Flying Disc Man from Mars
Encyclopedia
Flying Disc Man from Mars (1950
) is a Republic
film serial
. This is considered a weak example of the serial medium, even compared to other post-World War II
serials.
as Mars
is worried about its use of new atomic technology
. They consider that it would be much safer, and beneficial for both Earth and Mars, if the Martians were in charge. Mota, having been shot down by an experimental ray gun, blackmails American
scientist
, and former Nazi
, Dr Bryant into assisting him and hires some criminals to be his henchmen.
Kent Fowler, the private pilot who shot down Mota with Dr Bryant's ray gun, gets caught up in these events while working security for atomic industrial sites.
was $157,439 (a $4,799, or 3.1%, overspend). It was the most expensive Republic serial of 1950.
It was filmed between 21 August and 12 September 1950 under several working title
s: Atom Man from Mars, Disc Man from Mars, Disc Men of the Skies, Flying Planet Men and Jet Man from Mars. The serial's production number was 1709.
This is a sequel to earlier serial The Purple Monster Strikes
. The villain Mota reuses the Purple Monster costume from that serial.
is reused for this serial. The Japanese logo is still visible on its side.
Stock footage from several earlier serials was used to pad out the serial and keep costs down. This includes the Rocket crash from The Purple Monster Strikes
, a car chase from Secret Service in Darkest Africa
and various pieces from G-Men vs. the Black Dragon.
All effects in this serial were produced by the Lydecker brothers
, the in-house duo who worked on most of Republic's serials.
This was followed by a re-release of The Tiger Woman
, re-titled as Perils of the Darkest Jungle, instead of a new serial. The next new serial, Don Daredevil Rides Again
, followed in spring of 1951.
A 75-minute feature film version, created by editing the serial footage together, was released on 28 March 1958 under the new title Missile Monsters. It was one of fourteen feature films Republic made from their serials.
Source:
Flying Disc Man from Mars (1950
) is a Republic
film serial
. This is considered a weak example of the serial medium, even compared to other post-World War II
serials.
as Mars
is worried about its use of new atomic technology
. They consider that it would be much safer, and beneficial for both Earth and Mars, if the Martians were in charge. Mota, having been shot down by an experimental ray gun, blackmails American
scientist
, and former Nazi
, Dr Bryant into assisting him and hires some criminals to be his henchmen.
Kent Fowler, the private pilot who shot down Mota with Dr Bryant's ray gun, gets caught up in these events while working security for atomic industrial sites.
was $157,439 (a $4,799, or 3.1%, overspend). It was the most expensive Republic serial of 1950.
It was filmed between 21 August and 12 September 1950 under several working title
s: Atom Man from Mars, Disc Man from Mars, Disc Men of the Skies, Flying Planet Men and Jet Man from Mars. The serial's production number was 1709.
This is a sequel to earlier serial The Purple Monster Strikes
. The villain Mota reuses the Purple Monster costume from that serial.
is reused for this serial. The Japanese logo is still visible on its side.
Stock footage from several earlier serials was used to pad out the serial and keep costs down. This includes the Rocket crash from The Purple Monster Strikes
, a car chase from Secret Service in Darkest Africa
and various pieces from G-Men vs. the Black Dragon.
All effects in this serial were produced by the Lydecker brothers
, the in-house duo who worked on most of Republic's serials.
This was followed by a re-release of The Tiger Woman
, re-titled as Perils of the Darkest Jungle, instead of a new serial. The next new serial, Don Daredevil Rides Again
, followed in spring of 1951.
A 75-minute feature film version, created by editing the serial footage together, was released on 28 March 1958 under the new title Missile Monsters. It was one of fourteen feature films Republic made from their serials.
