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Book Review: Encyclopedia of American Film Serials


For forty years, from the teens into the fifties, movie chapter plays captivated audiences week after week. Episodic television pretty much ended this sub-genre, but for a time the cliffhangers that were serialized weekly at the movies were a very popular attraction. Children especially waited with eager anticipation for the next installment of the Junior G-Men, Flash Gordon, Crash Corrigan, Captain America, Batman, and other favorites.

Film historian Geoff Mayer’s new book is, as per its title, an encyclopedic reference to all of the great serials, including the titles, actors, and directors, covering the entire history. From the silent screen exploits of Pearl White in “The Perils of Pauline” (1914) to the concluding 1950s serials like “Zombies of the Stratosphere” (1952), Mayer’s book is a fascinating and thorough reference source.

All 66 of the serials that were produced by Republic Pictures are contained here, as well as entries from Pathé, Universal, Mascot, and Columbia. For each entry, the author offers fascinating and insightful information that help the reader understand the significance and the impact of the movie serial.

Serials were not respected within the business. Some directors claim that they would leave any serials they’d helmed off of their credits. But these films were extremely popular with audiences, especially during the teens when the cinematic process itself was still in its infancy.

“Encyclopedia of Movie Serials” is a highly recommended book for libraries, research centers, and casual fans.

The book is available here

James L. Neibaur
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