man, so he transformed himself into a human. Upon learning of Ray's plight, he used his powers to heal her. And, because he was a good natured being, Dr. Synthe decided to reward his new friends by giving them anything they desired. Unfortunately, they got them into trouble with the law enforcement, which took the dim view of a young couple suddenly getting goods they could not possibly afford. Luckily for them, Dr. Synthe arrived just in time to prove that their story wasn't as crazy as it sounded. Although he could have recreated his spaceship any time he wished, Dr. Synthe decided to stay behind and stop crimes and anything else that might threaten his new friends and (by extension) the planet they lived on. Dr. Synthe wasn't particularly violent and was usually prepared to believe the best about everyone. He tried his best to follow Earth laws and customs, but, because he was an alien, he inevitably made mistakes and failed to fully think through the consequences of his actions. As an energy being, he had no concept of death (he merely found the war "boring"), but he understood enough to protect his friends from harm. Iron Skull - The Iron Skull was originally a soldier who was gravely injured during World War II (which, in this timeline, was fought partially on American soil well into the 1950s). He was brought to Chicago, where Dr. Watson, a surgeon at "Chicago Hospital," worked to replace his flesh and bones with metallic components. The resulting cyborg was super-strong, resistant to bullets and capable of limited telepathy. His new face was missing a nose, giving him a skull-like appearance. By the year 1960, the Second World War wound down and reconstruction began. This year also saw a rise of rampant crime that the police struggled to contain. The cyborg decided to use his abilities to fight crime in Chicago as the Iron Skull. In Amazing-Man Comics #9, the story jumped forward to 1970, when America was once again threatened with war. The spies working for an unnamed country "spread terror throughout United States," forcing the Iron Skull to intercede. Two issues later, in 1971, war broke out in Europe and spy activities intensified. In Amazing-Man Comics #14, the Iron Skull set up operations in New York City. The next issue, he developed a mental link with the D.A. of New York. The D.A. used that ability to alert the Iron Skull of any crime in progress. Magician from Mars - In the future, Jane Q-X 3 Gem, the Magician from Mars, is born to a Martian father, Jarl 6EM35, and an Earthling mother, Jane Faro. When she was a baby, she was accidently exposed to "cathode" radiation, which is deadly to humans but which Martians are naturally immune to. Because she was a hybrid of the two, the radiation had an unexpected effect of boosting her brain power to the point where she was capable of changing reality with a thought. Her powers developed as she grows. By age six, she could "wish" things like ice cream cones into existence and levitate things through the air. At 16 years old, she lost both of her parents and was raised by her Aunt Vanza, who refuses to allow the girl to travel to Earth. Eventually, she found life on Mars too boring, so she escaped from the "Supersteel Room" prison her aunt locked her in and took passage on a ship to Earth. There, she decided to use her reality-warping abilities to fight evil and oppression. Panther Woman - Marga the Panther Woman was raised by a group of black panthers and inoculated with their abilities such as superhuman strength and cat-like claws. She was a highly skilled fighter, hunter and athlete, capable of bending steel bars, punching out an elephant, or swinging a lion by its tail. The Scarab - Peter Ward is an Egyptologist who discovers he’s the reincarnation of Kor, an ancient Egyptian priest of the sun god Ra. Given a mystic scarab ring by the cat goddess Bast, Ward rubs the ring and after a flash of lightning and thunder, becomes the Scarab. The ring grants him great powers, and Ward uses them to combat evil and injustice. He’s also accompanied on his many adventures by an intelligent black cat who’s the reincarnation of ancient Egyptian priest Akh-Tu-Men. Sub-Zero - A Venusian man who would become known as Sub-Zero was a part of an expedition that was launched to establish first contact with Earth. Before the spaceship could enter Earth's atmosphere, it passed through a comet. Everything inside was frozen. One crewman managed to survive, but the exposure turned him into a living ice man that froze everything he touched. He managed to steer the ship towards earth, crash-landing it near Salt Lake City. He painfully escaped the craft while covered in ice and then made his way to the nearest building. The building happened to be full of scientists experimenting with "gamma radiation." They used the gamma rays to return the Venusian to his original humanoid form, though his ability to freeze objects remained. Blending in with America's civilian population in the city of Centro, he became a detective and used his superhuman abilities to fight crime. White Streak - Manowar the White Streak was an android created centuries ago by an advanced, extinct South American civilization called Utopia to help mankind during times of war. He was deactivated when the civilization succumbed to internal strife, but he was awakened from his slumber in an American museum during an attack by German bombers. He destroyed the planes and decided to fight for America against the Axis.
