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 When
the series started in the American cinemas in 1936 with 13
episodes, it has found a huge following.
Intended as short supporting films 20 minutes each a lot of
moviegoers thronged to the cinemas only to see the sequels of
these episodes.
Although the series was realized with small funds, this is
reflected in the today very plain effected special effects (rocket
propulsion interpreted with sparklers, landing approach of the
spaceship simulated with a bar), the production took great
pleasure.
One reason should have been, that the series kept very close to
the comic model and even tried to copy the costumes and shapes.
For keeping the people at it, the producers used a simple formula.
At the end of each episode they left the young hero in a sheer
hopeless situation, so everyone began to brood how the young hero
could himself rescue. The solutions the producers offered were
more or less original.
Where success is, a continuation doesn't be a long time in
coming. In 1938 the second series has been brought into the
cinemas as "Flash Gordon's Trip to Mars" with
total 15 episodes and in the same year "Mars Attacks the
World" as a cinema version. In 1940 it followed the last
serie with "Flash Gordon Conquers the Universe"
with total 12 episodes.
Even in the same year a new comic hero had become established in
the style of Flash Gorden - this time the new hero was called Buck
Rogers (with total 12 episodes). As in the preceded series the
leading role was played again by Larry "Buster"
Crabbe.
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