Source:
Flying Disc Man from Mars (1950
) is a Republic
film serial
. This is considered a weak example of the serial medium, even compared to other post-World War II
serials.
as Mars
is worried about its use of new atomic technology
. They consider that it would be much safer, and beneficial for both Earth and Mars, if the Martians were in charge. Mota, having been shot down by an experimental ray gun, blackmails American
scientist
, and former Nazi
, Dr Bryant into assisting him and hires some criminals to be his henchmen.
Kent Fowler, the private pilot who shot down Mota with Dr Bryant's ray gun, gets caught up in these events while working security for atomic industrial sites.
was $157,439 (a $4,799, or 3.1%, overspend). It was the most expensive Republic serial of 1950.
It was filmed between 21 August and 12 September 1950 under several working title
s: Atom Man from Mars, Disc Man from Mars, Disc Men of the Skies, Flying Planet Men and Jet Man from Mars. The serial's production number was 1709.
This is a sequel to earlier serial The Purple Monster Strikes
. The villain Mota reuses the Purple Monster costume from that serial.
is reused for this serial. The Japanese logo is still visible on its side.
Stock footage from several earlier serials was used to pad out the serial and keep costs down. This includes the Rocket crash from The Purple Monster Strikes
, a car chase from Secret Service in Darkest Africa
and various pieces from G-Men vs. the Black Dragon.
All effects in this serial were produced by the Lydecker brothers
, the in-house duo who worked on most of Republic's serials.
This was followed by a re-release of The Tiger Woman
, re-titled as Perils of the Darkest Jungle, instead of a new serial. The next new serial, Don Daredevil Rides Again
, followed in spring of 1951.
A 75-minute feature film version, created by editing the serial footage together, was released on 28 March 1958 under the new title Missile Monsters. It was one of fourteen feature films Republic made from their serials.
Source:
1950 in film
The year 1950 in film involved some significant events.-Events:* February 15 - Walt Disney Studios' animated film Cinderella debuts.-Top grossing films : After theatrical re-issue- Awards :Academy Awards:*Ambush...
) is a Republic
Republic Pictures
Republic Pictures was an independent film production-distribution corporation with studio facilities, operating from 1934 through 1959, and was best known for specializing in westerns, movie serials and B films emphasizing mystery and action....
film 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...
. This is considered a weak example of the serial medium, even compared to other post-World War II
World War II
World War II, or the Second World War , was a global conflict lasting from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations—including all of the great powers—eventually forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis...
serials.
Plot
Martian invader, Mota, attempts to conquer the EarthEarth
Earth is the third planet from the Sun, and the densest and fifth-largest of the eight planets in the Solar System. It is also the largest of the Solar System's four terrestrial planets...
as Mars
Mars
Mars is the fourth planet from the Sun in the Solar System. The planet is named after the Roman god of war, Mars. It is often described as the "Red Planet", as the iron oxide prevalent on its surface gives it a reddish appearance...
is worried about its use of new atomic technology
Nuclear technology
Nuclear technology is technology that involves the reactions of atomic nuclei. Among the notable nuclear technologies are nuclear power, nuclear medicine, and nuclear weapons...
. They consider that it would be much safer, and beneficial for both Earth and Mars, if the Martians were in charge. Mota, having been shot down by an experimental ray gun, blackmails American
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
scientist
Scientist
A scientist in a broad sense is one engaging in a systematic activity to acquire knowledge. In a more restricted sense, a scientist is an individual who uses the scientific method. The person may be an expert in one or more areas of science. This article focuses on the more restricted use of the word...
, and former Nazi
Nazism
Nazism, the common short form name of National Socialism was the ideology and practice of the Nazi Party and of Nazi Germany...
, Dr Bryant into assisting him and hires some criminals to be his henchmen.
Kent Fowler, the private pilot who shot down Mota with Dr Bryant's ray gun, gets caught up in these events while working security for atomic industrial sites.
