Robinson Crusoe of Clipper Island (1936)

A 14-episode serial in which Mala, a Polynesian in the employ of U.S. Intelligence investigates sabotage on Clipper Island. A gang of spies causes the eruption of a volcano, for which our ... See full summary »

Directors:

Ray Taylor, Mack V. Wright

Writers:

Morgan Cox (screenplay), Barry Shipman (screenplay),

Stars:

Mala, Rex, Buck the Dog

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Mala	...	Agent Ray Mala
Rex	...	Rex, the Wonder Horse (as Rex the Wonder Horse)
Buck the Dog	...	Buck
Mamo Clark	...	Princess Melani
Herbert Rawlinson	...	Grant Jackson
William Newell	...	Hank McGlaurie
John Ward	...	Anthony Tupper
John Dilson	...	E.G. Ellsworth
Selmer Jackson	...	Mr. Canfield
John Picorri	...	Porotu (as John Piccori)
George Chesebro	...	Draker, Island Operations Chief
Bob Kortman	...	Gang Yacht Capt. Wilson (as Robert Kortman)
George Cleveland	...	Goebel, Gang Scientist
Lloyd Whitlock	...	Lamar, Headquarters Gang Member [Chs. 1-6]
Tiny Roebuck	...	Eppa the Wrestler

Storyline

A 14-episode serial in which Mala, a Polynesian in the employ of U.S. Intelligence investigates sabotage on Clipper Island. A gang of spies causes the eruption of a volcano, for which our hero is blamed. He convinces the local Princess Melani of his innocence and helps her ward off a takeover by rival high priest Porotu.

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Plot Keywords:

priest | gang | spy | high priest | princess | 

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Taglines:

14 WEEKS OF THROBBING THRILLS! WITH THE SERIAL THAT NEVER LETS YOU DOWN! (original ad - all caps)

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Genres:

Adventure | Romance

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Certificate:

Approved

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

14 November 1936 (USA)

Also Known As:

Robinson Crusoe

Filming Locations:

Bronson Canyon, Griffith Park - 4730 Crystal Springs Drive, Los Angeles, California, USA

Company Credits

Production Co:

Republic Pictures (I)

Technical Specs

Runtime:

256 min 256 min (14 episodes)

Sound Mix:

Mono (RCA Sound System)

Color:

Black and White

Aspect Ratio:

1.37 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

This is the only sound serial ever produced that had fourteen episodes.

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Connections

Edited into Robinson Crusoe of Mystery Island (1966)

User Reviews

Great action scenes and good story are sunk by a non actor in the lead

Secret Agent Mala is sent to Clipper Island to investigate the goings on on Clipper Island where some unknown group is trying to prevent a dirigible transport company from setting up a refueling station.

One of the first Republic serials is an odd mix of the new Republic studio and the old Mascot, hence the animal co-stars) is a footnote in serial history as the only 14 chapter sound serial. To be honest this would be a really great serial except that Republic's decision to have non actor Mala as the lead pretty much sinks the show. Its not so much that he's bad, rather he clearly is in over his head speaking stiltedly and acting stiffly. The casting of Mala is the difference between an okay serial and a very good one. If you can forgive a poor lead this is worth a shot.