I picked up a two-disc set of PANTHER GIRL OF THE KONGO, the 1950s Republic serial starring Phyllis Coates, Myron Healy and a blown up crayfish (crawfish?), that earned the film the alternate title, THE CLAW MONSTERS.
I say '1950s' because there are a number of conflicting dates. The box says 1952 (mine is the ACComics version), the title cards say 1954 and the IMdB says 1955!
What struck me from the beginning is how closely the serials of the 50s resemble early TV shows. This serial starts right up as if the Panther Girl is a known, ongoing character, with no explanation as to who she is or why she is there.
It's somewhat startling to see Coates in such a cheesecake and physical role -- and such a cheesy and potboiler character. Somehow I always thought Coates was a classy and aspiring actress and to see her fighting, riding an elephant (her first appearance), and swinging from vines was very disconcerting.
Was this filmed before or after the first season of SUPERMAN, when Coates played Lois Lane? This is crucial to determining whether Lois was a step up after the Panther Girl, or the Panther Girl was a step down from Lois. I suspect the serial was filmed first, but...Anyone know?
david
I say '1950s' because there are a number of conflicting dates. The box says 1952 (mine is the ACComics version), the title cards say 1954 and the IMdB says 1955!
What struck me from the beginning is how closely the serials of the 50s resemble early TV shows. This serial starts right up as if the Panther Girl is a known, ongoing character, with no explanation as to who she is or why she is there.
It's somewhat startling to see Coates in such a cheesecake and physical role -- and such a cheesy and potboiler character. Somehow I always thought Coates was a classy and aspiring actress and to see her fighting, riding an elephant (her first appearance), and swinging from vines was very disconcerting.
Was this filmed before or after the first season of SUPERMAN, when Coates played Lois Lane? This is crucial to determining whether Lois was a step up after the Panther Girl, or the Panther Girl was a step down from Lois. I suspect the serial was filmed first, but...Anyone know?
david
