List of film serials

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For a list of serials by studio, see List of film serials by studio.

A list of film serials by year of release.

1910s[]

Production Company Title Chapters Genre Director Cast Notes
1910
Deutsche Vitaskop GmbH Arsene Lupin Contra Sherlock Holmes 5 Mystery Paul Otto as Lupin and Viggo Larsen as Holmes German

Survival status of all episodes is unknown.[1][2]

1912
Edison Studios What Happened to Mary 12 Drama Charles Brabin Mary Fuller Episodes 1–4: Survival status unclear.[3]

Episodes 5–8, 10, 11: Museum of Modern Art[4]

Episode 9: Library of Congress[4]

Episode 12: Survival status unclear[3]

Other sources indicate a print exists yet provide no specifics[5]

1913
Selig Polyscope Company The Adventures of Kathlyn 13 Adventure Francis J. Grandon Kathlyn Williams Presumed lost. Considered to be the first "cliffhanger" serial.[6]
Edison Studios Who Will Marry Mary? 6 Drama Mary Fuller Incomplete prints of episodes one and five survive[7]
Société des Etablissements L. Gaumont Fantômas 5 Mystery Louis Feuillade René Navarre French

Print exists.[8][9] Released on Blu-ray by Kino Lorber 2016.[10]

1914
Pathé The Perils of Pauline 20 Adventure Louis J. Gasnier and Pearl White First Pathé serial; known to exist only in a shortened 9-chapter version (approx. 214 minutes)[11]
The Exploits of Elaine 14 Mystery George B. Seitz Pearl White, Arnold Daly, Sheldon Lewis Survival status: Prints exist in the George Eastman Museum film archive [incomplete 35mm positive]; and (of some of the episodes, including episodes 8-10) [16mm reduction positives, 8mm reduction positives][12]
Kalem Company The Hazards of Helen 119 Railroad J. P. McGowan and Helen Holmes and Helen Gibson 119 chapters – At 23.8 hours, this is considered to be the longest serial ever made. Each episode was about 12 minutes. Very little of it survives.[13]
Edison Studios The Active Life of Dolly of the Dailies 12 Girl Reporter Mary Fuller Only two episodes, 5 & 10, are known to exist.
The Man Who Disappeared 12 Drama Charles Brabin Marc McDermott (considered lost)
Reliance Motion Picture Studio/Mutual Film Our Mutual Girl 52 Drama John W. Noble,
Thanhouser Film Corporation The Million Dollar Mystery 23 Mystery Howell Hansel Florence La Badie, Marguerite Snow, James Cruze, Sidney Bracey (considered lost)
20 Drama Howell Hansel Marguerite Snow, James Cruze
Universal Film Manufacturing Co. Lucille Love, Girl of Mystery 15 Spy Francis Ford Grace Cunard, Francis Ford First Universal serial; an incomplete print of 4 chapters exists
The Master Key 15 Adventure Robert Z. Leonard Robert Z. Leonard, Ella Hall (only episode 5 survives in the Library of Congress)
Universal Pictures The Trey o' Hearts 15 Crime Wilfred Lucas and Henry MacRae Cleo Madison, George Larkin Based on a novel by Louis Joseph Vance (considered lost)
Lubin Manufacturing Company 15 Drama Arthur V. Johnson Arthur V. Johnson, Lottie Briscoe
1915
Pathé & The New Exploits of Elaine 10 Crime Louis J. Gasnier, Leopold Wharton and Theodore Wharton Pearl White (considered lost)
The Romance of Elaine 12 Spy George B. Seitz, Leopold Wharton and Theodore Wharton Pearl White, Lionel Barrymore, Creighton Hale Based on the novel by Arthur B. Reeve (considered lost)
Balboa Amusement Producing Company Neal of the Navy 14 Maritime William Bertram and Lillian Lorraine, William Courtleigh Jr. (considered lost)
The Red Circle 14 Drama Ruth Roland (only a brief trailer survives)
American Film Manufacturing Company The Diamond From the Sky 30 Adventure Jacques Jaccard and William Desmond Taylor Lottie Pickford (considered lost)
Reliance Film Company Runaway June 15 Drama
Kalem Company 16 Crime Robert Ellis, and Marguerite Courtot
Universal Film Manufacturing Co. The Black Box 15 Mystery Otis Turner Herbert Rawlinson (considered lost); written by E. Phillips Oppenheim; a novelization of the serial with photos was published
Under the Crescent 6 Adventure Burton L. King Ola Humphrey Based on the biography of actress Ola Humphrey (considered lost)
The Broken Coin 22 Adventure Francis Ford Grace Cunard, Francis Ford Based on a story by Emerson Hough (considered lost)
Graft 20 Crime George Lessey and Richard Stanton Hobart Henley, Jane Novak (considered lost)
Power Picture Plays 11 Comedy Allen Curtis Gale Henry, Max Asher
Lubin Manufacturing Company 15 Drama Howell Hansel and John Ince Crane Wilbur, Mary Charleson, Jack Standing
Signal Film Corporation 15 Railroad J. P. McGowan Helen Holmes, Leo D. Maloney, J. P. McGowan
Vitagraph Company of America 15 Drama Ralph Ince Anita Stewart
3 Comedy Wally Van Clara Kimball Young
Société des Etablissements L. Gaumont Les Vampires 10 Mystery Louis Feuillade Musidora French (available on DVD)
1916
The Iron Claw 20 Mystery George B. Seitz Pearl White A print of episode 7 exists[14]
The Mysteries of Myra 15 Horror Leopold Wharton and Theodore Wharton Howard Estabrook, Jean Sothern
The Grip of Evil 14 Drama and Harry Harvey Jackie Saunders, Roland Bottomley
Beatrice Fairfax 15 Girl Reporter Leopold Wharton and Theodore Wharton Grace Darling, Harry Fox (Available on DVD)
Astra Film Corporation/Pathé The Shielding Shadow 15 Mystery Louis J. Gasnier and Grace Darmond, Ralph Kellard, Léon Bary (Only chapters 4, 10, 11, 14 and 15 exist)[15]
Pearl of the Army 15 War Edward José Pearl White (Available on DVD)
Erbograph/Consolidated Film Company The Crimson Stain Mystery 16 Horror T. Hayes Hunter Maurice Costello, Ethel Grandin (Exists in incomplete form)[15]
Kleine Productions Inc. Gloria's Romance 20 Drama Colin Campbell and Billie Burke (considered lost)
Metro Pictures Corporation The Great Secret 18 Mystery Christy Cabanne Francis X. Bushman, Beverly Bayne (considered lost)
Deutsche Bioscop Homunculus 6 Science fiction Otto Rippert Olaf Fønss German
Société des Etablissements L. Gaumont Léonce Perret French
Judex 12 Crime Louis Feuillade René Cresté, Musidora French (available on DVD)
Niagara Film Studios 15 Girl reporter George Terwilliger
American Film Manufacturing Company The Secret of the Submarine 15 Spy Juanita Hansen, Tom Chatterton (considered lost)
The Scarlet Runner 12 William P. S. Earle and Wally Van Earle Williams (considered lost)
The Sequel to the Diamond From the Sky 4 Drama Edward Sloman Rhea Mitchell (considered lost)
Essanay Film Manufacturing Company. The Strange Case of Mary Page 15 Mystery J. Charles Haydon Henry B. Walthall, Edna Mayo (considered lost)
