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Gang Busters (serial)
Encyclopedia
Gang Busters is a Universal
movie serial
based on the radio series Gang Busters. The city is terrorized by a crime wave masterminded by the elusive, soft-spoken Professor Mortis (Ralph Morgan
). Police detective Bill Bannister (Kent Taylor
), his partner TIm Nolan (Robert Armstrong
), and police chief Martin O'Brien (Joseph Crehan
) investigate the activities of Mortis and his gang, and discover that the crimes were all perpetrated by men who had died some time ago. Following the story are reporter Vicki Logan (Irene Hervey) and her photographer Happy Haskins (Richard Davies).
, veteran director responsible for many hit serials, and Noel M. Smith
, former silent-screen director who specialized in fast action (Smith directed many of Larry Semon
's action-filled comedies of the 1920s).
This is mostly a crime film but contains a small science fiction element. The villains, The League of Murdered Men, are all dead criminals killed and revived by Dr Mortis using his own mysterious poison.
, who had starred in Universal's silent serials of the 1910s. Her name was still recognizable to the serial-going public in 1942, and she received prominent billing in the advertising and theatrical posters.
Cline writes that the serial is one of Universal's best and that Professor Mortis is one of the best characters ever created for a serial.
Source:
) is a Universal
movie serial
based on the radio series Gang Busters. The city is terrorized by a crime wave masterminded by the elusive, soft-spoken Professor Mortis (Ralph Morgan
). Police detective Bill Bannister (Kent Taylor
), his partner TIm Nolan (Robert Armstrong
), and police chief Martin O'Brien (Joseph Crehan
) investigate the activities of Mortis and his gang, and discover that the crimes were all perpetrated by men who had died some time ago. Following the story are reporter Vicki Logan (Irene Hervey) and her photographer Happy Haskins (Richard Davies).
, veteran director responsible for many hit serials, and Noel M. Smith
, former silent-screen director who specialized in fast action (Smith directed many of Larry Semon
's action-filled comedies of the 1920s).
This is mostly a crime film but contains a small science fiction element. The villains, The League of Murdered Men, are all dead criminals killed and revived by Dr Mortis using his own mysterious poison.
, who had starred in Universal's silent serials of the 1910s. Her name was still recognizable to the serial-going public in 1942, and she received prominent billing in the advertising and theatrical posters.
Cline writes that the serial is one of Universal's best and that Professor Mortis is one of the best characters ever created for a serial.
Source:
) is a Universal
movie serial
based on the radio series Gang Busters. The city is terrorized by a crime wave masterminded by the elusive, soft-spoken Professor Mortis (Ralph Morgan
). Police detective Bill Bannister (Kent Taylor
), his partner TIm Nolan (Robert Armstrong
), and police chief Martin O'Brien (Joseph Crehan
) investigate the activities of Mortis and his gang, and discover that the crimes were all perpetrated by men who had died some time ago. Following the story are reporter Vicki Logan (Irene Hervey) and her photographer Happy Haskins (Richard Davies).
, veteran director responsible for many hit serials, and Noel M. Smith
, former silent-screen director who specialized in fast action (Smith directed many of Larry Semon
's action-filled comedies of the 1920s).
This is mostly a crime film but contains a small science fiction element. The villains, The League of Murdered Men, are all dead criminals killed and revived by Dr Mortis using his own mysterious poison.
, who had starred in Universal's silent serials of the 1910s. Her name was still recognizable to the serial-going public in 1942, and she received prominent billing in the advertising and theatrical posters.
Cline writes that the serial is one of Universal's best and that Professor Mortis is one of the best characters ever created for a serial.
Source:
Universal Pictures
-1920:* White Youth* The Flaming Disc* Am I Dreaming?* The Dragon's Net* The Adorable Savage* Putting It Over* The Line Runners-1921:* The Fire Eater* A Battle of Wits* Dream Girl* The Millionaire...
movie serial
Serial (film)
Serials, more specifically known as Movie serials, Film serials or Chapter plays, were short subjects originally shown in theaters in conjunction with a feature film. They were related to pulp magazine serialized fiction...
based on the radio series Gang Busters. The city is terrorized by a crime wave masterminded by the elusive, soft-spoken Professor Mortis (Ralph Morgan
Ralph Morgan
Ralph Morgan was a Hollywood film, stage and character actor, and the older brother of Frank Morgan .-Early life:...
