Modern day serials do not exist. Yes, there have been modern movies such as The Rocketeer, The Shadow, and Indiana Jones series which capture the spirit of the serial. However, one has to experience the serial in its chapter format to truly appreciate it. That's why I was thrilled to discovered this past spring that TCM was showing Buck Rogers starring Buster Crabbe every Saturday morning at 11and 11:30. This programming method gives viewers a chance to relive the experience because it is necessary to tune next Saturday to find out what happens next. I like this approach rather than a marathon because the concept of the "cliffhanger" is preserved. In a day and age of instant gratification, I think it is important to expose new classic film fans to this old school technique of building toward a dramatic climax. TCM has continued to show classic serials such Ace Drummond and Zorro Rides Again. Currently, Zorro Rides Again is winding down and will be followed by Zorro's Fighting Legion. So if you haven't had a chance to indulge in some serials, why not tune on October 1st?
If you like mysteries, you can find some popular programmers from the 1930's earlier in the morning on Saturdays. I watched two Philo Vance movies over the past two weekends. Last Saturday was The Kennel Murder Case with William Powell as Philo Vance. Yesterday I saw The Dragon Murder Case with Warren William as Vance for the first time. It is always interesting to see a new actor in a familiar role. Next Saturday (September24) will be yet another Philo Vance installment, The Casino Murder Case. In this film Vance is played by Paul Lukas and his leading lady will be Rosalind Russell.
Beginning on October 1, 2011, five movies featuring amateur sleuth Hildegarde Withers and detective Oscar Piper will be featured. If you haven't seen these fun mysteries, I recommend catching at least the first three in the series. The Penguin Pool Murders, Murder on the Blackboard, and Murder on a Honeymoon star the delightful Edna May Oliver as Hildegarde Withers and James Gleason as Oscar Piper. These two outstanding character actors make a great team. It is also nice to see them get center stage for once. I have not seen the other two films in the series, Murder on the Bridle Path and The Plot Thickens. These two movies feature James Gleason but not Edna May Oliver. When Oliver left RKO in 1935, the studio attempted to continue the series with Helen Broderick then Zasu Pitts. Unfortunately, audiences loved Oliver in the part and the two later films failed at the box office. I must admit that I am curious to see how the other ladies approach the part, so I'll be tuning in.
Not every film produced during Hollywood's Golden Age was a masterpiece. However, a number of serials and programmers entertained many theatergoers at the time. The importance of these movies should not be overlooked. Most of these films were made quickly and cheaply. However, they managed to tell a decent story in a short amount of time and often had some good production value. I think fans new to classic films need to see these gems to realize that million dollar budgets were not required to tell a good story back in the day.
7 comments:
How strange, Gilby! I loved your post, yet I cried all the way through it! Oh, I remember why -- I don't have TCM(sob)! Aaahhh! All of these sounds like so much fun. I am particularly heartbroken and mourning over the Hildegarde Withers trio with Edna! I absolutely ADORE those movies...I've never seen the latter two without Edna, and they might be fun, but nobody could really replace her. Seriously, Gilby, I loved your article, and your made an excellent point: "I like this approach rather than a marathon because the concept of the "cliffhanger" is preserved. In a day and age of instant gratification, I think it is important to expose new classic film fans to this old school technique of building toward a dramatic climax." Instant gratification -- too many people just don't understand patience and antici--------pation.
Well, I hope you (sniff) enjoy your serials (sniff)...don't mind me...really, I'll be fine...(sob)...it's OK....WAAAAA!! LOL!
Don't cry Becky -- we can always burn a disc for you!
Do you really mean it?! I exaggerated my grief, you know, just for literary license (sort of). I would give my left big toe and all the money I have in the bank (which is now at $1.73) to have the three Edna May Oliver movies! I would gladly pay the cost of the disk and the postage! (That reminds me of something - I know, Wimpy and Popeye - "I would gladly pay you Tuesday for a hamburger today.") If that isn't too much trouble, YES, YES, YES!!!
It's no trouble at all. By mid-November, I should have all the movies done.
O.K. Gonna try this one last time ...
If a guy can get a word in edgewise . :)
Fine bit of writing honey . You make a great point . Keep up the good work !
Forget it, David - when Tracy and I get going you might as well try to use sign language -- LOL!!
When we were growing up, it seemed that the TV shows and movies really told a story.. instead of all the crap that is being put out today.. If it were not for TCM, I do not think that I would have cable TV.
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