Darkest Africa (1936)

User Rating:

6.5/10   

Directors:

B. Reeves Eason
Joseph Kane

Writers:

John Rathmell (original story and screenplay) &
Tracy Knight (original story) ...

Release Date:

15 February 1936 (USA)

Genre:

Action | Adventure | Romance | Sci-Fi

Tagline:

MANUEL KING - World's Youngest Wild Animal Trainer (original poster)

Plot:

A 15-episode serial in which Beatty goes to darkest Africa to rescue the Goddess of Joba, who is being held by the high priest. |

Plot Keywords:

Goddess | High Priest | Priest | Serial | Great White Hunter

Cast

Clyde Beatty	...	Clyde Beatty
Manuel King	...	Baru Tremaine
Elaine Shepard	...	Valerie Tremaine
Lucien Prival	...	Dagna
Wheeler Oakman	...	Durkin
Edward McWade	...	Gorn
Edmund Cobb	...	Craddock
Ray Turner	...	Hambone
Donald Reed	...	Negus [Chs. 11-12]

Also Known As:

Bat Men of Africa (USA) (TV title)
Dark Continent (USA) (original script title)
King of Jungleland (USA) (reissue title)

Runtime:

269 min (15 episodes)

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Color:

Black and White

Aspect Ratio:

1.37 : 1

Sound Mix:

Mono

Certification:

USA:Approved | USA:Passed (National Board of Review)

Filming Locations:

Jungleland, Brownsville, Texas, USA

Company:

Republic Pictures

Goofs:

Factual errors: Tigers are native to Asia, not Africa.

Movie Connections:

Featured in Firesign Theatre Presents 'Hot Shorts' (1983)

review of serial

This was the first serial released by the newly formed Republic Pictures.Photography and special effects are more polished than in previous Mascot efforts.Story lines and plot elements are good and the serial moves at a fast clip.Clyde Beatty is convincing as the hero,ably supported by a good supporting cast.The one dissapointing element[to me] is the lackluster music score.The flying scenes of the Batmen are very effective,and the futuristic city sets are impressive,considering when this serial was made[1936].Over all,a good first effort from Republic.