). Police detective Bill Bannister (Kent Taylor
Kent Taylor
Kent Taylor was an American actor.Born Louis William Weiss in Nashua, Iowa, Taylor appeared in more than 110 films, the bulk of them B-movies in the 1930s and 1940s, although he also had roles in more prestigious studio releases, including I'm No Angel , Death Takes a Holiday , Payment on Demand ,...
), his partner TIm Nolan (Robert Armstrong
Robert Armstrong (actor)
Robert Armstrong was an American film actor best remembered for his role as Carl Denham in the 1933 version of King Kong by RKO Pictures. He uttered the famous exit quote, "'Twas beauty killed the beast," at the film's end...
), and police chief Martin O'Brien (Joseph Crehan
Joseph Crehan
Joseph Crehan was an American film actor. He appeared in over 300 films between 1916 and 1965.He was born in Baltimore, Maryland and died in Hollywood, California from a stroke.-Selected filmography:...
) investigate the activities of Mortis and his gang, and discover that the crimes were all perpetrated by men who had died some time ago. Following the story are reporter Vicki Logan (Irene Hervey) and her photographer Happy Haskins (Richard Davies).
Cast
- Kent TaylorKent TaylorKent Taylor was an American actor.Born Louis William Weiss in Nashua, Iowa, Taylor appeared in more than 110 films, the bulk of them B-movies in the 1930s and 1940s, although he also had roles in more prestigious studio releases, including I'm No Angel , Death Takes a Holiday , Payment on Demand ,...
as Detective Lieutenant Bill Bannister - Irene Hervey as Vicki Logan
- Ralph MorganRalph MorganRalph Morgan was a Hollywood film, stage and character actor, and the older brother of Frank Morgan .-Early life:...
as Professor Mortis - Robert ArmstrongRobert Armstrong (actor)Robert Armstrong was an American film actor best remembered for his role as Carl Denham in the 1933 version of King Kong by RKO Pictures. He uttered the famous exit quote, "'Twas beauty killed the beast," at the film's end...
as Detective Tim Nolan - Richard Davies as Happy Haskins, photographer
- Joseph CrehanJoseph CrehanJoseph Crehan was an American film actor. He appeared in over 300 films between 1916 and 1965.He was born in Baltimore, Maryland and died in Hollywood, California from a stroke.-Selected filmography:...
as Police Chief Martin O'Brien - George Watts as Mayor Hansen
- Ralf HaroldeRalf HaroldeRalf Harolde was an American character actor. Between 1920 and 1963, he appeared in 99 films, including Jimmy the Gent, Night Nurse, Baby Take a Bow, A Tale of Two Cities, Our Relations, and Murder, My Sweet.Harolde was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and died in Santa Monica,...
as Halliger, one of Professor Mortis' henchmen - John Gallaudet as Wilkinson, one of Professor Mortis' henchmen
- William HaadeWilliam HaadeWilliam Haade was an American film actor. He appeared in over 250 films between 1937 and 1957.He was born in New York, and died in Los Angeles, California.-Selected filmography:* The Invisible Menace...
as Mike Taboni, new member of Mortis's gang
Production
Gang Busters is one of Universal's most elaborate serials, with many chase and thrill scenes expertly staged in outdoor locations. The directors were Ray TaylorRay Taylor (director)
Ray Taylor was a prolific American film director. He directed 159 films between 1926 and 1949. His debut was the 1926 film serial Fighting with Buffalo Bill.-Selected filmography:...
, veteran director responsible for many hit serials, and Noel M. Smith
Noel M. Smith
Noel Mason Smith was an American film director and writer. He directed 125 films between 1917 and 1952.He was born in California, and died in Los Angeles, California.-Selected filmography:...
, former silent-screen director who specialized in fast action (Smith directed many of Larry Semon
Larry Semon
Lawrence "Larry" Semon was an American actor, director, producer, and screenwriter during the silent film era. In his day, Semon was considered a major movie comedian, but he is now remembered mainly for working with both Stan Laurel and Oliver Hardy before they started working together.He is also...
's action-filled comedies of the 1920s).
This is mostly a crime film but contains a small science fiction element. The villains, The League of Murdered Men, are all dead criminals killed and revived by Dr Mortis using his own mysterious poison.
Trivia
Gangster Mike Taboni's landlady is played by Grace CunardGrace Cunard
Grace Cunard was an American actress, screenwriter and film director, who was also sister of actress Mina Cunard.-Career:...