Thanks for the suggestions electricmastro! I've read The Magician from Mars stories. I've been on and off working on a countdown video about early super heroines. She's on that list. I've also worked on a Novelty Press countdown list that includes Sub Zero.
@@FizzFop1 Ah cool! I appreciate the work you put into these vids by the way. Not sure how many out there are interested in comics history, or at least Golden Age history, in general, but I certainly am. Thanks for that!
By the way, this was my full list. I know you did a few of these, but I thought it was worth posting regardless: Blue Circle (Len Stafford) Commando Ranger The Dart (Caius Wheeler) Dr. Synthe Duke of Darkness (Paddy Sullivan) Fantomah The Flame (Gary Preston) The Ghost (George Chance) Green Mask (Johnny Green) The Heap (Baron Eric von Emmelman) Hydroman (Bob Blake) The Hyper (Don-Vin) Iron Skull Jupiter Lightning (Robert Morgan) Magician from Mars (Jane Gem) Moon Girl (Clare Lune) Music Master (John Wallace) Nightro (Hugh Goddard) Nightshade (Howard Hall) Panther Woman (Marga) Red Blazer (Jack Dawson) The Scarab (Peter Ward) The Shark Solarman Spirit Man (Spirit Malcolm) Stardust Sub-Zero White Streak (Manowar) Yankee Doodle Jones
@@FizzFop1 thank u ya spy smasher was my favorite classic super hero's I use to draw him when I was 16 I saw my comic book of spy smasher I found it at a garage sale.
Ya vi la serial es excelente, se que no es un super pero las primeras películas de Charlie Chang tienen una vibra muy similar y villanos interesantes con planes muy torcidos.
A lot of people over look this but spy smasher was featured in Justice League unlimited when he broke into a Nazi lab to get a super soldier serum formula for Captain Nazi which later turned KK Simmons character into the rip off Hulk. Now do doctor midnight because both characters look similar and I'd like to know how and why.
I got literally two chips--I didn't even average a chip per can. The Patreon account has made $45 so far so I should probably buy them another Tube of Pringles.
@@FizzFop1 I cant decide if I prefer it or the Green Hornet. Both are lovely.The original Green Hornet seial is amazing. And the poster equally so, I know you did an episode about the Hornet radio show. But you should try the serials.. BOTH!
I love the look of old black & white movie sets the lighting and shadowing was pure stagecraft. I always thought the B-movies and Republic studios artistic types had the freedom to express themselves in the subtle nuance of character and world-building. Whereas the major studios had tighter controls on script and cast. Put a room full of experts together, and you get some good. Toss in a few eccentric personalities into the same room, and you get something great. PS. I am heading over to the Patreon next. People pledge only costs a cup of coffee a month. Isn't it worth it to support an original creator?
Thank You Michael! You're awesome! The smaller studios took chances and gave the creative people the opportunity to work their magic. I think a lot of the bigger studios didn't want to follow RKO after Citizen Kane turned into a financial flop. The bigger studios were a machine that could do the best work, but I think they lacked a certain degree of innovation. Thanks again for supporting my computer fund!
Guys Once again a fantastic job on the video it was a great education for me also I have a request for Your show if it's Possible There are 3 Important Figures that don't get attention there Names Are Popeye Doc Savage And Dick Tracy
Spy Smasher in an esp. of Justice League Unlimited. A short flashback sequence. Do you think idea for The Rocketeer may have come from Commando Cody and Spy Smasher? Like the esp. How about one on Blackhawks and in your esp.The Coming of Conan by Robert E. Howard (Oct 2, 2018). Said you had been unwell. Are you better now?
Hi S. Christy--i'm doing much better. Ain't going to lie-it's been a rough couple of years. Been through radiation,chemo, a couple of surgeries...I'm still in the recovery stage and things are looking good. I'm not 100%-don't know if I ever will be....but everything is pointing in the right direction...although right now I have to be careful because my immune system is compromised. I'm on work at home status. Thanks for asking. Hhhmmmm, the pool not open, but maybe I should do a new video on what I'm reading?