Signal Film Corporation 16 William Steiner Edwin Stevens
Lass of the Lumberlands 15 Western J. P. McGowan Helen Holmes (considered lost)
Universal Film Manufacturing Co. The Adventures of Peg o' the Ring 15 Circus Francis Ford and Jacques Jaccard Grace Cunard, Francis Ford (considered lost)
Liberty 20 Western Henry MacRae Marie Walcamp First purely Western Serial ever made (considered lost)[16]
Vitagraph Company of America 16 Mystery Francis Ford and Grace Cunard Grace Cunard, Francis Ford
1917
Astra Film Corporation/Pathé The Mystery of the Double Cross 15 Mystery Louis J. Gasnier and William Parke Mollie King, Léon Bary (Available on DVD)
The Fatal Ring 20 Crime George B. Seitz Pearl White (A complete print may exist in the UCLA Film and Television Archive film archive)[17]
The Seven Pearls 15 Adventure Louis J. Gasnier and Mollie King, Creighton Hale, Léon Bary (only fragments exist in the Library of Congress)
The Hidden Hand 15 Mystery James Vincent Doris Kenyon (considered lost)
Balboa Amusement Producing Company The Neglected Wife 15 Drama William Bertram Ruth Roland (A complete print exists)[18]
/International Film Service Inc. Patria 15 War Jacques Jaccard, Leopold Wharton and Theodore Wharton Irene Castle Based on the novel The Last of the Fighting Channings by Louis Joseph Vance; only episodes 1-4 and 10 exist.[19]
Signal Film Corporation 15 Railroad J. P. McGowan Helen Holmes
The Lost Express 15 Railroad J. P. McGowan Helen Holmes
Monmouth Film Corporation 16 Mystery E.K. Lincoln, Doris Mitchell, Edna Hunter, Paul Panzer
Paramount Pictures Who Is Number One? 15 Mystery William Bertram Kathleen Clifford (considered lost)
Universal Film Manufacturing Co. Voice on the Wire 15 Mystery Stuart Paton Ben F. Wilson, Neva Gerber, Joseph W. Girard (considered lost)
The Gray Ghost 16 Mystery Stuart Paton Harry Carter, Priscilla Dean, Emory Johnson, Eddie Polo (considered lost)
The Red Ace 16 War Jacques Jaccard Marie Walcamp (Only 11 of the 15 chapters exist in the Library of Congress)[20]
The Mystery Ship 18 Maritime Henry MacRae Ben F. Wilson, Neva Gerber (considered lost)
Vitagraph Company of America 15 Fantasy Charles Brabin Charles Richman, Dorothy Kelly, Arline Pretty, Joseph Kilgour
The Fighting Trail 15 Western William Duncan William Duncan, Carol Holloway (considered lost)[21]
15 William Duncan and Laurence Trimble William Duncan, Carol Holloway
1918
Astra Film Corporation/Pathé The House of Hate 20 Mystery George B. Seitz Pearl White, Antonio Moreno (A restored version is available on DVD)
Hands Up! 15 Western Louis J. Gasnier and James W. Horne Ruth Roland (considered lost)
Western Photoplays Inc. Wolves of Kultur 15 War Joseph A. Golden Leah Baird, Sheldon Lewis, Charles Hutchison (Only 7 of the 15 chapters still exist)[22]
Jaxon Film Corporation 12 War James C. Morton
The Eagle's Eye 20 War George Lessey, Wellington A. Playter, Leopold Wharton and Theodore Wharton King Baggot, Marguerite Snow (considered lost)
Rolfe Photoplays The Master Mystery 15 Mystery, Science fiction and Burton L. King Harry Houdini (Incomplete, reconstructed version available on DVD)[23]
Burston Films Inc. The Silent Mystery 15 Mystery Francis Ford Francis Ford, Mae Gaston, Rosemary Theby (considered lost)
Universal Film Manufacturing Co. The Red Glove 18 Western J. P. McGowan Marie Walcamp (considered lost)
The Lion's Claws 18 Adventure Harry Harvey and Jacques Jaccard Marie Walcamp (considered lost)
The Brass Bullet 18 Maritime Ben F. Wilson Juanita Hansen, Jack Mulhall (considered lost)
Lure of the Circus 18 Circus J. P. McGowan Eddie Polo (Only an edited feature version exists)[24]
Bull's Eye 18 Western James W. Horne Eddie Polo (considered lost)
Vitagraph Company of America A Woman in the Web 15 Paul Hurst and David Smith Hedda Nova (considered lost)
15 Western William Duncan William Duncan, Edith Johnson, Joe Ryan
15 Circus Robert North Bradbury and Paul Hurst Antonio Moreno, Carol Holloway
Société des Etablissements L. Gaumont Tih Minh 12 Mystery Louis Feuillade René Cresté, Mary Harald French (A complete print exists)[25]
1919
Astra Film Corporation/Pathé The Lightning Raider 15 Crime George B. Seitz Pearl White, Boris Karloff Survives in an incomplete state preserved at the Library of Congress[26]
Terror of the Range 7 Western Stuart Paton George Larkin, Betty Compson (considered lost)
The Tiger's Trail 15 Mystery Robert Ellis, Louis J. Gasnier and Paul Hurst Ruth Roland
Bound and Gagged 10 Comedy George B. Seitz George B. Seitz, Marguerite Courtot Four episodes survive in the Library of Congress[27]
The Adventures of Ruth 15 Crime George Marshall Ruth Roland (considered lost)
George B. Seitz Productions The Black Secret 15 Spy George B. Seitz Pearl White
Western Photoplays Inc. The Great Gamble 15 Crime Joseph A. Golden Charles Hutchison, Anna Luther
Oliver Films Inc. 15 Mystery William F. Haddock and Herbert Rawlinson, Marguerite Marsh A Craig Kennedy mystery
Great Western Film Producing Company Elmo the Mighty 18 Northern Henry MacRae Elmo Lincoln, Grace Cunard
SLK Serial Corporation 15 Maritime and Helen Holmes
National Film Corporation of America Lightning Bryce 15 Western, Horror Paul Hurst Ann Little, Jack Hoxie
Wisteria Productions 15 Horror George Morgan George Larkin, Anna Luther
Burston Films Inc. The Mystery of 13 15 Mystery Francis Ford Francis Ford, Rosemary Theby
American Lifeograph Company 15 Northern Robert North Bradbury and Antonio Moreno, Carol Holloway
Decla Bioscop AG The Spiders 2 Fantasy
Adventure 		Fritz Lang Carl de Vogt, Lil Dagover German
4 feature-length episodes were planned, but only 2 were completed
Serico Producing Company Inc. 15 Mystery James Vincent Arline Pretty, Henry G. Sell
Universal Film Manufacturing Co. The Midnight Man 18 James W. Horne James J. Corbett
The Lion Man 18 Mystery Albert Russell and Jack Wells Kathleen O'Connor, Jack Perrin, J. Barney Sherry, Gertrude Astor
The Great Radium Mystery 18 Mystery and Robert F. Hill Eileen Sedgwick, Cleo Madison, Robert Reeves
Shamrock Photoplay Corporation The Masked Rider 15 Western Harry Myers, Ruth Stonehouse, Paul Panzer, Boris Karloff
Hallmark Pictures Corporation The Trail of the Octopus 15 Mystery Duke Worne Ben F. Wilson, Neva Gerber
Vitagraph Company of America 15 Maritime William Duncan and Clifford Smith William Duncan
Smashing Barriers 15 Western William Duncan William Duncan
Société des Etablissements L. Gaumont Barrabas 12 Louis Feuillade French

