The good old wild west; on the battle front; creatures from another world; laughs and music. Republic had it all with many of Hollywood's top stars. For well over 20 years and over a thousand films, Republic was the top studio for B movies, and the occasional "A".
This documentary covers it all, from the singing westerns with Gene Autry and Roy Rogers; serials with strangely dressed heroes and hissable villains. Lovable sidekicks, lovely leading ladies, and of course, the Duke. Even the studio's not necessarily popular leading lady, Vera Hruba Ralston, who married the boss, gets in there, many of her films rarely seen and only a few commercially available.
Surviving stars add their own commentary to the story of the studio's history. Profiles on each of the genres which also included lavish musicals and color action films. This flies by, filled with action, comedy, songs and romance. Made for T.V., it covers the end of the studio as well, coming with the advancement of television. It is a testimony to what influenced many modern filmmakers and many blockbusters which have dominated recent box office. The original film creators may not have realized that they were making art, but they certainly did.
This documentary covers it all, from the singing westerns with Gene Autry and Roy Rogers; serials with strangely dressed heroes and hissable villains. Lovable sidekicks, lovely leading ladies, and of course, the Duke. Even the studio's not necessarily popular leading lady, Vera Hruba Ralston, who married the boss, gets in there, many of her films rarely seen and only a few commercially available.
Surviving stars add their own commentary to the story of the studio's history. Profiles on each of the genres which also included lavish musicals and color action films. This flies by, filled with action, comedy, songs and romance. Made for T.V., it covers the end of the studio as well, coming with the advancement of television. It is a testimony to what influenced many modern filmmakers and many blockbusters which have dominated recent box office. The original film creators may not have realized that they were making art, but they certainly did.