(1926) Complete 10 chapter serial, black and white
Ben Wilson, Neva Gerber, Ruth Royce, Al Ferguson, Jack Mower, Phil Ford, Lafe McKee
The Frog, a freakish limping criminal mastermind who roams street and sewer, is on the loose. Police officer 444 (Ben Wilson) must find him before he can rule the world after stealing and misusing a medical miracle called Haverlyite. The inventor's kidnapped daughter, (Neva Gerber), assorted rogues, and the imprisoned victims of a Dr. Blakeley's medical research keep things busy in the Frog's "cavern." Indeed, Blakeley (Al Ferguson) may BE the Frog -- and so might be Professor Kalium of the International Society of Scientists. Lafe McKee, Wilson, and Jack Mower make police headqauarters a spirited place in the manner of the sergeants in a John Ford cavalry movie, while Ruth Royce is ever-menacing as the Vulture, "subtle aide" to the Frog. Frank Baker plays "Dago Frank," a crooked underling. Appearing "in person" is August Vollmer, Chief of Police in Berkeley, California. Sets are used ingeniously in this serial, the crooks even changing them at one point. Ben Wilson and Neva Gerber starred in a number of serials from the late silent era. This is one of the few that has survived. Luckily it's lively as can be, with fights and macabre insanity abounding, and great fun. If you are a fan of the James Horne serials of the sound era, you need this one too. Scored with sometimes a little too fast and furious but appropriate period ensemble orchestra production music.
Two DVD Disc Set; List price $24.95 -- Special price $19.95