1920s[]

Production Company Title Chapters Genre Director Cast Notes
1920
15 Joseph A. Golden Charles Hutchison
Arrow Film Corporation The Fatal Sign 14 Mystery Stuart Paton Claire Anderson, Harry Carter
Thunderbolt Jack 10 Western Francis Ford and Murdock MacQuarrie Jack Hoxie, Marin Sais
The Hawk's Trail 15 Crime W. S. Van Dyke King Baggot, Grace Darmond, Rhea Mitchell
Vanishing Trails 15 Western Leon De La Mothe Franklyn Farnum, Mary Anderson
Fox Film Corporation Bride 13 15 Maritime Richard Stanton
Fantômas 20 Crime Edward Sedgwick
Frohman Amusement Corporation The Invisible Ray 15 Science fiction Harry A. Pollard Ruth Clifford, Jack Sherrill
George B. Seitz Productions Velvet Fingers 15 George B. Seitz George B. Seitz, Marguerite Courtot
Elmo the Fearless 18 J. P. McGowan Elmo Lincoln
The $1,000,000 Reward 15 and George Lessey Lillian Walker
The Screaming Shadow 15 Horror Ben F. Wilson and Duke Worne Ben F. Wilson, Neva Gerber
The Evil Eye 15 and Wally Van Benny Leonard
15 Gilbert P. Hamilton Helen Holmes
National Film Corporation of America The Son of Tarzan 15 Jungle
Fantasy 		and Harry Revier Kamuela C. Searle Based on the Tarzan character created by novelist Edgar Rice Burroughs
Pathé & Astra Film Corporation Daredevil Jack 15 W. S. Van Dyke Jack Dempsey
Trailed by Three 15 Western Perry N. Vekroff Stuart Holmes, Frankie Mann
The Third Eye 15 James W. Horne Warner Oland, Eileen Percy
Pirate Gold 10 Maritime George B. Seitz George B. Seitz, Marguerite Courtot
The Phantom Foe 15 Mystery Bertram Millhauser Juanita Hansen, Warner Oland
Pathé & Ruth Roland Serials Ruth of the Rockies 15 Western George Marshall Ruth Roland
Select Pictures Corporation 15 Duke Worne Ben F. Wilson, Neva Gerber
Supreme Pictures Corporation The Mystery Mind 15 Will S. Davis and J. Robert Pauline
Torquay & Paignton Photoplay Productions The Great London Mystery Horror mystery Charles Raymond David Devant British
Universal Studios The Moon Riders 18 Western B. Reeves Eason and Theodore Wharton Art Acord, Mildred Moore
The Vanishing Dagger 18 Edward A. Kull, J. P. McGowan and Eddie Polo Eddie Polo
The Dragon's Net 12 Henry MacRae Marie Walcamp, Harland Tucker
The Flaming Disc 18 Robert F. Hill Elmo Lincoln, Louise Lorraine
King of the Circus 18 J. P. McGowan Eddie Polo
Vitagraph Company of America The Invisible Hand 15 Western William Bowman Antonio Moreno
The Silent Avenger 15 William Duncan William Duncan, Edith Johnson
15 William Bertram Joe Ryan, Jean Paige
15 Western William Bowman, , Francis J. Grandon and Antonio Moreno Antonio Moreno
Warner Bros. The Lost City 15 Jungle Juanita Hansen
1921
Arrow Film Corporation The Blue Fox 15 Northern Duke Worne Ann Little An incomplete print of the film exists at the UCLA Film and Television Archive.[28]
The Great Reward 15 Francis Ford Francis Ford
Films Diamant Les Trois Mousquetaires Henri Diamant-Berger Aimé Simon-Girard, Henri Rollan French
Ermolieff Films 12 Henri Étiévant French
Société des Etablissements L. Gaumont Les Deux Gamines 12 Louis Feuillade Sandra Milovanoff French
Parisette Louis Feuillade Sandra Milovanoff, Georges Biscot French
George B. Seitz Productions The Sky Ranger 15 George B. Seitz June Caprice, George B. Seitz
Hurricane Hutch 15 George B. Seitz Charles Hutchison, Warner Oland
The Hope Diamond Mystery 15 Stuart Paton Grace Darmond, Boris Karloff
Pathé Double Adventure 15 W. S. Van Dyke Charles Hutchison
The Avenging Arrow 15 William Bowman and W. S. Van Dyke Ruth Roland
Charles Burguet Suzanne Grandais, Maurice Escande French
15 Ben F. Wilson Neva Gerber, Ben F. Wilson
UFA GmbH Peter Voss, Thief of Millions 6 Georg Jacoby Harry Liedtke German
Alternative title: The Man Without a Name
Universal Studios The Diamond Queen 18 Edward A. Kull Eileen Sedgwick
Do or Die 18 J. P. McGowan Eddie Polo
The White Horseman 18 Western Albert Russell Art Acord
Terror Trail 18 Western Edward A. Kull Eileen Sedgwick
Winners of the West 13 Western Edward Laemmle Art Acord
The Secret Four 15 Albert Russell and Perry N. Vekroff Eddie Polo
Vitagraph Company of America 15 Robert Ensminger
Fighting Fate 15 William Duncan William Duncan, Edith Johnson
Warner Bros. Miracles of the Jungle 15 Jungle/Adventure and Lost film
The Adventures of Tarzan 15 Jungle
Fantasy 		Robert F. Hill and Scott Sidney Elmo Lincoln, Louise Lorraine Based on the Tarzan character created by novelist Edgar Rice Burroughs
1922
Arrow Film Corporation Nan of the North 15 Northern Duke Worne Ann Little
George B. Seitz Productions Go Get 'Em Hutch 15 George B. Seitz Charles Hutchison
Speed 15 George B. Seitz Charles Hutchison, Lucy Fox
Hal Roach Studios Inc. & Ruth Roland Serials White Eagle 15 Western Fred Jackman and W. S. Van Dyke Ruth Roland
The Timber Queen 15 Fred Jackman Ruth Roland
Société des Cinéromans Rouletabille chez les bohémiens 10 Henri Fescourt Gabriel de Gravone French
15 Pirate Burton L. King and J. P. McGowan Eddie Polo
Universal Studios With Stanley in Africa 18 Jungle William James Craft and Edward A. Kull George Walsh, Louise Lorraine
The Adventures of Robinson Crusoe 18 Maritime Robert F. Hill Harry Myers, Gertrude Olmstead, Noble Johnson Lost film
Perils of the Yukon 15 Northern Jay Marchant, J. P. McGowan and Perry N. Vekroff William Desmond
In the Days of Buffalo Bill 18 Western Edward Laemmle Art Acord
The Radio King 10 Robert F. Hill Roy Stewart
Vitagraph Company of America 15 Western William Bertram Joe Ryan
Warner Bros. A Dangerous Adventure 15 Jungle Jack L. Warner and Sam Warner Grace Darmond Lost film
William N. Selig Productions The Jungle Goddess 15 Jungle Elinor Field, Truman Van Dyke
1923
Arrow Film Corporation The Fighting Skipper 15 Maritime Francis Ford Jack Perrin, Peggy O'Day
The Santa Fe Trail 15 Western Ashton Dearholt and Robert Dillon Neva Gerber, Jack Perrin
Ermolieff Films The House of Mystery 10 Alexandre Volkoff Ivan Mosjoukine, Charles Vanel French
George B. Seitz Productions Plunder 15 George B. Seitz Pearl White
Hal Roach Studios Inc. Haunted Valley 15 George Marshall Ruth Roland
Her Dangerous Path 10 Roy Clements Edna Murphy
Ruth Roland Serials Ruth of the Range 15 , and W. S. Van Dyke Ruth Roland
Universal Studios Around the World in Eighteen Days 12 Robert F. Hill and B. Reeves Eason William Desmond
Beasts of Paradise 15 William James Craft William Desmond, Eileen Sedgwick
The Eagle's Talons 15 Duke Worne Fred Thomson, Ann Little
The Ghost City 15 Western Jay Marchant Pete Morrison, Margaret Morris, Al Wilson
In the Days of Daniel Boone 15 Western William James Craft Jack Mower, Eileen Sedgwick
The Oregon Trail 18 Western Edward Laemmle Art Acord, Louise Lorraine
The Phantom Fortune 12 Robert F. Hill William Desmond
The Social Buccaneer 10 Robert F. Hill Jack Mulhall
The Steel Trail 15 William Duncan William Duncan, Edith Johnson
1924
Arrow Film Corporation Riders of the Plains 15 Western Jacques Jaccard Jack Perrin
Pathé The Fortieth Door 10 Adventure George B. Seitz Allene Ray
