William Whitney had to fly solo for this one. But, even without his old buddy John English, he manages to produce a top notch chapter play.

After the success of "Adventures of Captian Marvel" Republic once again turned to a popular hero from Fawcett Comics. For those who don't remember him, Spy Smasher was wealthy Virgina horse breeder Alan Armstrong (who obviously went to the same schools as Bruce Wayne and Brett Reid). Engaged to the lovely Ellen Corby, who conviently is a daughter of an Admiral, Alan uses information gleaned from their dinner conversations to thwart America's enemies. In particular, the Mask, a vaguely Japanese master spy, who may be the secret identity of the Admiral's "Filipino" houseboy.

As usual, Republic rewrote the character extensively. Alan becomes an ex-war reporter, and picks up an identical twin brother, named Jack (obviously an all american boy). It's Jack who's engaged to Ellen, who's father has been named Cheif Of Naval Intelligence. This may not have been a wise appointment, however, as the Admiral shows a disturbing tendency to reveal vital information while giving frequent interviews to a TV* reporter named Driscoll. Unbeknownst to the Admiral, Driscoll (slickly played by Republic regular Tristam Coffin) is really an agent of the malevolent Mask (here a Gestapo agent played with teutonic zeal by Hans Schumm).

Unecumbered by the boy scout rules American Intelligence has to play by, Spy Smasher spends the entire 12 chapters thwarting the numerous plots hatched by the Mask to undo America before she can get into the war (the serial seems to be set before December 1941). Chapter play veteran Kane Richmond does a superior job as both the titular hero, and his brother Jack (the reason for a twin brother becomes obvious as you watch chapters 11 & 12). Like all Republic serial heros, Spy Smasher has no problems using lethal force. Tossing bad guys off of trains, over cliffs, or just plain shooting them. The result ia an excellent by the numbers serial.

If you're a fan of the old serials, like me. You'll love this good old fashioned actioner. A remainder of the days when man like gods walked upon the Earth, (on movie screens anyway).

*Yes, I said TV reporter. There were a few stations operating in the early 40's. It's ironic that the bad guys used a TV station as a cover, considering how after the war, the TV explosion helped kill the serial (although why Republic never adapted the Serial genre to TV is beyond me).



Recommended:
Yes

Viewing Format: VHS
Video Occasion: Good for Groups
Suitability For Children: Suitable for Children Age 13 and Older
Special Effects: Well at least you can't see the strings