, who had starred in Universal's silent serials of the 1910s. Her name was still recognizable to the serial-going public in 1942, and she received prominent billing in the advertising and theatrical posters.
Critical reception
The film was very successful in its original release, and was re-released in 1949. Authors Jim Harmon and Donald F. Glut describe Gang Busters as a "well made and interesting serial."Cline writes that the serial is one of Universal's best and that Professor Mortis is one of the best characters ever created for a serial.
Chapter titles
- The League of Murdered Men
- The Death Plunge
- Murder Blockade
- Hangman's Noose
- Man Undercover
- Under Crumbling Walls
- The Water Trap
- Murder by Proxy
- Gang Bait
- Mob Vengeance
- Wanted at Headquarters
- The Long Chance
- Law and Order
Source:
See also
External links
Gang Busters (19421942 in film
The year 1942 in film involved some significant events, in particular the release of a film consistently rated as one of the greatest of all time, Casablanca.-Events:...
) is a Universal
Universal Pictures
-1920:* White Youth* The Flaming Disc* Am I Dreaming?* The Dragon's Net* The Adorable Savage* Putting It Over* The Line Runners-1921:* The Fire Eater* A Battle of Wits* Dream Girl* The Millionaire...
movie serial
Serial (film)
Serials, more specifically known as Movie serials, Film serials or Chapter plays, were short subjects originally shown in theaters in conjunction with a feature film. They were related to pulp magazine serialized fiction...
based on the radio series Gang Busters. The city is terrorized by a crime wave masterminded by the elusive, soft-spoken Professor Mortis (Ralph Morgan
Ralph Morgan
Ralph Morgan was a Hollywood film, stage and character actor, and the older brother of Frank Morgan .-Early life:...
). Police detective Bill Bannister (Kent Taylor
Kent Taylor
Kent Taylor was an American actor.Born Louis William Weiss in Nashua, Iowa, Taylor appeared in more than 110 films, the bulk of them B-movies in the 1930s and 1940s, although he also had roles in more prestigious studio releases, including I'm No Angel , Death Takes a Holiday , Payment on Demand ,...
), his partner TIm Nolan (Robert Armstrong
Robert Armstrong (actor)
Robert Armstrong was an American film actor best remembered for his role as Carl Denham in the 1933 version of King Kong by RKO Pictures. He uttered the famous exit quote, "'Twas beauty killed the beast," at the film's end...
), and police chief Martin O'Brien (Joseph Crehan
Joseph Crehan
Joseph Crehan was an American film actor. He appeared in over 300 films between 1916 and 1965.He was born in Baltimore, Maryland and died in Hollywood, California from a stroke.-Selected filmography:...
) investigate the activities of Mortis and his gang, and discover that the crimes were all perpetrated by men who had died some time ago. Following the story are reporter Vicki Logan (Irene Hervey) and her photographer Happy Haskins (Richard Davies).
Cast
- Kent TaylorKent TaylorKent Taylor was an American actor.Born Louis William Weiss in Nashua, Iowa, Taylor appeared in more than 110 films, the bulk of them B-movies in the 1930s and 1940s, although he also had roles in more prestigious studio releases, including I'm No Angel , Death Takes a Holiday , Payment on Demand ,...
as Detective Lieutenant Bill Bannister - Irene Hervey as Vicki Logan
- Ralph MorganRalph MorganRalph Morgan was a Hollywood film, stage and character actor, and the older brother of Frank Morgan .-Early life:...
as Professor Mortis - Robert ArmstrongRobert Armstrong (actor)Robert Armstrong was an American film actor best remembered for his role as Carl Denham in the 1933 version of King Kong by RKO Pictures. He uttered the famous exit quote, "'Twas beauty killed the beast," at the film's end...
as Detective Tim Nolan - Richard Davies as Happy Haskins, photographer
- Joseph CrehanJoseph CrehanJoseph Crehan was an American film actor. He appeared in over 300 films between 1916 and 1965.He was born in Baltimore, Maryland and died in Hollywood, California from a stroke.-Selected filmography:...
as Police Chief Martin O'Brien - George Watts as Mayor Hansen
- Ralf HaroldeRalf HaroldeRalf Harolde was an American character actor. Between 1920 and 1963, he appeared in 99 films, including Jimmy the Gent, Night Nurse, Baby Take a Bow, A Tale of Two Cities, Our Relations, and Murder, My Sweet.Harolde was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and died in Santa Monica,...
