The Holy Grail of serials

Bob Birchard · Post by **Bob Birchard** » Tue Sep 15, 2015 11:01 pm

In his 7+ star review of THE JUNGLE MENACE (Action-Universal, 1932) Brian Taves asserts that nothing is known to survive on this serial. The multi-star review was not facetious, rather an indication of how avidly sought TJM was among serial fans. Today I saw the feature condensation, and am assured that the 12 chapters also survive. I'm sure even Brian is happy to be proved wrong on this. More later . . .

Spiny Norman · Post by **Spiny Norman** » Wed Sep 16, 2015 2:48 am

Bob Birchard wrote:In his 7+ star review of THE JUNGLE MENACE (Action-Universal, 1932) Brian Taves asserts that nothing is known to survive on this serial. The multi-star review was not facetious, rather an indication of how avidly sought TJM was among serial fans. Today I saw the feature condensation, and am assured that the 12 chapters also survive. I'm sure even Brian is happy to be proved wrong on this. More later . . .

It's not "The Jungle Mystery" that you're talking about? (Not that I'm an expert, I just googled it to see.) Doesn't "The Serial Squadron" have it, whoever they are?

Bob Birchard · Post by **Bob Birchard** » Wed Sep 16, 2015 5:22 am

Yes, THE JUNGLE MYSTERY, my bad.

Bob Birchard · Post by **Bob Birchard** » Wed Sep 16, 2015 12:46 pm

So, yesterday I saw the 8-reel feature version of Universal's 1932 serial THE JUNGLE MYSTERY. Highly sought after by serial fans, I'd have to say (at least in the feature version) overall production values are pretty good, though it is more "talkie" than other Universal serials I've seen, which tend to incorporate a lots of balls-to-wall action sequences skillfully assembled by editors from new and existing footage. There seems to be more dialogue and plot here--not helped by the fact that many of the male characters wear heavy beards, and the female heroine (Cecilia Parker) and the villainess (Carmelita Geraghty) are both blondes (Cecilia--natural; Carmelita--peroxide), making the characters difficult to differentiate at times. Still, a fun time was had by all, and the full serial exists and is slated for preservation.

MaryGH · Post by **MaryGH** » Wed Sep 16, 2015 1:17 pm

Bob Birchard wrote:So, yesterday I saw the 8-reel feature version of Universal's 1932 serial THE JUNGLE MYSTERY. Highly sought after by serial fans, I'd have to say (at least in the feature version) overall production values are pretty good, though it is more "talkie" than other Universal serials I've seen, which tend to incorporate a lots of balls-to-wall action sequences skillfully assembled by editors from new and existing footage. There seems to be more dialogue and plot here--not helped by the fact that many of the male characters wear heavy beards, and the female heroine (Cecilia Parker) and the villainess (Carmelita Geraghty) are both blondes (Cecilia--natural; Carmelita--peroxide), making the characters difficult to differentiate at times. Still, a fun time was had by all, and the full serial exists and is slated for preservation.

Hi Bob!

May I ask where you saw it?

Any chance of it being released on DVD? I'm one of those who's been searching for a copy of this. Thanks!

Marr&Colton · Post by **Marr&Colton** » Thu Sep 17, 2015 4:15 am

As a kid in the 1950s, I got my taste for serials from all those Saturday matinees I went to. I still remember the anxious feeling I would get in the last minute of each chapter.

That said, after seeing many serials in the last 20 years, I have never seen a Universal serial that compares well with
Columbia or Republic's output in the late thirties through the early 50s. My problem with Universal serials is the chapters are too long, not enough music or flat scores, not enough sustained tension and not enough gimmicks. (The only exception I could think of were the Flash Gordon serials Universal did).

For my tastes, there were two serial settings that were not very exciting: the old west and jungles.

The settings I found most exciting were modern day urban, wartime, superhero and outer space.

Bob Birchard · Post by **Bob Birchard** » Thu Sep 17, 2015 5:58 am

MaryGH wrote: Hi Bob!

May I ask where you saw it?

Any chance of it being released on DVD? I'm one of those who's been searching for a copy of this. Thanks!

I was invited to a screening of the new print. I don't know if there are any plans to put it out for home video.

Eric Cohen · Post by **Eric Cohen** » Wed May 11, 2016 4:48 pm

The complete The Jungle Mystery 12-chapter serial will be shown throughout the next Cinecon according to the "Friends of Cinecon Classic Film Festival" page on Facebook. It's on a list of 20 confirmed feature titles.

MaryGH · Post by **MaryGH** » Tue May 24, 2016 5:19 pm

Eric Cohen wrote:The complete The Jungle Mystery 12-chapter serial will be shown throughout the next Cinecon according to the "Friends of Cinecon Classic Film Festival" page on Facebook. It's on a list of 20 confirmed feature titles.

Awesome news indeed - I imagine not too many of Mr. Tyler's films make these film festivals but this is rather a special case. I am a member of his fan group over on Facebook and posted the news over there. Wish I could attend - but maybe someone else in the group can make it.

The Holy Grail of serials

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