And topic i want you talk about is that jungle Venus thing. I alway found Weird with some old pulp sci fi with Venus jungle. And i want to see a throwback movie to the old sort that pulp genre like Can we see the Venus jungle pulp sci fi thing
Please make a video about The Guardians movie from Russia. I'm super interested in it haha. I'd also love to hear your thoughts about modern superhero comics and movies. Do you think they're as good as golden age stuff?
@@cabronmalisimo When I was watching the serial, I kept expecting to hear it. I think the serial might predate it. I'm not sure when and where the scream came out.
@@FizzFop1 Well, it does have a website, because Interwebs: www.hollywoodlostandfound.net/wilhelm/ And it says it's from 1951's Distant Drums with Gary Cooper, I found it through TVTropes (if you don't visit that site much be warned, it's really addictive, maybe now would be the least bad time to spend your days in there, quarantine and all. Good night and good luck)...
![[UA] Team Vitality проти NAVI | IEM Cologne 2024](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/wttO1zVRTC0/mqdefault.jpg)
Spy Smasher is one of those characters that DC doesn't use often.
That's not fair, because he's great!
They can't afford to keep replacing the spies he's smashed sadly.
Great to hear the stuntguys getting some love, they are sadly so often overlooked.
So true about Hollywood stuntmen and women, I don't know what
Kind of medical coverage was available but I've heard many stories of these folks gettin' hurt during fight scenes to this day.
One of the great Golden Age heroes. No powers, all fists. Richmond was a great fit for the role, and the stunts look amazing. I was introduced to the character in an episode of Justice League Unlimited: "Patriot Act", which is one of my favorites. He was voiced by Nathan Fillion. The episode pays tribute to the Richmond serial very well. I highly recommend it. Also, Pringles are indeed suitable currency.
Two serials that I hope you do someday : The Shadow with Victor Jory, and The Crimson Ghost. Thanks.
Michael R 🗣 who Knows what Evil Lurks in the hearts of men The shadow Knows
I hope you do the captain midnight serial .
Yes it was awesome too
Bro do the Vigilante someday. First DC character to be adapted. And hell the company has trashed him wih different versions over the years.
I'll second that!
Yes. Just read Vigilante: City Lights, Prairie Justice by James Robinson and it was great. Golden age Hollywood and the mob, super noir and stylized. I want to see Spy Smasher, Vigilante, Sandman, and other nonpowered golden age heroes operating behind enemy lines sabotaging the Axis or collecting Intel. They kind of did this with JSA: the liberty files but I want something with Vigilante and Spy Smasher.
John Constantine Dude I want to say thank you for mentioning the Vigilante he's One of my favourite Characters in DC
There are a lot of underrated superheroes that don't get enough of The spotlight
Do you mean the cowboy guy who worked with the Seven Soldiers?
Hello from a year ago, what fid you think of Vigilante’s appearance in Peacemaker
I have heard of this serial before, but had no idea it was regarded so highly. Definitely check it out while we are in quarantine 👍
Dear fizzfop1 I love you’re videos you just convinced me to watch Spy smasher but please do a video on the Crimson Ghost
Best "Lost Hero" videography ever!!!
Everyone needs to see this!!!
👍👍
I've never seen this serial - but this review of its production already makes me appreciate it even more! Those were heady, exciting days for Hollywood and its exemplary production talent!
Another exciting video with amazing research! I love that you went the extra mile on the all-star team of stuntmen who worked on the Spy Smasher serial. Those guys are all too often forgotten and deserve much more than whatever they got to make those movies so action packed! Thank you FizzFop1
Those Spy Smasher action scenes look amazing!
have you thought about doing a video on Edgar Rice Burroughs and his characters Tarzan and John Carter they'd bridge the gap between your golden age film serial videos and your comic/pulp mag vids as he's pretty much the only guy to work on all 3?
My favorite Republic serial, hands down. I've had it on VHS for many years. A few others I recommend you review: Mysterious Dr. Satan (aka Dr. Satan's Robot), The Masked Marvel, King of the Rocketmen, Undersea Kingdom, G-Men vs. The Black Dragon, The Master Key. Also, I'd enjoy features on stuntman/actor Tom Steele, actor Tristram Coffin, and Republic's special effects team of Howard and Theodore Lydecker.
Hope you’re safe and healthy Bub. Can’t wait for more Lost Heroes to pop up and do what they always do...bring joy and hope to those who need it.
another good one. also I believe that "spy smasher" is what James bond calls his pen15. PS I can never call Capitan marvel "shazam". shazam is the wizard.