Cast
- Walter ReedWalter Reed (actor)Walter Reed was an American stage, film and television actor. He was born in Fort Ward, Washington. Following a stint as a Broadway actor, Reed broke into films in 1941...
as Kent Fowler, pilot - Lois CollierLois CollierLois Collier was an American film actress born in Salley, South Carolina. She was sometimes credited as Lois Collyer....
as Helen Hall - Gregory GayeGregory GayeGregory Gaye was a Russian-American actor. The son of an actor, he was born Gregory De Gay in Petrograd, now known as St. Petersburg....
as Mota, martian invader - James Craven as Dr Bryant, scientistScientistA scientist in a broad sense is one engaging in a systematic activity to acquire knowledge. In a more restricted sense, a scientist is an individual who uses the scientific method. The person may be an expert in one or more areas of science. This article focuses on the more restricted use of the word...
and secretly a former NaziNazismNazism, the common short form name of National Socialism was the ideology and practice of the Nazi Party and of Nazi Germany... - Harry LauterHarry LauterHerman Arthur "Harry" Lauter was an American character actor originally from White Plains, New York....
as Drake, one of Mota's henchmen - Richard Irving as Ryan, one of Mota's henchmen
- Sandy Sanders as Steve, Kent's sidekickSidekickA sidekick is a close companion who is generally regarded as subordinate to the one he accompanies. Some well-known fictional sidekicks are Don Quixote's Sancho Panza, Sherlock Holmes' Doctor Watson, The Lone Ranger's Tonto, The Green Hornet's Kato and Batman's Robin.-Origins:The origin of the...
- Michael CarrMichael CarrMichael Carr or Mike Carr may refer to:*Michael Carr , British politician, MP for Ribble Valley 1991-92*Michael Carr , British politician, MP for Bootle in 1990...
as Trent, disc-ship pilot-henchman
Production
Flying Disc Man from Mars was budgeted at $152,640 although the final negative costNegative cost
Negative cost is the cost of actually producing and shooting a film. It does not include such costs as distribution and promotion.Low-budget movies, for example The Blair Witch Project, can have promotional expenses that are much larger than the negative cost.The term comes from the costs up to the...
was $157,439 (a $4,799, or 3.1%, overspend). It was the most expensive Republic serial of 1950.
It was filmed between 21 August and 12 September 1950 under several working title
Working title
A working title, sometimes called a production title, is the temporary name of a product or project used during its development, usually used in filmmaking, television production, novel, video game, or music album.-Purpose:...
s: Atom Man from Mars, Disc Man from Mars, Disc Men of the Skies, Flying Planet Men and Jet Man from Mars. The serial's production number was 1709.
This is a sequel to earlier serial The Purple Monster Strikes
The Purple Monster Strikes
The Purple Monster Strikes is a Republic Movie serial. It was also released as a television film under the title D-Day on Mars .The original production title for the serial was The Purple Shadow Strikes...
. The villain Mota reuses the Purple Monster costume from that serial.
Special effects
The Flying Disc from King of the MountiesKing of the Mounties
King of the Mounties is a Republic film serial.-Cast:* Allan Lane as Sgt Dave King* Gilbert Emery as Commissioner Morrison* Russell Hicks as Marshal Carleton* Peggy Drake as Carol Brent* George Irving as Prof Marshall Brent...
is reused for this serial. The Japanese logo is still visible on its side.
Stock footage from several earlier serials was used to pad out the serial and keep costs down. This includes the Rocket crash from The Purple Monster Strikes
The Purple Monster Strikes
The Purple Monster Strikes is a Republic Movie serial. It was also released as a television film under the title D-Day on Mars .The original production title for the serial was The Purple Shadow Strikes...
, a car chase from Secret Service in Darkest Africa
Secret Service in Darkest Africa
Secret Service in Darkest Africa is a Republic movie serial. It was Republic's thirtieth serial, of the sixty-six produced by the studio....
and various pieces from G-Men vs. the Black Dragon.
All effects in this serial were produced by the Lydecker brothers
Lydecker brothers
-Partial filmography:*Darkest Africa *Women in War - Oscar nominated*Adventures of Captain Marvel *Flying Tigers - Oscar nominated*Commando Cody: Sky Marshal of the Universe...