as Halliger, one of Professor Mortis' henchmen - John Gallaudet as Wilkinson, one of Professor Mortis' henchmen
- William HaadeWilliam HaadeWilliam Haade was an American film actor. He appeared in over 250 films between 1937 and 1957.He was born in New York, and died in Los Angeles, California.-Selected filmography:* The Invisible Menace...
as Mike Taboni, new member of Mortis's gang
Production
Gang Busters is one of Universal's most elaborate serials, with many chase and thrill scenes expertly staged in outdoor locations. The directors were Ray TaylorRay Taylor (director)
Ray Taylor was a prolific American film director. He directed 159 films between 1926 and 1949. His debut was the 1926 film serial Fighting with Buffalo Bill.-Selected filmography:...
, veteran director responsible for many hit serials, and Noel M. Smith
Noel M. Smith
Noel Mason Smith was an American film director and writer. He directed 125 films between 1917 and 1952.He was born in California, and died in Los Angeles, California.-Selected filmography:...
, former silent-screen director who specialized in fast action (Smith directed many of Larry Semon
Larry Semon
Lawrence "Larry" Semon was an American actor, director, producer, and screenwriter during the silent film era. In his day, Semon was considered a major movie comedian, but he is now remembered mainly for working with both Stan Laurel and Oliver Hardy before they started working together.He is also...
's action-filled comedies of the 1920s).
This is mostly a crime film but contains a small science fiction element. The villains, The League of Murdered Men, are all dead criminals killed and revived by Dr Mortis using his own mysterious poison.
Trivia
Gangster Mike Taboni's landlady is played by Grace CunardGrace Cunard
Grace Cunard was an American actress, screenwriter and film director, who was also sister of actress Mina Cunard.-Career:...
, who had starred in Universal's silent serials of the 1910s. Her name was still recognizable to the serial-going public in 1942, and she received prominent billing in the advertising and theatrical posters.
Critical reception
The film was very successful in its original release, and was re-released in 1949. Authors Jim Harmon and Donald F. Glut describe Gang Busters as a "well made and interesting serial."Cline writes that the serial is one of Universal's best and that Professor Mortis is one of the best characters ever created for a serial.
Chapter titles
- The League of Murdered Men
- The Death Plunge
- Murder Blockade
- Hangman's Noose
- Man Undercover
- Under Crumbling Walls
- The Water Trap
- Murder by Proxy
- Gang Bait
- Mob Vengeance
- Wanted at Headquarters
- The Long Chance
- Law and Order
Source:
See also
External links
Gang Busters (19421942 in film
The year 1942 in film involved some significant events, in particular the release of a film consistently rated as one of the greatest of all time, Casablanca.-Events:...
) is a Universal
Universal Pictures
-1920:* White Youth* The Flaming Disc* Am I Dreaming?* The Dragon's Net* The Adorable Savage* Putting It Over* The Line Runners-1921:* The Fire Eater* A Battle of Wits* Dream Girl* The Millionaire...
movie serial
Serial (film)
Serials, more specifically known as Movie serials, Film serials or Chapter plays, were short subjects originally shown in theaters in conjunction with a feature film. They were related to pulp magazine serialized fiction...
based on the radio series Gang Busters. The city is terrorized by a crime wave masterminded by the elusive, soft-spoken Professor Mortis (Ralph Morgan
Ralph Morgan
Ralph Morgan was a Hollywood film, stage and character actor, and the older brother of Frank Morgan .-Early life:...
). Police detective Bill Bannister (Kent Taylor
Kent Taylor
Kent Taylor was an American actor.Born Louis William Weiss in Nashua, Iowa, Taylor appeared in more than 110 films, the bulk of them B-movies in the 1930s and 1940s, although he also had roles in more prestigious studio releases, including I'm No Angel , Death Takes a Holiday , Payment on Demand ,...
), his partner TIm Nolan (Robert Armstrong
Robert Armstrong (actor)
Robert Armstrong was an American film actor best remembered for his role as Carl Denham in the 1933 version of King Kong by RKO Pictures. He uttered the famous exit quote, "'Twas beauty killed the beast," at the film's end...
), and police chief Martin O'Brien (Joseph Crehan
Joseph Crehan
Joseph Crehan was an American film actor. He appeared in over 300 films between 1916 and 1965.He was born in Baltimore, Maryland and died in Hollywood, California from a stroke.-Selected filmography:...