Galloping Hoofs 10 Western George B. Seitz Allene Ray
Into the Net 10 George B. Seitz Edna Murphy, Jack Mulhall
Leatherstocking 10 Western George B. Seitz Edna Murphy, Harold Miller Based on The Deerslayer by James Fenimore Cooper
Ten Scars Make a Man 10 William Parke Allene Ray
The Way of a Man 10 Western George B. Seitz Allene Ray, Harold Miller Screenplay by Emerson Hough
15 Dell Henderson Franklyn Farnum, Helen Holmes
Universal Studios The Fast Express 15 William Duncan William Duncan, Edith Johnson
The Fighting Ranger 18 Western Jay Marchant Jack Dougherty, Al Wilson, Eileen Sedgwick
The Iron Man 15 Jay Marchant Luciano Albertini, Margaret Morris, Joe Bonomo, Jack Dougherty
The Riddle Rider 15 Western William James Craft William Desmond, Eileen Sedgwick
Wolves of the North 10 Northern William Duncan William Duncan, Edith Johnson
1925
Perils of the Wild 15 Maritime Francis Ford Joe Bonomo, Margaret Quimby Based on The Swiss Family Robinson by Johann David Wyss
10 Ben F. Wilson, Neva Gerber
15 Science fiction Francis Ford and Ben F. Wilson Ben F. Wilson, Neva Gerber
Pathé The Green Archer 10 Mystery Spencer Gordon Bennet Allene Ray, Walter Miller Based on a novel by Edgar Wallace
The House Without a Key 10 Mystery Spencer Gordon Bennet Allene Ray, Walter Miller First onscreen appearance of "Charlie Chan";[29] based on The House Without a Key by Earl Derr Biggers
Idaho 10 Western Robert F. Hill
Sunken Silver 10 Spencer Gordon Bennet Allene Ray, Walter Miller
Wild West 10 Western Robert F. Hill Helen Ferguson, Jack Mulhall
Play Ball 10 Spencer Gordon Bennet Allene Ray, Walter Miller
10 Robert Dillon Herbert Rawlinson
15 Duke Worne Ashton Dearholt, Ann Little
Société des Cinéromans Surcouf 8 Maritime Luitz-Morat Jean Angelo French
Universal Studios Ace of Spades 15 Western Henry MacRae William Desmond
The Great Circus Mystery 15 Jay Marchant Joe Bonomo, Louise Lorraine
15 Western Jacques Jaccard and Ben F. Wilson Neva Gerber, Edmund Cobb
1926
Officer 444 10 Francis Ford and Ben F. Wilson Ben F. Wilson, Neva Gerber
The Radio Detective 10 William James Craft and Jack Dougherty, Margaret Quimby
10 Charles Hutchison Charles Hutchison
10
Pathé The Bar-C Mystery 10 Western Robert F. Hill Dorothy Phillips, Wallace MacDonald
Casey of the Coast Guard 10 Maritime William Nigh George O'Hara, Helen Ferguson
The Fighting Marine 10 Spencer Gordon Bennet Gene Tunney
Snowed In 10 Spencer Gordon Bennet Allene Ray, Walter Miller
10 Robert Dillon Herbert Rawlinson
10 Boy scouts Duke Worne Ben Alexander
10 Duke Worne Herbert Rawlinson
Sierra Pictures 15
Universal Studios The Scarlet Streak 10 Henry MacRae Jack Dougherty, Lola Todd
Fighting With Buffalo Bill 10 Western Ray Taylor Wallace MacDonald
Strings of Steel 10 Henry MacRae William Desmond, Eileen Sedgwick
The Winking Idol 10 Western Francis Ford William Desmond, Eileen Sedgwick
The Silent Flyer 10 Northern William James Craft Silver Streak the dog, Louise Lorraine This serial led to the founding of Mascot Pictures and is often listed as Mascot's first serial; it was produced by Nat Levine but released by Universal.
1927
King of the Jungle 10 Jungle Elmo Lincoln, Sally Long
Mascot Pictures Heroes of the Wild 10 Western Harry S. Webb Jack Hoxie First Mascot serial
Isle of Sunken Gold 10 Maritime Harry S. Webb Anita Stewart
The Golden Stallion 10 Western Harry S. Webb Lefty Flynn, Joe Bonomo
The Scarlet Brand 10 Neal Hart
Pathé The Crimson Flash 10 Arch Heath
Hawk of the Hills 10 Western Spencer Gordon Bennet Allene Ray, Walter Miller
The Masked Menace 10 Arch Heath Larry Kent, Jean Arthur
Melting Millions 10 Spencer Gordon Bennet Allene Ray, Walter Miller
On Guard 10 Arch Heath
10 Duke Worne Ben Alexander
Société des Cinéromans Henri Desfontaines French
Universal Studios Blake of Scotland Yard 12 Crime Robert F. Hill Hayden Stevenson
The Fire Fighters 10 Jacques Jaccard Jack Dougherty, Helen Ferguson
The Return of the Riddle Rider 10 Robert F. Hill William Desmond
The Trail of the Tiger 10 Henry MacRae Jack Dougherty
Whispering Smith Rides 10 Western Ray Taylor Wallace MacDonald
10 Jungle Ray Taylor and Jack Nelson Eugenia Gilbert, Frank Merrill, Bobby Nelson
10 Mystery Robert J. Horner
1928
Pirates of the Pines 10 Maritime George O'Hara
Mascot Pictures The Vanishing West 10 Western Richard Thorpe Eileen Sedgwick, Jack Perrin, Jack Dougherty
Vultures of the Sea 10 Maritime Richard Thorpe Boris Karloff
Pathé Eagle of the Night 10 Aviation
The Man Without a Face 10 Spencer Gordon Bennet Allene Ray, Walter Miller
Mark of the Frog 10 Arch Heath Written by Edgar Wallace (considered lost)
The Terrible People 10 Spencer Gordon Bennet Allene Ray, Walter Miller Based on The Terrible People by Edgar Wallace
The Tiger's Shadow 10 Spencer Gordon Bennet Gladys McConnell, Hugh Allan
The Yellow Cameo 10 Spencer Gordon Bennet Allene Ray, Cyclone the Dog
Robert J. Horner The Mystery Rider 10 Western Robert J. Horner William Desmond
10 J. P. McGowan Joe Bonomo, Ruth Hiatt, Francis Ford
Universal Studios A Final Reckoning 12 Western Ray Taylor Newton House, Louise Lorraine
Haunted Island 10 Fantasy Robert F. Hill Jack Dougherty
10 Northern Ray Taylor Francis X. Bushman Jr.
Tarzan the Mighty 15 Jungle
Fantasy 		Ray Taylor and Jack Nelson Frank Merrill, Natalie Kingston Based on the novel Jungle Tales of Tarzan by Edgar Rice Burroughs
The Vanishing Rider 12 Western Ray Taylor William Desmond, Ethlyne Clair, Boris Karloff
The Mysterious Airman 10 Aviation Harry Revier Walter Miller, Eugenia Gilbert Written by famed mystery novelist Arthur B. Reeve
10 Jack Nelson Walter Miller, Eugenia Gilbe
1929
Mascot Pictures The Fatal Warning 10 Mystery Richard Thorpe Helene Costello, Ralph Graves, Boris Karloff (considered lost)[30]
The King of the Kongo 10 Jungle Richard Thorpe Jacqueline Logan, Walter Miller, Boris Karloff First serial with partial sound; a complete picture exists, but some of the sound has been lost.[31]
Pathé The Black Book 10 Crime Spencer Gordon Bennet Allene Ray, Walter Miller Print exists in the Library of Congress film archive [episodes 1, 3, 5-10, 35mm positive].
The Fire Detective 10 Crime Spencer Gordon Bennet Gladys McConnell, Hugh Allan (considered lost)
Queen of the Northwoods 10 Northern Spencer Gordon Bennet Walter Miller, Ethlyne Clair Incomplete print believed to exist
Universal Studios The Diamond Master 10 Crime Jack Nelson Hayden Stevenson, Louise Lorraine (considered lost)
The Pirate of Panama 12 Maritime Ray Taylor Natalie Kingston, Buffalo Bill Jr. (considered lost)
The Ace of Scotland Yard 10 Mystery Ray Taylor Crawford Kent, Monte Montague First Partial Sound Universal serial; released in both silent and sound versions; considered lost
Tarzan the Tiger 15 Jungle
Fantasy 		Henry MacRae Frank Merrill, Natalie Kingston Based on the novel "Tarzan and the Jewels of Opar" by Edgar Rice Burroughs; two versions were released: one silent, the other with music & sound fx added; available on DVD

1930s[]

Films still exist from this point on unless noted otherwise:

Production Company TitleGordon Chapters Genre Director Cast Notes
1930
The Voice from the Sky 10 Science fiction Ben F. Wilson Wally Wales, Neva Gerber First serial with full sound; print exists[32]
Mascot Pictures The Lone Defender 12 Western Richard Thorpe Rin Tin Tin, Buzz Barton
Documentary James Leo Meehan Martin and Osa Johnson
Documentary James Leo Meehan George Miller Dyott
Universal Studios The Jade Box 10 Fantasy
Mystery 		Ray Taylor Jack Perrin, Louise Lorraine, Francis Ford Partial sound; an incomplete print exists in Universal's vault
The Lightning Express 10 Western Henry MacRae Louise Lorraine, Lane Chandler Based on the "Whispering Smith" character created by novelist Frank H. Spearman (film is considered lost)
Terry of the Times 10 Crime Henry MacRae Reed Howes, Lotus Thompson, Sheldon Lewis Universal's last partial sound serial (film is considered lost)
The Indians are Coming 12 Western Henry MacRae Tim McCoy, Allene Ray First Universal all-talking serial; based on a novel The Great West That Was by "Buffalo Bill" Cody[33]
1931
Les Films Osso Méphisto 4 Mystery Henri Debain and Jean Gabin French
Mascot Pictures The Phantom of the West 10 Western D. Ross Lederman Tom Tyler, Dorothy Gulliver
King of the Wild 12 Jungle Richard Thorpe Walter Miller, Nora Lane, Boris Karloff
The Vanishing Legion 12 Western Ford Beebe and Reaves Eason Harry Carey, Edwina Booth, Rex King of the Wild Horses, Boris Karloff (voice only), Frankie Darro
The Galloping Ghost 12 Sports Reaves Eason Real-life football star Harold "Red" Grange, Creighton Chaney (uncredited)
The Lightning Warrior 12 Western Benjamin H. Kline and Armand Schaefer Rin Tin Tin, Frankie Darro This was Rin Tin Tin's last role, being replaced in 1932 by Rin Tin Tin Jr.[34]
Metropolitan Pictures 10 Western and Harry S. Webb Rex Lease, Virginia Brown Faire, Rex the Wonder Dog
10 Western Stuart Paton and Harry S. Webb Robert Frazer, Buzz Barton
Universal Studios Finger Prints 10 Crime Ray Taylor Kenneth Harlan, Edna Murphy (considered lost)
Heroes of the Flames 12 Crime Robert F. Hill Tim McCoy, Andy Devine (Print was rediscovered and preserved by Universal, but not available on dvd)
Danger Island 12 Jungle Ray Taylor Kenneth Harlan, Lucile Browne, Walter Miller, Andy Devine (considered lost)
Battling with Buffalo Bill 12 Western Ray Taylor Tom Tyler, Lucile Browne Based on a novel The Great West That Was by "Buffalo Bill" Cody[33]
The Spell of the Circus 12 Crime Robert F. Hill Francis X. Bushman Jr., Alberta Vaughn (considered lost)
1932
Mascot Pictures The Shadow of the Eagle 12 Crime, Aviation Ford Beebe John Wayne's first serial Edited into a feature film version when released years later on video[35]
The Last of the Mohicans 12 Western Ford Beebe and B. Reeves Eason Harry Carey, Hobart Bosworth Based on the novel by James Fenimore Cooper
The Hurricane Express 12 Railroad J. P. McGowan and Armand Schaefer John Wayne
The Devil Horse 12 Western Otto Brower Harry Carey, Noah Beery, Frankie Darro
RKO Radio Pictures (produced by Van Beuren Productions) The Last Frontier 12 Western Spencer Gordon Bennet Creighton Chaney Based on a novel by Courtney Ryley Cooper
Universal Studios Detective Lloyd 12 Crime Ray Taylor and Henry MacRae US/British co-production with British cast, released in Europe as Lloyd of the C.I.D.; a.k.a. The Green Spot Mystery (feature version); (now considered a lost film)
The Airmail Mystery 12 Aviation Ray Taylor James Flavin, Lucile Browne, Al Wilson, Walter Brennan (considered lost)
Heroes of the West 12 Western Ray Taylor Noah Beery Jr., Diane Duval, Onslow Stevens based on the novel "The Tie That Binds" by Peter B. Kyne[36]
Jungle Mystery 12 Jungle Ray Taylor Tom Tyler, Noah Beery Jr., Cecilia Parker, William Desmond based on a novel "The Ivory Trail" by Talbot Mundy[37] (film print exists only in Universal's vault)
The Lost Special 12 Railroad Henry MacRae Frank Albertson, Cecilia Parker Based on The Lost Special by Arthur Conan Doyle
1933
Mascot Pictures The Whispering Shadow 12 Mystery Colbert Clark and Albert Herman Bela Lugosi's first sound serial Also exists as a feature version
The Three Musketeers 12 Foreign Legion Colbert Clark and Armand Schaefer John Wayne, Jack Mulhall, Ruth Hall, Creighton Chaney
Fighting with Kit Carson 12 Western Colbert Clark and Armand Schaefer Johnny Mack Brown, Noah Beery
The Wolf Dog 12 Western Colbert Clark and Harry L. Fraser Rin Tin Tin Jr., Frankie Darro Rin Tin Tin Jr.'s first serial film, having replaced the original dog star in 1932[38]
The Mystery Squadron 12 Aviation Colbert Clark and David Howard Bob Steele, J. Carrol Naish
Principal Pictures Tarzan the Fearless 12 Jungle
Fantasy 		Robert F. Hill Buster Crabbe, Jacqueline Wells (Only an edited feature version exists)
Universal Studios Clancy of the Mounted 12 Northern Ray Taylor Tom Tyler, Jacqueline Wells ( Only the first 6 chapters are available on DVD, but the British Film Institute (BFI) holds a complete 35mm print of all 12 chapters)
The Phantom of the Air 12 Aviation Ray Taylor Tom Tyler, William Desmond, Walter Brennan
Gordon of Ghost City 12 Western Ray Taylor Buck Jones, Madge Bellamy Based on the novel "Oh Promise Me!" by Peter B. Kyne
The Perils of Pauline 12 Damsel in distress Ray Taylor Evalyn Knapp, William Desmond
1934
Mascot Pictures The Lost Jungle 12 Jungle David Howard and Armand Schaefer Clyde Beatty, Syd Saylor, Gabby Hayes Followed by a sequel Darkest Africa in 1936
Burn 'Em Up Barnes 12 Sports (auto racing) Colbert Clark and Armand Schaefer Frankie Darro, Jack Mulhall, Lola Lane Loose remake of the 1921 silent film of the same name[39]
The Law of the Wild 12 Western B. Reeves Eason and Armand Schaefer Rin Tin Tin Jr., Rex the Wonder Horse, Bob Custer, Ben Turpin
Mystery Mountain 12 Western Otto Brower and B. Reeves Eason Ken Maynard, Gene Autry
Principal Pictures The Return of Chandu 12 Fantasy Ray Taylor Bela Lugosi Based on the popular Chandu the Magician radio program[40]
12 Boy Scouts, Jungle Edward Laurier, Vin Moore Bobby Cox, Jim Vance
Universal Studios Pirate Treasure 12 Maritime Ray Taylor Richard Talmadge
The Vanishing Shadow 12 Science fiction Lew Landers Onslow Stevens
The Red Rider 15 Western Lew Landers Buck Jones