If you're doing serials, I'm pretty sure Flash Gordon should be on the list. Buster Crabbe was sort of the face of serials for a while.
Take a look at Republic's "Perils of Nyoka" : it's very cheesy, especially the killer gorilla, but the fight in the Egyptian temple at the end of episode 1 will look kind of familiar to anyone who's seen Indiana Jones.
Sorry you haven't gotten more views over the years, but I've always appreciated how you bring the lesser known superheroes to my attention with your videos. Your writing and editing quality is not what I'd expect for older super media. I hope you get your computer straitened out, and that your able to continue making your videos.
It's real awesome to see Spy Smasher again in the DCAU Justice league unilimted "patriots act's".
thanks man
i have been watching the news all morning
is getting me depressed
i needed a break
The BlackHawk serial gives Reed Crandall a shoutout. Kirk Alyn the first Superman plays BlackHawk. Like Kirk Alyn Tom Tyler also played 2 characters: Captain Marvel and The Phantom. Buster Crabbe and Kane Richmond did 3 characters. Kane Richmond: Spy Smasher, The Shadow and Brick Bradford. Bustet Crabbe: Tarzan, Flash Gordon and Buck Rogers. Enjoy your videos, thank you for your wonderful work.
Pretty cool I have never heard of the Spy Smasher thanks for the info on this character.
I came across this serial years ago and I remember it being really good and now I know why. I love this channel, the subject matter and the production are all very good. I love your pacing, the writing, and the info you give. I always look forward to the next video and thank you for shining some light on these forgotten gems.
In 1966 when the movie serial was found after being lost and having copyright expired it was shown on television in an edited version called Spy Smasher Returns roughly at the same time Batman reappeared on the screen through Adam West
It’s a perfect time for another fine FizzFop video. Thank you so much. We laughed out loud a lot. Neither of us have heard of Spy Smasher, so this introduction is perfect. We’ll check out the serial soon. We hope you are safe & healthy. 🙏😊
Now I know what I'm watching tonight after work! Also, when Yakima worked on Ben Hur with Charleton Heston, Heston was scared of actually doing the chariot driving as he wasn't experienced with that.Yakima famously said "What are worried about Chuck? I guarantee you're going to win the race!" :)
Zorro's Fighting Legion ...Flash Gordon.... Captain Marvel (favorite).. Phantom Empire (second favorite).... thank you Matinee at the Bijou... and thank you for this great video
U should do something on Richrad Wentworth aka the Spider
Interestingly, Spy Smasher's costume (or one like it) later showed up in Star Wars being worn by the character known as Pons Limbic or 'Brainiac' in the Cantina.
Awesome video as always. I always remember being interested in spay smasher but never diving into his stuff like I did with stardust the super wizard or the original Daredevil but now I'm quite hyped to do so. I still think the creations of Fletcher Hanks could make an interesting episode same goes for the rocket man film serial. Also I just thought I should mention that I'm thinking about starting a blog.
Yeah, a video about Hanks´s characters would be nice.
Great video!!! Love it! I didn’t know Spy Smasher even had a movie made!
Keep up the great work! Love this channel!!👍
Your video's on comic history are a must see for anyone who is a comic fan. Been reading and collecting for over 40 years and found your video's last year and have thoroughly enjoyed every one I've seen. Please keep up your fantastic work and have you ever set up at comicon and shown your videos and talked comic history with the fans? Or been a guest speaker? Great work!😀👍
It's funny that the Spy Smasher serial had a "Bat Plane," but the Batman serial did not.
I really liked this vid. I love comics and movie history and you did a great job of explaining why some of it is relevant to today. Happy to hear Spy Smasher is available to watch.
I really enjoy the channel. Spy Smasher is one of my Golden Age characters. I still consider this one of the best serials ever made
I agree Brian! This is one of the few serials that stands the test of time. It's fun and exciting to watch. I can only imagine how audiences reacted to it when it first hit the screens.
Enjoyed the video immensely. I am a fan of the serial and of the character. I was thrilled when Spy Smasher appeared in Jerry Ordway's Power of Shazam. I have an OA page. I bought it because of a cool fight scene that starred Spy Smasher. Such a great character. Thank you for the great information and content. Take care. Best\Steve
another fantastic video! very informative. i have not watched Spy Smasher... but i will now. Would love to see a video on the serials Crimson Ghost and Shazam. thank you for what you do!