) investigate the activities of Mortis and his gang, and discover that the crimes were all perpetrated by men who had died some time ago. Following the story are reporter Vicki Logan (Irene Hervey) and her photographer Happy Haskins (Richard Davies).
Cast
- Kent TaylorKent TaylorKent Taylor was an American actor.Born Louis William Weiss in Nashua, Iowa, Taylor appeared in more than 110 films, the bulk of them B-movies in the 1930s and 1940s, although he also had roles in more prestigious studio releases, including I'm No Angel , Death Takes a Holiday , Payment on Demand ,...
as Detective Lieutenant Bill Bannister - Irene Hervey as Vicki Logan
- Ralph MorganRalph MorganRalph Morgan was a Hollywood film, stage and character actor, and the older brother of Frank Morgan .-Early life:...
as Professor Mortis - Robert ArmstrongRobert Armstrong (actor)Robert Armstrong was an American film actor best remembered for his role as Carl Denham in the 1933 version of King Kong by RKO Pictures. He uttered the famous exit quote, "'Twas beauty killed the beast," at the film's end...
as Detective Tim Nolan - Richard Davies as Happy Haskins, photographer
- Joseph CrehanJoseph CrehanJoseph Crehan was an American film actor. He appeared in over 300 films between 1916 and 1965.He was born in Baltimore, Maryland and died in Hollywood, California from a stroke.-Selected filmography:...
as Police Chief Martin O'Brien - George Watts as Mayor Hansen
- Ralf HaroldeRalf HaroldeRalf Harolde was an American character actor. Between 1920 and 1963, he appeared in 99 films, including Jimmy the Gent, Night Nurse, Baby Take a Bow, A Tale of Two Cities, Our Relations, and Murder, My Sweet.Harolde was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and died in Santa Monica,...
as Halliger, one of Professor Mortis' henchmen - John Gallaudet as Wilkinson, one of Professor Mortis' henchmen
- William HaadeWilliam HaadeWilliam Haade was an American film actor. He appeared in over 250 films between 1937 and 1957.He was born in New York, and died in Los Angeles, California.-Selected filmography:* The Invisible Menace...
as Mike Taboni, new member of Mortis's gang
Production
Gang Busters is one of Universal's most elaborate serials, with many chase and thrill scenes expertly staged in outdoor locations. The directors were Ray TaylorRay Taylor (director)
Ray Taylor was a prolific American film director. He directed 159 films between 1926 and 1949. His debut was the 1926 film serial Fighting with Buffalo Bill.-Selected filmography:...
, veteran director responsible for many hit serials, and Noel M. Smith
Noel M. Smith
Noel Mason Smith was an American film director and writer. He directed 125 films between 1917 and 1952.He was born in California, and died in Los Angeles, California.-Selected filmography:...
, former silent-screen director who specialized in fast action (Smith directed many of Larry Semon
Larry Semon
Lawrence "Larry" Semon was an American actor, director, producer, and screenwriter during the silent film era. In his day, Semon was considered a major movie comedian, but he is now remembered mainly for working with both Stan Laurel and Oliver Hardy before they started working together.He is also...
's action-filled comedies of the 1920s).
This is mostly a crime film but contains a small science fiction element. The villains, The League of Murdered Men, are all dead criminals killed and revived by Dr Mortis using his own mysterious poison.
Trivia
Gangster Mike Taboni's landlady is played by Grace CunardGrace Cunard
Grace Cunard was an American actress, screenwriter and film director, who was also sister of actress Mina Cunard.-Career:...
, who had starred in Universal's silent serials of the 1910s. Her name was still recognizable to the serial-going public in 1942, and she received prominent billing in the advertising and theatrical posters.
Critical reception
The film was very successful in its original release, and was re-released in 1949. Authors Jim Harmon and Donald F. Glut describe Gang Busters as a "well made and interesting serial."Cline writes that the serial is one of Universal's best and that Professor Mortis is one of the best characters ever created for a serial.
Chapter titles
- The League of Murdered Men
- The Death Plunge
- Murder Blockade
- Hangman's Noose
- Man Undercover
- Under Crumbling Walls
- The Water Trap
- Murder by Proxy
- Gang Bait
- Mob Vengeance
- Wanted at Headquarters
- The Long Chance
- Law and Order
Source: