Reviews

One of the best serials ever made because of superior acting, especially Henry Brandon as Fu Manchu, the atmospheric photography and the script, which is superior than the usual simplistic scripts associated with cliffhangers. Some great special effects, especially the chapter one cliffhanger, as well as the sinister ending to chapter 5, which raises goosebumps. This movie is available on VHS and DVD, and is well worth the time.

Made during the height of World War II, The Masked Marvel is 12 chapters of pure stunts and thrills. Despite the poor acting of the four leading men who are the "Marvel" suspects, the action-packed fights and rousing cliffhangers, plus the marvellous stunt work by Tom Steele and his team compensates.

The special effects by the Lydecker brothers are first-rate, as good as any major studio - if not better.

I have watched this serial a dozen times and still get excited and caught up in the adventure. If anyone wanted to begin a serial collection, this could do well as an introduction. It's Republic Pictures at the top of the studio's game.