Tailspin Tommy 12 Aviation Lew Landers Maurice Murphy, Noah Beery Jr., Grant Withers
1935
The New Adventures of Tarzan 12 Jungle
Fantasy 		Edward A. Kull Herman Brix Based on the Tarzan character created by novelist Edgar Rice Burroughs
Mascot Pictures The Phantom Empire 12 Western, Fantasy Otto Brower and B. Reeves Eason Gene Autry, Frankie Darro
The Miracle Rider 15 Western Otto Brower and B. Reeves Eason Tom Mix, Charles Middleton
The Adventures of Rex and Rinty 12 Crime B. Reeves Eason and Ford Beebe Rin Tin Tin Jr., Rex the Wonder Horse
The Fighting Marines 12 War B. Reeves Eason and Joseph Kane Grant Withers, Adrian Morris Last Mascot serial – merged into Republic Pictures
Queen of the Jungle 12 Jungle Robert F. Hill Mary Kornman, Reed Howes
The Lost City 12 Science Fiction, Jungle Harry Revier Wm. (stage) Boyd, Kane Richmond, Claudia Dell later edited into four different feature versions
Universal Studios Rustlers of Red Dog 12 Western Lew Landers Johnny Mack Brown, Raymond Hatton, Chief Thundercloud
The Call of the Savage 12 Jungle
Fantasy 		Lew Landers Noah Beery, Jr. Based on a story "Jan of the Jungle" by Otis Adelbert Kline
The Roaring West 15 Western Ray Taylor Buck Jones
Tailspin Tommy in the Great Air Mystery 12 Aviation Ray Taylor Clark Williams, Jean Rogers, Noah Beery Jr.
1936
Beginning of the Golden Age of Serials[41]
Republic Pictures Darkest Africa 15 Jungle B. Reeves Eason and Joseph Kane Clyde Beatty, Manuel King, Elaine Shepard, Lucien Prival First Republic serial
Undersea Kingdom 12 Fantasy B. Reeves Eason and Joseph Kane Ray (Crash) Corrigan, Lois Wilde
The Vigilantes Are Coming 12 Western Ray Taylor and Mack V. Wright Robert Livingston, Ray Corrigan
Robinson Crusoe of Clipper Island 14 Maritime Ray Taylor and Mack V. Wright Mala, Rex, Mamo Clark
(Weiss Bros.) Custer's Last Stand 15 Western Elmer Clifton Rex Lease
(Weiss Bros.) The Clutching Hand 15 Mystery Albert Herman Jack Mulhall, Mae Busch A Craig Kennedy mystery
(Weiss Bros.) 15 Mystery Albert Herman Ralph Graves, Ruth Mix, Dave O'Brien, Yakima Canutt
Universal Studios The Adventures of Frank Merriwell 12 Sports Ford Beebe and Clifford Smith Donald Briggs, Jean Rogers Based on the Frank Merriwell novels
Flash Gordon 13 Science fiction Frederick Stephani Buster Crabbe, Jean Rogers, Charles Middleton Based on the comic strip by Alex Raymond
The Phantom Rider 15 Western Ray Taylor Buck Jones
Ace Drummond 15 Aviation Ford Beebe and Clifford Smith John King, Jean Rogers, Noah Beery, Jr., Lon Chaney, Jr. Based on a comic strip by Eddie Rickenbacker
Victory Pictures (Sam Katzman) Shadow of Chinatown 15 Mystery, Yellow peril Robert F. Hill Bela Lugosi, Herman Brix
1937
Columbia Pictures Jungle Menace 15 Jungle Harry L. Fraser and George Melford Frank Buck
Charlotte Henry[42] 		First Columbia serial (produced by Weiss Bros.)
The Mysterious Pilot 15 Aviation Spencer Gordon Bennet Frank Hawks Produced by Weiss Bros.
Republic Pictures Dick Tracy 15 Crime Ralph Byrd Based on the famous comic strip by Chester Gould
The Painted Stallion 12 Western Ray Corrigan, Hoot Gibson
S.O.S. Coast Guard 12 Maritime, Science fiction Ralph Byrd, Bela Lugosi
Zorro Rides Again 12 Western William Witney John Carroll, Noah Beery Based on the Zorro character created by novelist Johnston McCulley
Universal Studios Jungle Jim 12 Jungle Ford Beebe and Clifford Smith Grant Withers, Henry Brandon
Secret Agent X-9 12 Crime Ford Beebe and Clifford Smith Scott Kolk, Jean Rogers, Henry Brandon, Lon Chaney Jr.
Wild West Days 13 Western Ford Beebe and Clifford Smith Johnny Mack Brown, Chief Thundercloud
Radio Patrol 12 Crime Ford Beebe and Clifford Smith Grant Withers, Robert Armstrong
Tim Tyler's Luck 12 Jungle Ford Beebe and Wyndham Gittens Frankie Thomas
Victory Pictures (Sam Katzman) Blake of Scotland Yard 15 Crime Robert F. Hill Ralph Byrd Last independent American serial
1938
Columbia Pictures The Secret of Treasure Island 15 Jungle Elmer Clifton Don Terry, Gwen Gaze, Walter Miller Last serial produced by Weiss Bros.
The Great Adventures of Wild Bill Hickok 15 Western Mack V. Wright and Sam Nelson William Elliott, Frankie Darro
The Spider's Web 15 Superhero Ray Taylor and James W. Horne Warren Hull, Kenne Duncan
Republic Pictures The Lone Ranger 15 Western William Witney and John English Lee Powell, Chief Thundercloud
The Fighting Devil Dogs 12 Science fiction William Witney and John English Lee Powell, Herman Brix Later re-edited and released to TV as Torpedo of Doom
Dick Tracy Returns 15 Crime William Witney and John English Ralph Byrd, Charles Middleton
Hawk of the Wilderness 12 Jungle William Witney and John English Herman Brix, Mala based on the novel by pulp writer ;[43] later re-edited and released to TV as The Lost Island of Kioga
Universal Studios Flash Gordon's Trip to Mars 15 Science fiction Frederick Stephani Buster Crabbe Based on the comic strip by Alex Raymond
Flaming Frontiers 15 Western and Ray Taylor Johnny Mack Brown based on "The Tie That Binds" (a novel) by Peter B. Kyne[36]
Red Barry 13 Crime Buster Crabbe
1939
Columbia Pictures Flying G-Men 15 Aviation Ray Taylor and James W. Horne Robert Paige, Richard Fiske, James Craig, Lorna Gray
Mandrake the Magician 12 Fantasy Sam Nelson and Warren Hull, Al Kikume
Overland with Kit Carson 15 Western Sam Nelson and Bill Elliott, Kenne Duncan
Republic Pictures The Lone Ranger Rides Again 15 Western William Witney and John English Robert Livingston, Chief Thundercloud, Glenn Strange This serial was considered lost for a long time but copies have since been found and re-issued
Daredevils of the Red Circle 12 Adventure William Witney and John English Charles Quigley, Herman Brix, David Sharpe, Carole Landis
Dick Tracy's G-Men 15 Crime William Witney and John English Ralph Byrd, Irving Pichel, Ted Pearson, Phylis Isley
Zorro's Fighting Legion 12 Western William Witney and John English Reed Hadley Based on the Zorro character created by novelist Johnston McCulley
Universal Studios Scouts to the Rescue 12 Boy scouts and Ray Taylor Jackie Cooper
Buck Rogers 12 Science fiction Ford Beebe and Buster Crabbe, Henry Brandon Based on the comic strip by Philip Francis Nowlan
The Oregon Trail 15 Western Ford Beebe and Johnny Mack Brown, Fuzzy Knight
The Phantom Creeps 12 Science fiction Ford Beebe and Bela Lugosi, Edward Van Sloan

