The cliffhanger to chapter eleven is one of the most unusual and bizarre in the entire history of the movie serial in that it's not resolved. There are no cheats, no last-second surprises. It actually happens just the way you see it.
Unlike most serials, the final chapter sees no let-up in chase and fight action. In fact Lydecker does some of his most thrilling work.
All told, "Spy Smasher" is a very cleverly made and most attractive serial which belies its rapid shooting time and modest negative cost. Full marks to solo debut director William Witney.
This was one of the best of the war-time Republic serials, with some marvelous action scenes, stuntwork and Lydecker explosions, set against striking natural backgrounds. The direction has both style and flair with some fine camera set-ups and visually exciting high angle shots. The plot, too, whilst following a well-worn path, rings some surprising changes on its well-worn theme (people are actually killed and the villains actually succeed in blowing up the munitions plant) and the ingenious device of twin brothers is effectively exploited in impressively realistic special effects.
The cast too is a cut above the usual average, with a fine performance by Kane Richmond in his dual role.
Production values are also first-class. Most of the film was made on location, with many changes of scene and an unusual number of interior sets.
The Director: William Witney is one of the kings of both the serial and "B" western. He regards his best film as Stranger at My Door (1956). Of his 88 other features and serials, the most famous are Bells of San Angelo (1947) starring Roy Rogers, Adventures of Captain Marvel (1941) starring Tom Tyler, Jungle Girl (1941) starring Frances Gifford, and Perils of Nyoka (1942) starring Kay Aldridge.
Unlike most serials, the final chapter sees no let-up in chase and fight action. In fact Lydecker does some of his most thrilling work.
All told, "Spy Smasher" is a very cleverly made and most attractive serial which belies its rapid shooting time and modest negative cost. Full marks to solo debut director William Witney.
This was one of the best of the war-time Republic serials, with some marvelous action scenes, stuntwork and Lydecker explosions, set against striking natural backgrounds. The direction has both style and flair with some fine camera set-ups and visually exciting high angle shots. The plot, too, whilst following a well-worn path, rings some surprising changes on its well-worn theme (people are actually killed and the villains actually succeed in blowing up the munitions plant) and the ingenious device of twin brothers is effectively exploited in impressively realistic special effects.
The cast too is a cut above the usual average, with a fine performance by Kane Richmond in his dual role.
Production values are also first-class. Most of the film was made on location, with many changes of scene and an unusual number of interior sets.
The Director: William Witney is one of the kings of both the serial and "B" western. He regards his best film as Stranger at My Door (1956). Of his 88 other features and serials, the most famous are Bells of San Angelo (1947) starring Roy Rogers, Adventures of Captain Marvel (1941) starring Tom Tyler, Jungle Girl (1941) starring Frances Gifford, and Perils of Nyoka (1942) starring Kay Aldridge.