, the in-house duo who worked on most of Republic's serials.
Stunts
- Dale Van SickelDale Van SickelDale Harris Van Sickel was an American college football, basketball and baseball player during the 1920s, who later became a Hollywood motion picture actor and stunt performer for over forty years...
Kent Fowler/Watchman (doubling Walter Reed) - David Sharpe Henchman Ryan/Technician (doubling Richard Irving)
- Tom SteeleTom Steele (stuntman)Tom Steele was a stunt man and actor, best remembered for appearing in serials, especially those produced by Republic Pictures, in both capacities.-Early life:...
as Henchman Drake/Trent/Taylor (doubling Harry Lauter & Michael Carr)
Theatrical
Flying Disc Man from Marss official release date is 25 October 1950, although this is actually the date the sixth chapter was made available to film exchanges.This was followed by a re-release of The Tiger Woman
The Tiger Woman (1944 film)
The Tiger Woman is a 12-chapter Republic film serial starring Allan Lane and Linda Stirling . The serial was re-released in 1951 under the title Perils of the Darkest Jungle and, in 1966, it was edited into the 100-minute Century-66 film Jungle Gold.Linda Stirling is a jungle girl lost in the...
, re-titled as Perils of the Darkest Jungle, instead of a new serial. The next new serial, Don Daredevil Rides Again
Don Daredevil Rides Again
Don Daredevil Rides Again is a Republic Movie serial. It makes heavy use of stock footage from Republic's previous Zorro serials. The character of Don Daredevil was created for this serial as the rights to Zorro belonged to Disney by 1951.-Cast:* Ken Curtis as Lee Hadley, otherwise known as...
, followed in spring of 1951.
A 75-minute feature film version, created by editing the serial footage together, was released on 28 March 1958 under the new title Missile Monsters. It was one of fourteen feature films Republic made from their serials.
Chapter titles
- Menace from Mars (20min)
- The Volcano's Secret (13min 20s)
- Death Rides the Stratosphere (13min 20s)
- Execution by Fire (13min 20s)
- The Living Projectile (13min 20s)
- Perilous Mission (13min 20s)
- Descending Doom (13min 20s)
- Suicidal Sacrifice (13min 20s)
- The Funeral Pyre (13min 20s)
- Weapons of Hate (13min 20s) - a re-cap chapter
- Disaster on the Highway (13min 20s)
- Volcanic Vengeance (13min 20s)
Source:
External links
Flying Disc Man from Mars (1950
1950 in film
The year 1950 in film involved some significant events.-Events:* February 15 - Walt Disney Studios' animated film Cinderella debuts.-Top grossing films : After theatrical re-issue- Awards :Academy Awards:*Ambush...
) is a Republic
Republic Pictures
Republic Pictures was an independent film production-distribution corporation with studio facilities, operating from 1934 through 1959, and was best known for specializing in westerns, movie serials and B films emphasizing mystery and action....
film 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...
. This is considered a weak example of the serial medium, even compared to other post-World War II
World War II
World War II, or the Second World War , was a global conflict lasting from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations—including all of the great powers—eventually forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis...
serials.
Plot
Martian invader, Mota, attempts to conquer the EarthEarth
Earth is the third planet from the Sun, and the densest and fifth-largest of the eight planets in the Solar System. It is also the largest of the Solar System's four terrestrial planets...
as Mars
Mars
Mars is the fourth planet from the Sun in the Solar System. The planet is named after the Roman god of war, Mars. It is often described as the "Red Planet", as the iron oxide prevalent on its surface gives it a reddish appearance...
is worried about its use of new atomic technology
Nuclear technology
Nuclear technology is technology that involves the reactions of atomic nuclei. Among the notable nuclear technologies are nuclear power, nuclear medicine, and nuclear weapons...