My favorite movie serial! Loved it so much I even bought some Golden Age Spy Smasher comic books (back in the 70s, when such things were affordable.)
One fairly obscure comic inspired movie worth checking out is the Czech film _Who Wants to Kill Jesse?_ from 1966. I'd love to hear what you think of it.
Looking forward to watching these! Never heard of this!
Going to have to check this out, the only serial I've ever seen is the 1948 Superman serial, but I loved that.
I would love to see more videos about international superheroes. You would think that would be a lot more interest to people.
Thank you so much man we really needed one of your videos right now I only wish that it lasted for an hour at least
You should cover the Captain America serial,the very first live action adaptation of a Marvel hero and the last serial to feature a comic book character.
Don't forget the amazing and pioneering special effects wizardry of Howard and Theodore Lydecker.
I came here after watching the appearance of spy smasher on JLU .
This was a good history watch.
I saw the character for the first time on the Justice League cartoon show. I never knew the history of the character. Thanks for the video. This was very interesting.
Thanks from the stuntman!
Hope you'll do a video on both Doc Savage & The Shadow.
Most serials are at least a little cheesy, but this one is honestly in the top third of all serials, imho.
Please do "The Gardians"! They were so shitty I never thought somebody outside Russia would know about them) I mean the creators claimed they made something totally different from Marvel & DC, but it's so obvious that Ursus looks like Marvel's Ursa Major, Khan's mask resembles that of Bucky and Ler's powers are same as Terra's.
Great video by the way! I was so amazed that the people involved in production worked on so many famose Hollywood movies decades after.
Ya just keep getting better and better
a cape and a flying helmet thats quite a fashion statement
Well done.
Wonder why Spy Smasher always wears goggles?
The Lydecker did great work on this as well as the others that you single out.
One of the main drawbacks to the Capt Marvel serial was the casting of the Billy Batson part. The action and effects were terrific
Hi RSEFX! Thanks for watching! Republic had the bad tendency to take liberties with the source material. It's a shame because I believe they would have done better at the box office and would also be held in higher regard today.
Another excellent episode. I'd like a biography of Martin Nodell the creator of the Green lantern. And why there's barely any mention of the great classic author and character back then.
Hi ricky todd Botelho! Thanks for watching. I should start doing some of the more mainstream heroes. I'll take a look at The Green Lantern and see that turns up.
that was one of the best movie serials
Amazing competence in movieland!!!😮
Yakima did the stunt that Raiders of the Lost Ark did so well when Indy went under the truck that's a homage to Yakima going under the runaway stage coach he was dragged between the horses under the stage coach then climbed up the back of it same as Indy did.
Great serial and a fun, underused character.
Jerry Ordway had him appear in his Shazam series a couple times, way back when, but that's the last time I remember seeing him.
Besides Shazam, DC really neglects the Fawcett heroes.
Rumor has it that there were supposed to be more Fawcett hero serials.
The Captain America serial was originally meant for Mr. Scarlet or Minute man, and Rocket man was going to be Bullet man.
Shame we never got the full Fawcett movie universe.
David Sharpe was also a frequent Redshirt on STAR TREK: THE ORIGINAL SERIES! Apparently he and Roddenberry got to know each other in the Air Corps during World War II....
it's also been rumored that sharp might've been at least partly responsible for what's come to be called "Kirk Fu"- that very acrobatic, but not realistic fighting style William Shatner used.
i love it and have not even watched it yet getting ready to watch thanks fizzfop1
I think this guy was in Justice League Unlimited for a second.
The kids are alright. That link works like a charm.
What? Another great video. I wish you would have added more about the comic book series but it was still entertaining and informative.
I watched some of Spy Smash and Flash Gordon also The Shadow they are amazing .
Justice League Unlimited had a quick nod to Spy Smasher.
Wow great episode even a Wilhelm scream. I definitely gotta subscribe now.
Hi Frank! Is a video without the Wilhelm scream worth watching?
Nice! Also, if you happen to be looking for more public domain heroes, here are some detailed on the PDSH wiki which I felt were interesting:
Blue Circle - Len Stafford was a young inventor who decided to use the fortune he inherited from his father to fight crime as the Blue Circle. He arranged a pardon for seven reformed "past masters in crime" - in exchange, they agreed to assemble whenever he asked as the Blue Circle Council. The Blue Circle Council provided advice to the Blue Circle and offered more direct assistance if necessary.
