Reviews (3)

One of the best sci fi serials, whatever the name on it
Actuallly, I've already reviewed this under it's original title, THE UNDERSEA KINGDOM. This is one of the greatest with "Crash" Corrigan as the hero, Lon Chaney Jr. as a secondary villain, and Lee Van Atta. I would've given it five stars if the cheating in the most spectacular chapter ending in the serial weren't so flagrant.

A Blast From the Movie Serial Past
"Undersea Kingdom" was one of Republic's first serials and it's still a lot of fun. Though an underwater version of Universal's "Flash Gordon," this 1936 chapterplay moves at a brisk pace and Ray "Crash" Corrigan is an engaging action hero -- even when he has to utter lines such as "Go ahead and ram!" It's also nice to see Lon Chaney Jr. as a slimy villain in one of his early films. "Undersea Kingdom" may seem a bit hokey by today's standards, but it's the kind of nostalgic escapism that's impossible to resist.

Swords, Submarines and Silly Hats
"Undersea Kingdom" is an all-time classic, and one of the most consistantly enjoyable serials ever made. Ray "Crash" Corrigan plays his athletic self, joining a little party of explorers who travel by submarine hundreds of leagues beneath the sea to find the source of mysterious seismic waves causing earthquakes on the surface. The waves come from the lost Atlantis, which, contrary to popular opinion, sunk so slowly that the inhabitants had plenty of time to construct a giant glass dome over the submerged continent. It is this scientific genius that allows them to threaten the surface, as well as to invent television, robots, and armoured cars. However, for the most part, they ride horses, fight with swords, and wear tunics topped by some of the silliest looking hats ever seen on film. B. Reeves Eason was the primary director for "Undersea Kingdom," and it bears many similarities to his earlier "Phantom Empire" (for Mascot) and "Darkest Africa." As in these earlier serials, "Undersea Kingdom" features a power struggle within the leadership of a distant and xenophobic city, in which the balance of power is affected by the entry of a small party of Americans led by a movie star playing himself. Here, the wise priests are beleagured by the rebellion of the odious Unga Khan (yes, they had Khans in ancient Greece). Like all of Eason's serials, there is lots of comedy mixed in with the thrills (Eason is remembered as an action guru, but his sense of character and slapstick were equally noteable). Other members of the party include a female reporter, the stowaway child of the submarine's developer, and the always problematic presence of Smiley Burnette, here even dumber than usual. But Republic gave their second production a real working budget: the sets are marvels of intricate hodge-podge, the costumes are florid and frilly, and the effects are noteable, albeit more for their conception than their execution. There are several great cliffhangers. "Flash Gordon" is the best-remembered serial of 1936, but in its own way, "Undersea Kingdom" is as enjoyable to watch today. It's funnier, it's more melodramatic, and Crash Corrigan (who also starred in Republic's "The Painted Stallion" and zillions of B-Westerns) compares favorably with Buster Crabbe in a similar role. The print is beautiful and clear as a bell. In short, Undersea Kingdom has oodles of everything which a serial fan in this modern age could wish for; if you don't like this, you're not a serial fan: go rent a musical. 1936 may have been the best serial year ever: "Undersea Kingdom" is a big part of the reason. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

This is Roy Rodgers first starring role
This is the first Movie that Leonard Sly starred in as Roy Rogers and rode Trigger. It is a must have for a RR fan and collector. It Premeried in my Hometown Dallas, Texas, 1939. They say Gene Autry did not show up for this, or possibly another, movie at Republic Pictures so Roy was promoted from a member of the Sons of The Pioneers and a bit actor to Star, to give Gene some competition. It didn't bother Gene much, he still made more pictures and recorded more songs that Roy. Obviously I am a fan of them both. Some say Gene was going into the army at this time and flying supply planes. Roy appeare in many of Gene's films previous to this movie. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

BEST show i'd seen in a long time!!!!!!!
I THOUGHT BILLY THE KID WAS A VERY GOOD SHOW IT'S ONE OF THOSE KINDS OF SHOWS WHERE YOUR SAYING " WHAT'S GUNNA HAPPEN NEXT" AND IT GETS YOU ALL EXITED ! ! ! ! ! ! ! I REALLY THOUGHT IT WAS AN EXLENT SHOW ! ! ! ! !

