This serial was originally written to be a Superman serial, but National Comics (later DC comics) backed out, wanting more control over the story than Republic was willing to give. So they changed the character, then the following year got the rights for Captain Marvel. In the late 40s Republic was approached again to do Superman, but by then Republic had stopped buying rights to existing characters, creating their own such as Rocket Man (Commando Cody), so they went to Columbia. It's too bad because the Lydecker brothers did a flying man better than Columbia, who just used animation to make Superman fly. Note they changed Lois Lane to Lois Scott.
A really terrific serial, with terrific stunt work by Dave Sharpe, and a higher caliber of acting than found in many later serials. If you like Republic serials, don't miss it!
Of all the major studios, Republic always seems to produce the most satisfying to watch. I never heard of The Copperhead but it seems like it could have been the basis of a whole series. Agree that the acting and action are top notch here. Thanks for the upload.
Weird to name the serial after the villain. Maybe if this was a Superman story as they planned or maybe Commander Cody. Have their picture on the poster.
@sjnardozzijr.7850 It would have been a better Superman serial than the ones Columbia produced, I think. If you watch The Adventures of Captain Marvel or the Rocket man serials, you can see that they made flying men more believable than Columbia's solution, which was to resort to bad animation. Plus, Witney and English were, IMO, the best serial directors.
The character Alice has some great stunt riding that gets no mention. The stunt double Helen Thurston for Dorothy Herbert may do the stunts IDK. I find those scenes thrilling and they make the serial stand out for me.
This was one of the best Republic serials I've seen. Exciting dramatic chapters with interesting plot twists up to the end. Thank you for uploading this for us to experience.
Probably the only serial I have watched where the good and bad guys sometimes lose their hats during a fight. Every other serial their hats stay on no matter what.
Prof. Scott: Dr. Satan! What do you want with me? Dr. Satan: I want a complete set of plans for your remote-control cell. If you care to be reasonable in the matter, you'll be handsomely rewarded. Prof. Scott: I refuse to give them to you at any price! Dr. Satan: You're testing that invention tonight on Turner's yacht. Your daughter is aboard that yacht. My men have wired explosives into the fuel tanks. The fuse is connected with the speed indicator. When the boat attains a speed of 25 knots, those charges will be fired. Prof. Scott: I don't believe it! I still refuse to give you the plans! Dr. Satan: I anticipated you might be stubborn. Perhaps a little time might change your mind... particularly when you realize that each minute will bring your daughter a minute closer to death!
Yes! Nothing like sitting back on a Sunday afternoon and watching a long, cool, fun and adventurous serial! 🎥😄 ❤
This serial was originally written to be a Superman serial, but National Comics (later DC comics) backed out, wanting more control over the story than Republic was willing to give. So they changed the character, then the following year got the rights for Captain Marvel. In the late 40s Republic was approached again to do Superman, but by then Republic had stopped buying rights to existing characters, creating their own such as Rocket Man (Commando Cody), so they went to Columbia. It's too bad because the Lydecker brothers did a flying man better than Columbia, who just used animation to make Superman fly. Note they changed Lois Lane to Lois Scott.
Enjoyed it, thanks for sharing it!
A really terrific serial, with terrific stunt work by Dave Sharpe, and a higher caliber of acting than found in many later serials. If you like Republic serials, don't miss it!
Of all the major studios, Republic always seems to produce the most satisfying to watch. I never heard of The Copperhead but it seems like it could have been the basis of a whole series. Agree that the acting and action are top notch here. Thanks for the upload.
Was originally supposed to be SUPERMAN!!!!… google is our friend!!
Weird to name the serial after the villain.
Maybe if this was a Superman story as they planned or maybe Commander Cody. Have their picture on the poster.
@sjnardozzijr.7850 It would have been a better Superman serial than the ones Columbia produced, I think. If you watch The Adventures of Captain Marvel or the Rocket man serials, you can see that they made flying men more believable than Columbia's solution, which was to resort to bad animation. Plus, Witney and English were, IMO, the best serial directors.
8:03 - Eight minutes in and they're fightin' already! This is gonna be a doozie! 👊
Thanks again for another superb upload! 🤘
So glad you are enjoying it!
🥰Thank you 👍I will enjoy watching this serial 🥰❤👍
The character Alice has some great stunt riding that gets no mention. The stunt double Helen Thurston for Dorothy Herbert may do the stunts IDK.
I find those scenes thrilling and they make the serial stand out for me.
This and Manhunt Of Mystery Island were the top two vintage movie serials ever made!
I love the reporters were allowed in the room.
YES!!!….IMO one of the top 5 REPUBLIC serials….thank you!!!…4:26 minutes is whiz band seri as l excitement
I always loved the horse escape scene where the blonde lady rides through the window. This was action packed like no other Republic Serial.
This was one of the best Republic serials I've seen. Exciting dramatic chapters with interesting plot twists up to the end. Thank you for uploading this for us to experience.
My pleasure
Great 👍 keep up the great job.
Terrific series. Also the best robot ever.
Wish they could still make these movies today
Love it👍👍
Excellent Serial
I didnt expect the suprhero-ish twist on this with the Copperhead.
Those Fedoras must be glued to their heads! Not many hats were knocked off during the fight scenes!
Probably the only serial I have watched where the good and bad guys sometimes lose their hats during a fight. Every other serial their hats stay on no matter what.
Yes , I just remembered that these films are like “ Cat & Mouse games “😮
Prof. Scott: Dr. Satan! What do you want with me?
Dr. Satan: I want a complete set of plans for your remote-control cell. If you care to be reasonable in the matter, you'll be handsomely rewarded.
Prof. Scott: I refuse to give them to you at any price!
Dr. Satan: You're testing that invention tonight on Turner's yacht. Your daughter is aboard that yacht. My men have wired explosives into the fuel tanks. The fuse is connected with the speed indicator. When the boat attains a speed of 25 knots, those charges will be fired.
Prof. Scott: I don't believe it! I still refuse to give you the plans!
Dr. Satan: I anticipated you might be stubborn. Perhaps a little time might change your mind... particularly when you realize that each minute will bring your daughter a minute closer to death!
Great Scott!!!!!
(Throws toilet paper)
Really enjoyed this series! Thank you!!!! Was this the only time Copper head was in a series?
I believe there were plans for a second serial featuring Copperhead, but nothing ever came of it.
What a great republic serial
My kind of women!
Dr. Satan looks kinda like Hitler without the mustache
Can’t stand it anymore