The Dart - A vigilante of Ancient Republic Rome, Caius Martius was given by the gods the power of flight so that he might fight for the rights of the average citizen. One day, he took on an evil sorcerer and was trapped in a block of stone. Later, he emerged in the modern era from the stone to find himself in an American museum. He takes a new last name, "Wheeler," and begins fighting crime in modern society with his new sidekick, Ace, the Amazing Boy, who joins Dart after witnessing a horrifying drive-by shooting which kills his parents.
Dr. Synthe - Dr. Synthe was an enormous energy-based alien from Mo, a planet located a million light years from Earth. Like the rest of his species, he had an ability to create and destroy any object by manipulating electrons. While traveling through the solar system, he crash-landed in Long Island, NY. Or, to be more specific, he crash-landed straight through the boat that belonged to Ray Rogers. The young man hoped to sell the boat in order to raise money to save his terminally ill girlfriend, Betty Jordan. Dr. Synthe tried to ask Ray what planet he was on, only to realize that his form terrified the young man, so he transformed himself into a human. Upon learning of Ray's plight, he used his powers to heal her. And, because he was a good natured being, Dr. Synthe decided to reward his new friends by giving them anything they desired. Unfortunately, they got them into trouble with the law enforcement, which took the dim view of a young couple suddenly getting goods they could not possibly afford. Luckily for them, Dr. Synthe arrived just in time to prove that their story wasn't as crazy as it sounded.
Although he could have recreated his spaceship any time he wished, Dr. Synthe decided to stay behind and stop crimes and anything else that might threaten his new friends and (by extension) the planet they lived on.
Dr. Synthe wasn't particularly violent and was usually prepared to believe the best about everyone. He tried his best to follow Earth laws and customs, but, because he was an alien, he inevitably made mistakes and failed to fully think through the consequences of his actions. As an energy being, he had no concept of death (he merely found the war "boring"), but he understood enough to protect his friends from harm.
Iron Skull - The Iron Skull was originally a soldier who was gravely injured during World War II (which, in this timeline, was fought partially on American soil well into the 1950s). He was brought to Chicago, where Dr. Watson, a surgeon at "Chicago Hospital," worked to replace his flesh and bones with metallic components. The resulting cyborg was super-strong, resistant to bullets and capable of limited telepathy. His new face was missing a nose, giving him a skull-like appearance.
By the year 1960, the Second World War wound down and reconstruction began. This year also saw a rise of rampant crime that the police struggled to contain. The cyborg decided to use his abilities to fight crime in Chicago as the Iron Skull.
In Amazing-Man Comics #9, the story jumped forward to 1970, when America was once again threatened with war. The spies working for an unnamed country "spread terror throughout United States," forcing the Iron Skull to intercede. Two issues later, in 1971, war broke out in Europe and spy activities intensified.
In Amazing-Man Comics #14, the Iron Skull set up operations in New York City. The next issue, he developed a mental link with the D.A. of New York. The D.A. used that ability to alert the Iron Skull of any crime in progress.
Magician from Mars - In the future, Jane Q-X 3 Gem, the Magician from Mars, is born to a Martian father, Jarl 6EM35, and an Earthling mother, Jane Faro. When she was a baby, she was accidently exposed to "cathode" radiation, which is deadly to humans but which Martians are naturally immune to. Because she was a hybrid of the two, the radiation had an unexpected effect of boosting her brain power to the point where she was capable of changing reality with a thought.
Her powers developed as she grows. By age six, she could "wish" things like ice cream cones into existence and levitate things through the air. At 16 years old, she lost both of her parents and was raised by her Aunt Vanza, who refuses to allow the girl to travel to Earth. Eventually, she found life on Mars too boring, so she escaped from the "Supersteel Room" prison her aunt locked her in and took passage on a ship to Earth. There, she decided to use her reality-warping abilities to fight evil and oppression.
Panther Woman - Marga the Panther Woman was raised by a group of black panthers and inoculated with their abilities such as superhuman strength and cat-like claws. She was a highly skilled fighter, hunter and athlete, capable of bending steel bars, punching out an elephant, or swinging a lion by its tail.
