Author Archive: Retro

Robinson Crusoe of Clipper Island (1936) is a Republic Movie serial starring Ray Mala. It was the fourth of the 66 serials produced by Republic and the last (of four) to be released in 1936. Robinson Crusoe of Clipper Island is notable for being the first Republic serial to contain another common aspect of serials – a Re-Cap Chapter, similar to a clipshow in modern television where the events of the previous chapters are repeated via clips (in order to save money). This, contrary to popular belief was not the invention of the concept, which had been routinely used in serial production before the release of this serial. The serial was edited into the film Robinson Crusoe of Mystery Island, which was released in 1966.

U.S. navy pilot Tex Jones (Addison Randall) is stationed on an aircraft carrier and learns that he is a father. He shares the news with his best pals and fellow pilots, “Red” Furness (William Gargan), Steve Bassett (Douglas Fowley) and Bill Lyons (William Newell). On reaching Naval Base San Diego, the squadron’s home port, Tex learns his wife Mary had died. While overwhelmed with grief, Tex wants to look after his son as a navy child, but Mary’s sister, Bernice Farrington (Claire Dodd) is intent on taking the baby away.

The head of an illegal drug ring uses a women’s health spa as a front for his sleeping pill racket.

A man and woman fall in love at first sight, but everyone in their universe tries to keep them apart except one old fool with a sentimental heart.

Young girl is constantly getting into trouble and embarrassing her father, who finally puts his foot down.

A federal agent and a female reporter team up to catch a criminal gang that has kidnapped a scientist in order to get his formula for a new type of poison gas.

A disgraced doctor (Nagel) exiles himself to the South Seas, and is rehabilitated by meeting a society woman (Kenyon) and her irresponsible husband (Halliday).

A misogynistic reporter finds himself taking up the cause of a young women he believes is falsely accused of killing her husband.

Two vagabonds find romance in this love story. It all begins when they get jobs as railroad brakemen by proving to the foreman that they are strong. Both of them simultaneously think about giving up their wandering ways when they meet two eligible women: the railroad’s paymaster and commissary chief, and a dumbbell waitress. Things are looking up until one of the hoboes loses his savings in a crap shoot and later finds himself framed for theft. Fortunately, the two are able to finger the real thieves before it is too late.