May 1, 2018

SPY SMASHER

Serial Squadron has announced they are working on a new restoration of the classic cliffhanger serial, Spy Smasher. The character started out in the pages of Fawcett's Whiz Comics (where Captain Marvel was originally published), and focussed on a master detective who used wits, brawn, and gadgetry (including a Gyrosub) to fight evildoers. Republic Pictures produced a twelve-chapter serial starring Kane Richmond as the title character (and his twin brother). Production began in December of 1941, just before the alliance between the Allies was formalized (on January 1, 1942) during WWII. Consequently, the character Spy Smasher acted as an independent agent to thwart a Nazi baddie called The Mask, who operated from an offshore submarine. The Mask's schemes included trying to destroy the economy with counterfeit money and sabotaging aircraft, oil, and munitions. Spy Smasher's Gyrosub was changed to the memorable "Bat Plane", a v-shaped flying wing. Released over 12 chapters, movie goers saw the theatrical debut of Spy Smasher on April 4th, 1942. An abridged version was later cut for TV release in 1966 as Spy Smasher Returns. Serial Squadron hopes to release the DVD this fall, and depending on resolution, may also offer a Blu-ray edition. Stay tuned! And check out Spy Vibe's episodes on Cocktail Nation radio: Episode #1 (Danger Man) and Episode #2 (The 10th Victim), Epsiode #3 (On Her Majesty's Secret Service), Episode #4 (Roger Moore/The Saint), and Episode #5 (The Avengers), Episode #6 (The Prisoner), and Episode #7 (The Ipcress File), Episode #8 (The Man From U.N.C.L.E.), Spy Vibe Radio: UFO, Spy Vibe Radio: Danger Diabolik, and Spy Vibe Radio: Peter Gunn. Enjoy!





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