The Scarab - Peter Ward is an Egyptologist who discovers he’s the reincarnation of Kor, an ancient Egyptian priest of the sun god Ra. Given a mystic scarab ring by the cat goddess Bast, Ward rubs the ring and after a flash of lightning and thunder, becomes the Scarab. The ring grants him great powers, and Ward uses them to combat evil and injustice. He’s also accompanied on his many adventures by an intelligent black cat who’s the reincarnation of ancient Egyptian priest Akh-Tu-Men.
Sub-Zero - A Venusian man who would become known as Sub-Zero was a part of an expedition that was launched to establish first contact with Earth. Before the spaceship could enter Earth's atmosphere, it passed through a comet. Everything inside was frozen. One crewman managed to survive, but the exposure turned him into a living ice man that froze everything he touched. He managed to steer the ship towards earth, crash-landing it near Salt Lake City. He painfully escaped the craft while covered in ice and then made his way to the nearest building.
The building happened to be full of scientists experimenting with "gamma radiation." They used the gamma rays to return the Venusian to his original humanoid form, though his ability to freeze objects remained. Blending in with America's civilian population in the city of Centro, he became a detective and used his superhuman abilities to fight crime.
White Streak - Manowar the White Streak was an android created centuries ago by an advanced, extinct South American civilization called Utopia to help mankind during times of war. He was deactivated when the civilization succumbed to internal strife, but he was awakened from his slumber in an American museum during an attack by German bombers. He destroyed the planes and decided to fight for America against the Axis.
Thanks for the suggestions electricmastro! I've read The Magician from Mars stories. I've been on and off working on a countdown video about early super heroines. She's on that list. I've also worked on a Novelty Press countdown list that includes Sub Zero.
@@FizzFop1 Ah cool! I appreciate the work you put into these vids by the way. Not sure how many out there are interested in comics history, or at least Golden Age history, in general, but I certainly am. Thanks for that!
By the way, this was my full list. I know you did a few of these, but I thought it was worth posting regardless:
Blue Circle (Len Stafford)
Commando Ranger
The Dart (Caius Wheeler)
Dr. Synthe
Duke of Darkness (Paddy Sullivan)
Fantomah
The Flame (Gary Preston)
The Ghost (George Chance)
Green Mask (Johnny Green)
The Heap (Baron Eric von Emmelman)
Hydroman (Bob Blake)
The Hyper (Don-Vin)
Iron Skull
Jupiter
Lightning (Robert Morgan)
Magician from Mars (Jane Gem)
Moon Girl (Clare Lune)
Music Master (John Wallace)
Nightro (Hugh Goddard)
Nightshade (Howard Hall)
Panther Woman (Marga)
Red Blazer (Jack Dawson)
The Scarab (Peter Ward)
The Shark
Solarman
Spirit Man (Spirit Malcolm)
Stardust
Sub-Zero
White Streak (Manowar)
Yankee Doodle Jones
Interesting, never watched this one. Off to watch it in full.
Another great video. I hope you got some enjoyment out of "Agents of Atlas", if you've had time to read it. It's been a while since I read it last.
He's been in DC comics rarely since they got the rights to the Fawcett characters. At least one Earth 1/2/S crossover
Spy smash is my favorite golden age super hero now is he in the public Domain.
Hi Michael! Thanks for watching. Spy Smasher is owned by DC Comics. The original comics by Fawcett are in public domain and can be reprinted.
@@FizzFop1 thank u ya spy smasher was my favorite classic super hero's I use to draw him when I was 16 I saw my comic book of spy smasher I found it at a garage sale.
My god the action is very good
Spy Smasher also appeared for a few minutes in an episode of Justice League Unlimited...
This was amazing!!
Great work
This was a great bit of history and review.
I would love your thoughts on Guardians. I own it and am due a rewatch soon.
Hi JoanieDoeShadow! Thanks for watching! I loved the Guardians. I had a blast watching it.
Ya vi la serial es excelente, se que no es un super pero las primeras películas de Charlie Chang tienen una vibra muy similar y villanos interesantes con planes muy torcidos.
A lot of people over look this but spy smasher was featured in Justice League unlimited when he broke into a Nazi lab to get a super soldier serum formula for Captain Nazi which later turned KK Simmons character into the rip off Hulk.
Now do doctor midnight because both characters look similar and I'd like to know how and why.
3 cans of Pringles in 5 minutes? Wow!