1940s[]

Production Company Title Chapters Genre Director Cast Notes
1940
Columbia Pictures The Shadow 15 Crime James W. Horne Victor Jory Based on the radio program and pulp magazine series
Terry and the Pirates 15 Jungle James W. Horne William Tracy, Granville Owen Based on the "Terry and the Pirates" newspaper comic strip created by Milton Caniff
Deadwood Dick 15 Western James W. Horne Don Douglas
The Green Archer 15 Mystery James W. Horne Victor Jory Based on a novel by Edgar Wallace[44]
Republic Pictures Drums of Fu Manchu 15 Yellow Peril
Mystery 		William Witney and John English Henry Brandon Based on the character created by Sax Rohmer[45]
Adventures of Red Ryder 12 Western William Witney and John English Don "Red" Barry Based on the western comic strip by [46]
King of the Royal Mounted 12 Northern William Witney and John English Allan Lane Based on the comic strip written by Zane Grey[47]
Mysterious Doctor Satan 15 Superhero William Witney and John English Eduardo Ciannelli Features a hero called "The Copperhead"; originally written as a never-produced Republic "Superman" serial[48]
Universal Studios The Green Hornet 13 Crime/Superhero Ray Taylor and Ford Beebe Gordon Jones, Keye Luke Based on The Green Hornet radio program by George W. Trendle and Fran Striker
Flash Gordon Conquers the Universe 12 Science fiction/Superhero Ray Taylor and Ford Beebe Buster Crabbe Based on the comic strip by Alex Raymond
Winners of the West 13 Western Ray Taylor and Ford Beebe Dick Foran, Anne Nagel
Junior G-Men 12 Crime John Rawlins and Ford Beebe Dead End Kids
1941
Columbia Pictures White Eagle 15 Western James W. Horne Buck Jones Based on a 1932 Buck Jones western film
The Spider Returns 15 Crime James W. Horne Warren Hull Based on the pulp magazine character "The Spider"
The Iron Claw 15 Mystery James W. Horne Charles Quigley
Holt of the Secret Service 15 Crime James W. Horne Jack Holt, Evelyn Brent
Republic Pictures Adventures of Captain Marvel 12 Superhero William Witney and John English Tom Tyler Based on the popular Captain Marvel comic book character; later reissued to theaters as Return of Captain Marvel
Jungle Girl 15 Jungle William Witney and John English Frances Gifford Based on the 1932 novel "Jungle Girl" (1932) by Edgar Rice Burroughs
King of the Texas Rangers 12 Western William Witney and John English Slingin' Sammy Baugh
Dick Tracy vs. Crime, Inc. 15 Crime William Witney and John English Ralph Byrd Later re-released theatrically as Dick Tracy vs. Phantom Empire
Universal Studios The Green Hornet Strikes Again! 15 Crime/Superhero John Rawlins and Ford Beebe Warren Hull, Keye Luke Based on The Green Hornet radio program by George W. Trendle and Fran Striker
Sky Raiders 12 Aviation Ray Taylor and Ford Beebe Donald Woods, Billy Halop, Robert Armstrong
Riders of Death Valley 15 Western Ray Taylor and Ford Beebe Buck Jones, Dick Foran, Leo Carrillo, Lon Chaney Jr., Glenn Strange
Sea Raiders 12 Maritime Ray Taylor and Ford Beebe The Dead End Kids
1942
Columbia Pictures Captain Midnight 15 Adventure James W. Horne Dave O'Brien Based on the "Captain Midnight" radio adventure serial, broadcast from 1938 to 1949
Perils of the Royal Mounted 15 Western James W. Horne Robert Kellard
The Secret Code 15 Spy Spencer Gordon Bennet Paul Kelly Features a hero called "The Black Commando"[49]
The Valley of Vanishing Men 15 Western Spencer Gordon Bennet Bill Elliott
Republic Pictures Spy Smasher 12 War Superhero William Witney Kane Richmond Based on the Fawcett Comics "Spy Smasher" character; later released to TV as Spy Smasher Returns
Perils of Nyoka 15 Jungle
Fantasy 		William Witney Kay Aldridge, Clayton Moore Based on the 1932 Edgar Rice Burroughs novel "Jungle Girl"; later re-released to theatres as "Nyoka and the Tiger Men"; later released to TV as "Nyoka and the Lost Secrets of Hippocrates"
King of the Mounties 12 Northern William Witney Allan Lane
Universal Studios Don Winslow of the Navy 12 Maritime Ray Taylor and Ford Beebe Don Terry Based on the popular comic strip by Commander Frank V. Martinek
Gang Busters 13 Crime Ray Taylor and Noel M. Smith Kent Taylor. Irene Hervey Based on the popular "Gang Busters" radio program
Junior G-Men of the Air 12 Aviation Ray Taylor, Lewis D. Collins The Dead End Kids, Turhan Bey, Lionel Atwill, Frankie Darro
Overland Mail 15 Western John Rawlins and Ford Beebe Lon Chaney Jr. Based on the short story by Johnston McCulley; later released as a feature version called "The Indian Raiders"
1943
Columbia Pictures Batman 15 Superhero Lambert Hillyer Lewis Wilson, Douglas Croft, J. Carrol Naish Based on the popular comic book series from DC Comics
The Phantom 15 Jungle Superhero B. Reeves Eason Tom Tyler Based on Lee Falk's popular newspaper comic strip
Republic Pictures G-Men vs The Black Dragon 15 Spy Spencer Gordon Bennet Rod Cameron Later re-edited and released to TV as Black Dragon of Manzanar; the hero Rex Bennett returned in a sequel called Secret Service in Darkest Africa
Daredevils of the West 12 Western John English Allan Lane Restored and released on DVD in 2011
Secret Service in Darkest Africa 15 Spy Spencer Gordon Bennet Rod Cameron Later re-released to theaters as Manhunt in the African Jungles; later re-edited and released to TV as The Baron's African War
The Masked Marvel 12 Superhero Spencer Gordon Bennet Tom Steele, David Bacon Later re-edited and released to TV as Sakima and the Masked Marvel
Universal Studios The Adventures of Smilin' Jack 13 War Aviation Ray Taylor and Lewis D. Collins Tom Brown and Keye Luke Based on the popular newspaper comic strip by Zack Mosley
Don Winslow of the Coast Guard 13 War Ray Taylor and Lewis D. Collins Don Terry Based on the popular newspaper comic strip "Don Winslow of the Navy" by
Adventures of the Flying Cadets 13 Aviation Ray Taylor and Lewis D. Collins Johnny Downs, Billy Benedict, Robert Armstrong, Billy Halop
1944
Columbia Pictures The Desert Hawk 15 Adventure B. Reeves Eason Gilbert Roland, Charles Middleton
Black Arrow 15 Western B. Reeves Eason and Lew Landers Robert Scott, Charles Middleton
Republic Pictures Captain America 15 Superhero Elmer Clifton and John English Dick Purcell, Lionel Atwill, Edward Van Sloan Based on the popular comic book series by Marvel Comics; re-released to theaters in 1953 as The Return of Captain America
The Tiger Woman 12 Jungle Spencer Gordon Bennet Linda Stirling, Allan Lane Re-released in 1951 as Perils of the Darkest Jungle; re-edited and released to TV in 1966 as Jungle Gold
Haunted Harbor 15 Fantasy
Maritime 		Spencer Gordon Bennet Kane Richmond Based on the novel by Ewart Adamson; re-released to theaters in 1951 as Pirates' Harbor
Zorro's Black Whip 12 Western Spencer Gordon Bennet Linda Stirling Based on the Zorro character created by Johnston McCulley, but due to legalities, the character was called "The Black Whip" (not Zorro) in this serial
Universal Studios The Great Alaskan Mystery 13 Mystery Ray Taylor and Lewis D. Collins Milburn Stone, Martin Kosleck, Ralph Morgan
Raiders of Ghost City 13 Western Ray Taylor and Lewis D. Collins Dennis Moore, Lionel Atwill
Mystery of the River Boat 13 Western Ray Taylor and Lewis D. Collins Robert Lowery, Mantan Moreland, Lyle Talbot
1945
End of the Golden Age of Serials[41]
Columbia Pictures Brenda Starr, Reporter 13 Crime Wallace Fox Joan Woodbury, Kane Richmond Based on the popular comic strip created by Dale Messick
The Monster and the Ape 15 Science fiction Howard Bretherton Robert Lowery, Ralph Morgan, Ray Corrigan
Jungle Raiders 15 Jungle Lesley Selander Kane Richmond
Who's Guilty? 15 Mystery Howard Bretherton and Wallace Grissell Robert Kent, Amelita Ward, Charles Middleton
Republic Pictures Manhunt of Mystery Island 15 Jungle science fiction Spencer Gordon Bennet Linda Stirling Later re-edited and released to TV as Captain Mephisto and the Transformation Machine
Federal Operator 99 12 Crime Spencer Gordon Bennet Later re-edited into a feature version and released to TV as F.B.I. 99
The Purple Monster Strikes 15 Science fiction Spencer Gordon Bennet and Fred C. Brannon Linda Stirling Later re-edited into a feature version and released to TV as D-Day on Mars
Universal Studios Jungle Queen 13 Jungle Ray Taylor and Lewis D. Collins Ruth Roman Later re-edited into a feature version called Jungle Safari in 1956
The Master Key 13 Crime Ray Taylor and Lewis D. Collins Milburn Stone, Lash Larue
Secret Agent X-9 13 Spy Ray Taylor and Lewis D. Collins Lloyd Bridges, Keye Luke Based on the comic strip created by Dashiell Hammett and Alex Raymond
The Royal Mounted Rides Again 13 Northern Ray Taylor and Lewis D. Collins Bill Kennedy, Peter Cookson, Milburn Stone, Robert Armstrong
1946
Columbia Pictures Hop Harrigan 15 Aviation Derwin Abrahams William Bakewell Based on the Hop Harrigan comic book published by DC Comics.
Chick Carter, Detective 15 Crime Derwin Abrahams Lyle Talbot Based on the popular radio program "Chick Carter, Boy Detective"
Son of the Guardsman 15 Medieval Derwin Abrahams Bob Shaw Based on the Robin Hood legend (but Robin Hood is not a character in the film)
Republic Pictures The Phantom Rider 12 Western Spencer Gordon Bennet and Fred C. Brannon Robert Kent, Peggy Stewart later re-released as "Ghost Riders of the West"
King of the Forest Rangers 12 Northern Spencer Gordon Bennet and Fred C. Brannon Larry Thompson, Helen Talbot
Daughter of Don Q 12 Crime Spencer Gordon Bennet and Fred C. Brannon Lorna Gray, Kirk Alyn
The Crimson Ghost 12 Science fiction William Witney and Fred C. Brannon Charles Quigley, Linda Stirling Later re-edited and released to TV as "Cyclotrode X"
Universal Studios The Scarlet Horseman 13 Western Ray Taylor and Lewis D. Collins Paul Guilfoyle, Virginia Christine
Lost City of the Jungle 13 Jungle Ray Taylor and Lewis D. Collins Russell Hayden, Jane Adams, Lionel Atwill, Keye Luke (Atwill died during filming)
The Mysterious Mr. M 13 Science fiction Lewis D. Collins and Richard Martin, Pamela Blake, Dennis Moore Last Universal serial
1947
Columbia Pictures Jack Armstrong 15 Science fiction Wallace Fox John Hart, Rosemary LaPlanche, Pierre Watkin, Charles Middleton Based on the popular radio program "Jack Armstrong, the All-American Boy"
The Vigilante 15 Western Wallace Fox Ralph Byrd Based on the DC Comics character Greg Saunders, the Vigilante
The Sea Hound 15 Maritime and Mack V. Wright Buster Crabbe Based on the 1940s radio program The Sea Hound[50]
Brick Bradford 15 Science fiction Spencer Gordon Bennet Kane Richmond Based on the Brick Bradford newspaper comic strip[51]
Republic Pictures Son of Zorro 13 Western Spencer Gordon Bennet and Fred C. Brannon Based on the Zorro character created by novelist Johnston McCulley
Jesse James Rides Again 13 Western Fred C. Brannon Clayton Moore. Linda Stirling First of Republic's three "Jesse James" serials
The Black Widow 13 Science fiction,
Fantasy 		Spencer Gordon Bennet and Fred C. Brannon Bruce Edwards, Carol Forman, Ramsay Ames Later re-edited and released to TV as "Sombra, the Spider Woman"
1948
Columbia Pictures Tex Granger 15 Western Derwin Abrahams Robert Kellard, Peggy Stewart Based on a character from the "Calling All Boys" comic book
Superman 15 Superhero Spencer Gordon Bennet Kirk Alyn, Noel Neill Based on the famous DC Comics comic book character
Congo Bill 15 Jungle Spencer Gordon Bennet Don McGuire Based on the famous DC Comics comic book character
Republic Pictures G-Men Never Forget 12 Crime Fred C. Brannon Clayton Moore
Dangers of the Canadian Mounted 12 Northern Fred C. Brannon
Adventures of Frank and Jesse James 13 Western Fred C. Brannon Clayton Moore
1949
Columbia Pictures Bruce Gentry 15 Aviation, Science fiction Spencer Gordon Bennet Tom Neal Based on the "Bruce Gentry" newspaper comic strip created by Ray Bailey
Batman and Robin 15 Superhero Spencer Gordon Bennet Robert Lowery Based on the famous DC Comics comic book characters
Adventures of Sir Galahad 15 Fantasy Spencer Gordon Bennet George Reeves Based on the King Arthur legend
Republic Pictures Federal Agents vs. Underworld, Inc 12 Crime Fred C. Brannon Kirk Alyn Later re-edited and released to TV as "The Golden Hands of Kurigal"
Ghost of Zorro 12 Western Fred C. Brannon Clayton Moore Based on the Zorro character created by novelist Johnston McCulley
King of the Rocket Men 12 Science fiction Fred C. Brannon Tristram Coffin, Mae Clarke Inspired by the Buck Rogers serial character [52]
The James Brothers of Missouri 12 Western Fred C. Brannon Noel Neill
Radar Patrol vs Spy King 12 Spy Fred C. Brannon Kirk Alyn

