I apologize if this topic seems passe, old hat, ridiculous, or even repetitive. But I'm a relative rookie at judging quality of serials. I just purchased The Spider's Web and The Secret Code from oldtimedvd.com based on high recommendations from folks here at CHFB. What I'd like to know is how these two rank within a Top Ten All-Time List using the following criteria:
-- studio is not a factor; any studio can be represented.
-- acting; do the players take the story seriously?
-- cliffhangers and resolutions; variety of type, stuntwork, whether or not the resolutions are cheats.
-- plotting; does the story move well in response to its internal logic?
-- other factors such as direction, location shooting, cinematograhy, that I'm not familiar with.
I've always considered the three Flash Gordon serials to be in the Top Ten, along with Daredevils of the Red Circle, Fighting Devil Dogs, The Mysterious Dr. Satan, Zorro's Fighting Legion (and through four chapters, Dick Tracy is holding up well). I will admit that I'm more inclined to masked hero/villains than westerns or south sea pieces, but that won't stop me from picking if I get good recommendations from you folks.
How do items like The Monster and the Ape stack up? They look interesting from afar, but are they worth purchasing?
... Reed
-- studio is not a factor; any studio can be represented.
-- acting; do the players take the story seriously?
-- cliffhangers and resolutions; variety of type, stuntwork, whether or not the resolutions are cheats.
-- plotting; does the story move well in response to its internal logic?
-- other factors such as direction, location shooting, cinematograhy, that I'm not familiar with.
I've always considered the three Flash Gordon serials to be in the Top Ten, along with Daredevils of the Red Circle, Fighting Devil Dogs, The Mysterious Dr. Satan, Zorro's Fighting Legion (and through four chapters, Dick Tracy is holding up well). I will admit that I'm more inclined to masked hero/villains than westerns or south sea pieces, but that won't stop me from picking if I get good recommendations from you folks.
How do items like The Monster and the Ape stack up? They look interesting from afar, but are they worth purchasing?
... Reed