Great Roy Rogers & Smiley Burnette film,songs,music,action
I enjoyed the interaction of the two actors, and Roy playing a duel role was interesting/well done. I appreciate watching Smiley play the different instruments and doing a duet with Roy. Film was well staged and enjoyable. The film had enough action and the musical interludes were placed well, flowed with the action instead of being thrown in. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Roy Rogers Fan
I have recently received a copy on DVD of this film and for the first few minutes I was not impressed by the films quality, however as time wears on you do not notice it too much. Overall for the price you can't expect too much, but the film is worth buying and watching. Hopefully more titles will be released.
From what I have in my collection so far, this budget series are unlike more expensive labels, uncut versions
and you do a decent DVD cover. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

John Wayne In Different Form Here and it works
John Wayne the reigning hero of Western & Action films is in a departure of his usual tough guy personna by playing a chracter of self doubt. Wayne plays a Rancher who competes with a gambling tycoon on the Barbary Coast over the hand of a beautiful dance hall queen. This film also displays the infamous 1906 San Fransisco Earthquake. One of the highlights in a film that is otherwise routine. Another highlight is seeing this film in colured version instead of black & white.

Wayne shows his versatility
This early outing finds Wayne in a romantic, light hearted story that showed early signs of what was to come. Watch closely to see early parallels with later legendary performances with Maureen O'Hara in films such as the quiet man. Only about 100 mins long, but very easy viewing, and absorbing, don't be put off by the early year of production - this is a very good movie. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Classic Barbara Stanwyck western suitable for family viewing
The Maverick Queen is a classic Barbara Stanwyck western suitable for family viewing. The plot is straight forward with just enough surprises to keep your interest. Stanwyck's character, the Maverick Queen, is similar to her role as Victoria Barkley in The Big Valley--a strong woman in a man's world. One of the best things about the movie is the spectacular scenery. The Maverick Queen was shot on location in and around Silverton, Colorado. It utilizes excellent footage of a real life slice of history, which is still much the same today. Hollywood staging cannot compare to the real location shots available in Silverton. I highly recommend viewing this classic western filmed in spectacular Silverton, Colorado. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Above average Roy Rogers, below average DVD transfer . . .
. . . but if you pay under [dollar amount] for a DVD, you can't really complain. Unfortunately, all of Roy's movies will probably be shuffled off to DVD with just as little care. The sound crackles sometimes, and some of Dale's delightful solos are a bit distorted; the picture is fuzzier sometimes than others (even "jumps" once, as though it were a tape), and you have to turn the volume up pretty high compared to typical DVD.

Though the quality leaves at least as much to be desired as one would expect considering the price, "Yellow Rose of Texas" is above average Roy Rogers fare. Included are the classic framed man with a beautiful daughter (Dale, of course), Roy's undercover identity as insurance agent, a stunt with Trigger to save a boy in a runaway wagon, a multi-fisted fight featuring the Sons of the Pioneers (minus Pat Brady, since this is 1944), the classic shot of black "blood" dripping through two ceiling boards to give away the winged fugitive (at a rate that says he must have hit an artery and is in serious need of a transfusion!), and lots more great nostalgia inducers. One number by the Sons of the Pioneers, "Timber," is musically even better than usual. It's also interesting to see Dale Evans before that "Queen of the West" persona, which she was originally so against, was firmly established; you'll hear her sing and see her pout those pretty lips, but she won't be riding a horse. (This is partially due, of course, to the fact that much of this setting has to do with riverboats and shows rather than ranches and the frontier.) Even her hair is different than the typical "Cowgirl Dale" look that we fans take for granted.

All in all, if you want to see Roy and Dale in restored glory, don't bother with the Alpha Video releases. But if you want to see them on DVD at all, you may have to settle for these, and "Yellow Rose of Texas" is a perfect place to start.

Good sing-along title song.
Roy Rogers portrays a singing cowboy insurance investigator on a showboat. I know it sounds too weird, but just go with it. Life will be easier. Five years ago Dale Evans' father was framed for an express robbery, and he is still on the run. Roy and the sheriff are both hot on Dad's trail while the real crooks make more mischief. This is a lesser effort by RR and crew. This is one of those "modern" Westerns that feature autos as well as horses. From the complaint department, the emphasis on elaborate song-and-dance numbers detracts from the B Western fun. There is some blazing six-gun action, but not enough to give one time to use up an entire roll of caps. It's always good to see Bob Nolan and The Sons of the Pioneers. Gabby Hayes is not in this one. This movie is of moderate interest to staunch RR fans and those who relish the nostalgia of Saturday matinees. Remember the days when every kid on the block wanted to be a cowboy? From that perspective, viewing and ownership is of value. ;-) ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Be forewarned
Be forewarned....the very opening of the movie on this DVD has been truncated. The source for these transfers is evidently a program hosted by Roy and Dale in their later years. While I have no problem with the DVD's containing the intros, I did not pay for a movie that is not in its entirety...COMPLETE opening credits and all.

Secondly, the source is not good either. Roan Group did a much better job with their Roy Roger movie transfers.