1950s[]

Production Company Title Chapters Genre Director Cast Notes
1950
Columbia Pictures Cody of the Pony Express 15 Western Spencer Gordon Bennet Jock Mahoney, Dickie Moore Based loosely on the life of Buffalo Bill Cody
Atom Man vs. Superman 15 Superhero Spencer Gordon Bennet Kirk Alyn
Noel Neill
Lyle Talbot
Tommy Bond 		Based on the Superman comic book character created by DC Comics
Pirates of the High Seas 15 Maritime/ Jungle Spencer Gordon Bennet Buster Crabbe
Great Britain Instructional The Mystery of the Snakeskin Belt[53][circular reference] Frank Cadman British; Last independent serial
Republic Pictures The Invisible Monster 12 Science fiction Fred C. Brannon Richard Webb Later re-edited and released to TV as Slaves of the Invisible Monster
Desperadoes of the West 12 Western Fred C. Brannon Richard Powers (Tom Keene)
Flying Disc Man from Mars 12 Science fiction Fred C. Brannon Walter Reed Sequel to the 1945 serial The Purple Monster Strikes; later re-edited and released to TV as Missile Monsters
1951
Columbia Pictures Roar of the Iron Horse 15 Western Spencer Gordon Bennet Jock Mahoney
Mysterious Island 15 Science fiction,
Fantasy 		Spencer Gordon Bennet Richard Crane Based on The Mysterious Island by Jules Verne
Captain Video: Master of the Stratosphere 15 Science fiction Spencer Gordon Bennet Judd Holdren Only serial adapted from a television program
Republic Pictures Don Daredevil Rides Again 12 Western Fred C. Brannon Ken Curtis Similar in theme to Zorro; includes footage from Zorro's Black Whip
Government Agents vs. Phantom Legion 12 Spy Fred C. Brannon Walter Reed
1952
Columbia Pictures King of the Congo 15 Jungle
Fantasy 		Spencer Gordon Bennet Buster Crabbe Based on the 1950s Thun'da comic book series by Frank Frazetta
Blackhawk 15 Aviation Spencer Gordon Bennet Kirk Alyn Based on the Blackhawk comic book series
Son of Geronimo 15 Western Spencer Gordon Bennet Clayton Moore
Republic Pictures Radar Men from the Moon 12 Science fiction Fred C. Brannon George D. Wallace 1st appearance of "Commando Cody"; later re-edited and released to TV as Retik, the Moon Menace[54]
Zombies of the Stratosphere 12 Science fiction Fred C. Brannon Judd Holdren, Leonard Nimoy Commando Cody is called "Larry Martin" in this sequel to Radar Men From the Moon; available colorized on VHS
1953
Columbia Pictures The Lost Planet 15 Science fiction Spencer Gordon Bennet Judd Holdren Semi-sequel to the 1951 Captain Video serial[55]
The Great Adventures of Captain Kidd 15 Maritime Derwin Abrahams and Richard Crane Loosely based on the life story of Captain William Kidd
Republic Pictures Jungle Drums of Africa 12 Jungle Fred C. Brannon Phyllis Coates, Clayton Moore Later re-edited and released to TV as U-238 and the Witch Doctor
Commando Cody: Sky Marshal of the Universe 12 Science fiction Franklin Adreon and Fred C. Brannon Judd Holdren and Richard Crane Prequel to Radar Men From the Moon; filmed as a 12-episode television series, but released first to theaters as a serial
Canadian Mounties vs. Atomic Invaders 12 Mountie spy Franklin Adreon Bill Henry Later re-edited and released to TV as Missile Base at Taniak
1954
Columbia Pictures Gunfighters of the Northwest 15 Northern Spencer Gordon Bennet Clayton Moore
Riding with Buffalo Bill 15 Western Spencer Gordon Bennet Marshall Reed Includes footage from Deadwood Dick
Republic Pictures Trader Tom of the China Seas 12 Maritime Franklin Adreon Phyllis Coates, Harry Lauter Later re-edited and released to TV as Target: Sea of China
Man with the Steel Whip 12 Western Franklin Adreon Richard Simmons Features a character called El Latigo, similar to Zorro
1955
Columbia Pictures The Adventures of Captain Africa 15 Jungle Spencer Gordon Bennet John Hart Intended as a sequel to The Phantom; includes footage from The Phantom, Jungle Menace, and The Desert Hawk
Republic Pictures Panther Girl of the Kongo 12 Jungle Franklin Adreon Phyllis Coates Later re-edited and released to TV as The Claw Monsters; includes footage from Perils of Nyoka
King of the Carnival 12 Crime Franklin Adreon Harry Lauter Last Republic serial. Includes footage from Daredevils of the Red Circle
1956
Columbia Pictures Perils of the Wilderness 15 Northern Spencer Gordon Bennet Dennis Moore Includes footage from Perils of the Royal Mounted
Blazing the Overland Trail 15 Western Spencer Gordon Bennet Dennis Moore, Lee Roberts Last Columbia serial; last major-studio serial. Includes footage from White Eagle.
1957
Shintoho Super Giant 9 Superhero Teruo Ishii Ken Utsui, Shōji Nakayama Japanese tokusatsu film serial.

See also[]

References[]

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