I got literally two chips--I didn't even average a chip per can. The Patreon account has made $45 so far so I should probably buy them another Tube of Pringles.
Really good
I recently picked up a serial called The Masked Marvel
Fizfop1, have you ever seen the episode of Justice League Unlimited called Patriot Act? Spy Smasher is in a film in the episode.
Hi Vincent! Nope, I haven't seen it yet...a couple of people told me about it though.
great video .
Oh I remember him
Shame that DC doesn't really use Spy Smasher anymore. Have you ever covered the Captain Marvel serial?
Hi Black Phoenix! Yep, I have a Captain Marvel and a Green Hornet movie serial video. Check them out when you get a chance.
Great upload ! Stay safe everyone!
Finally got an original poster for this!
SWEEEEEEEET!!!!
@@FizzFop1 I cant decide if I prefer it or the Green Hornet. Both are lovely.The original Green Hornet seial is amazing. And the poster equally so, I know you did an episode about the Hornet radio show. But you should try the serials.. BOTH!
In a world where grown men start UA-cam videos with the words, "In a world..."
Great
I love the look of old black & white movie sets the lighting and shadowing was pure stagecraft. I always thought the B-movies and Republic studios artistic types had the freedom to express themselves in the subtle nuance of character and world-building. Whereas the major studios had tighter controls on script and cast.
Put a room full of experts together, and you get some good. Toss in a few eccentric personalities into the same room, and you get something great.
PS. I am heading over to the Patreon next. People pledge only costs a cup of coffee a month. Isn't it worth it to support an original creator?
Thank You Michael! You're awesome! The smaller studios took chances and gave the creative people the opportunity to work their magic. I think a lot of the bigger studios didn't want to follow RKO after Citizen Kane turned into a financial flop. The bigger studios were a machine that could do the best work, but I think they lacked a certain degree of innovation. Thanks again for supporting my computer fund!
Guys Once again a fantastic job on the video it was a great education for me also I have a request for Your show if it's Possible
There are 3 Important Figures that don't get attention there Names Are Popeye Doc Savage And Dick Tracy
How bout doing Brick Bradford the somewhat forgotten #3 spaceman of the newspaper comics and a pretty obscure serial hero.
Hi da Bunnyman! Thank you for watching! A lot of people have asked for a Brick Bradford video. I might ought to look into it.
Spy Smasher in an esp. of Justice League Unlimited. A short flashback sequence. Do you think idea for The Rocketeer may have come from Commando Cody and Spy Smasher? Like the esp. How about one on Blackhawks and in your esp.The Coming of Conan by Robert E. Howard (Oct 2, 2018). Said you had been unwell. Are you better now?
Hi S. Christy--i'm doing much better. Ain't going to lie-it's been a rough couple of years. Been through radiation,chemo, a couple of surgeries...I'm still in the recovery stage and things are looking good. I'm not 100%-don't know if I ever will be....but everything is pointing in the right direction...although right now I have to be careful because my immune system is compromised. I'm on work at home status. Thanks for asking. Hhhmmmm, the pool not open, but maybe I should do a new video on what I'm reading?
And topic i want you talk about is that jungle Venus thing.
I alway found Weird with some old pulp sci fi with Venus jungle. And i want to see a throwback movie to the old sort that pulp genre like Can we see the Venus jungle pulp sci fi thing
Please make a video about The Guardians movie from Russia. I'm super interested in it haha. I'd also love to hear your thoughts about modern superhero comics and movies. Do you think they're as good as golden age stuff?
DO the Guardians Review because i like that film also
Booking around with a CAPE?? NOT smart. I used to see SS on 'Mad, Mad movie' in NYC on channel 9 and l loved the fight scenes.
Do you know much about the Vigilante feature? I've only found a single clip.
My old friend the Wilhelm scream...
I had to use it!!!
@@FizzFop1 That's why it sounded funny, it wasn't in the original scene, much better then. Sad I can only like the video once...
@@cabronmalisimo When I was watching the serial, I kept expecting to hear it. I think the serial might predate it. I'm not sure when and where the scream came out.
@@FizzFop1 Well, it does have a website, because Interwebs: www.hollywoodlostandfound.net/wilhelm/ And it says it's from 1951's Distant Drums with Gary Cooper, I found it through TVTropes (if you don't visit that site much be warned, it's really addictive, maybe now would be the least bad time to spend your days in there, quarantine and all. Good night and good luck)...