In spite of being "Authorized by the Roy Rogers Estate"...which made me this a safe purchase....these Happy Trails Theatre DVD's are anything BUT high quality. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

BADMEN OF DEADWOOD
Don't waste your money on this piece of garbage. This is a DVD made from a VHS transfer, made from a VHS transfer. The picture quality is so bad it gave me a headache after just 15 minutes of watching fuzzy images and dark scenes. And the sound is even worse. I have no idea why companies like this who spend money making attractive box covers and disc lables can have no regard for the quality of the movie they are transferring. There is no excuse....if they worked with a decent 16 MM print there is no way it could be this bad. This company has bought a bad VHS tape and made a copy from that bad tape to offer an even worse quality copy.

Durn-tootin' Saturday matinee fun.
Sturdy Republic Western that emphasizes action over music. The Sons of the Pioneers are nowhere in sight. Roy Rogers is a reformed gunfighter working for Gabby Hayes' snake oil medicine show. In Deadwood, the members of the civic league are in cahoots with a gang of killers. This includes the sheriff and the newspaper editor, who has been waging a bogus war against crime on the editorial page. Villains abound. The honest townspeople enlist Roy's help, and the stage is set for excitement. This B Western is true to its budget restraints. The running time of 53 minutes is a virtue that doesn't let the plot go awry. With the bad guys posing as good citizens and the good guys reduced to social castoffs, the story requires close attention to keep the players straight. Even RR initially wears a black hat. The conflict of warring factions builds to a climactic shoot-out of Hopalong Cassidy proportions. This film is an entertaining blend of Western action and light humor. We are happy to report there is more shootin' and ridin' than in most of RR's later Western musicals. Nobody made Westerns as Republic. ;-) ... Read more

Reviews (2)

BEST show i'd seen in a long time!!!!!!!
I THOUGHT BILLY THE KID WAS A VERY GOOD SHOW IT'S ONE OF THOSE KINDS OF SHOWS WHERE YOUR SAYING " WHAT'S GUNNA HAPPEN NEXT" AND IT GETS YOU ALL EXITED ! ! ! ! ! ! ! I REALLY THOUGHT IT WAS AN EXLENT SHOW ! ! ! ! !

Great Roy Rogers & Smiley Burnette film,songs,music,action
I enjoyed the interaction of the two actors, and Roy playing a duel role was interesting/well done. I appreciate watching Smiley play the different instruments and doing a duet with Roy. Film was well staged and enjoyable. The film had enough action and the musical interludes were placed well, flowed with the action instead of being thrown in. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Gene Autry "Ride Ranger Ride"
Gene is a Texas Ranger working undercover as a scout for the Army. He's trying to stop the Comanches from looting a wagon train loaded down with ammunition. This is a well balanced plot, Smily Burnette as Forg and Kay Hughes as the love interest show the humor and softness for which Gene Autry Movies are Famious. As well old stars such as Max Terhune and Monte Blue provide the action. Champion the wounder horse makes riding look easy and very fast. Two and 1/2 Stars for this Republic Feature released in 1936, It should run 63m. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Still Public Cowboy #1
In this movie, Gene Autry plays Deputy to William Farnum. The show is about a meat packing company who uses trucks, short wave radios and airplanes to rustle cattle. It seems that with all the modern technology, an old fashioned sheriff has a hard time catching these rustlers and a Detective agency from the East is called in, but then thanks to his loyal deputies Gene Autry and Frog Millhouse, the sheriff's department succeeds in capturing the cattle rustlers. This movie has good music, a love story, great comedy from Smiley Burnette and plenty of action. All in all, a great western in the unique style of most Autry Westerns. A Western with automobiles, airplanes and plenty of modern know how. Even though a early movie in the career of Autry, it shows a star at his best!! Highly recommended by this Autry collector, because Gene Autry was considered a Public Cowboy #1 on screen and off, from the beginning of his career to the day he left us on October 3rd, 1998!!

Bad News for Bad Men!
Deputy Gene Autry rides to the rescue when modern rustlers use airplanes, short wave radios, and refrigerator trucks to ply their trade. Cowboys and 1937 technology result in an ersatz era that only exists in Hollywood fiction. Occasional chuckles are a side effect. The leading citizens consider Gene's friend and mentor, old Sheriff Doniphan, outdated. They hire a team of modern detectives. Hot on the trail, the detectives' car is stuck in a stream, and their teargas grenades explode accidentally. Gene and his cowboy pals ride through a teargas fog to bypass this obstacle in pursuit of the crooks. Surrealism abounds. Gene does a fair amount of singing, but lengthy musical numbers are thankfully absent. As comic sidekicks go, Smiley Burnette leaves one yearning for Gabby Hayes. The story includes cliff-hanging action and light humor. The outbursts of violence are bloodless enough to be "G" rated. B movie meister, Joseph Kane, directed this little flick. Nobody made Westerns like Republic. Great Saturday matinee fun. ;-) ... Read more