. They consider that it would be much safer, and beneficial for both Earth and Mars, if the Martians were in charge. Mota, having been shot down by an experimental ray gun, blackmails American
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
scientist
Scientist
A scientist in a broad sense is one engaging in a systematic activity to acquire knowledge. In a more restricted sense, a scientist is an individual who uses the scientific method. The person may be an expert in one or more areas of science. This article focuses on the more restricted use of the word...
, and former Nazi
Nazism
Nazism, the common short form name of National Socialism was the ideology and practice of the Nazi Party and of Nazi Germany...
, Dr Bryant into assisting him and hires some criminals to be his henchmen.
Kent Fowler, the private pilot who shot down Mota with Dr Bryant's ray gun, gets caught up in these events while working security for atomic industrial sites.
Cast
- Walter ReedWalter Reed (actor)Walter Reed was an American stage, film and television actor. He was born in Fort Ward, Washington. Following a stint as a Broadway actor, Reed broke into films in 1941...
as Kent Fowler, pilot - Lois CollierLois CollierLois Collier was an American film actress born in Salley, South Carolina. She was sometimes credited as Lois Collyer....
as Helen Hall - Gregory GayeGregory GayeGregory Gaye was a Russian-American actor. The son of an actor, he was born Gregory De Gay in Petrograd, now known as St. Petersburg....
as Mota, martian invader - James Craven as Dr Bryant, scientistScientistA scientist in a broad sense is one engaging in a systematic activity to acquire knowledge. In a more restricted sense, a scientist is an individual who uses the scientific method. The person may be an expert in one or more areas of science. This article focuses on the more restricted use of the word...
and secretly a former NaziNazismNazism, the common short form name of National Socialism was the ideology and practice of the Nazi Party and of Nazi Germany... - Harry LauterHarry LauterHerman Arthur "Harry" Lauter was an American character actor originally from White Plains, New York....
as Drake, one of Mota's henchmen - Richard Irving as Ryan, one of Mota's henchmen
- Sandy Sanders as Steve, Kent's sidekickSidekickA sidekick is a close companion who is generally regarded as subordinate to the one he accompanies. Some well-known fictional sidekicks are Don Quixote's Sancho Panza, Sherlock Holmes' Doctor Watson, The Lone Ranger's Tonto, The Green Hornet's Kato and Batman's Robin.-Origins:The origin of the...
- Michael CarrMichael CarrMichael Carr or Mike Carr may refer to:*Michael Carr , British politician, MP for Ribble Valley 1991-92*Michael Carr , British politician, MP for Bootle in 1990...
as Trent, disc-ship pilot-henchman
Production
Flying Disc Man from Mars was budgeted at $152,640 although the final negative costNegative cost
Negative cost is the cost of actually producing and shooting a film. It does not include such costs as distribution and promotion.Low-budget movies, for example The Blair Witch Project, can have promotional expenses that are much larger than the negative cost.The term comes from the costs up to the...
was $157,439 (a $4,799, or 3.1%, overspend). It was the most expensive Republic serial of 1950.
It was filmed between 21 August and 12 September 1950 under several working title
Working title
A working title, sometimes called a production title, is the temporary name of a product or project used during its development, usually used in filmmaking, television production, novel, video game, or music album.-Purpose:...
s: Atom Man from Mars, Disc Man from Mars, Disc Men of the Skies, Flying Planet Men and Jet Man from Mars. The serial's production number was 1709.
This is a sequel to earlier serial The Purple Monster Strikes
The Purple Monster Strikes
The Purple Monster Strikes is a Republic Movie serial. It was also released as a television film under the title D-Day on Mars .The original production title for the serial was The Purple Shadow Strikes...
. The villain Mota reuses the Purple Monster costume from that serial.
Special effects
The Flying Disc from King of the MountiesKing of the Mounties
King of the Mounties is a Republic film serial.-Cast:* Allan Lane as Sgt Dave King* Gilbert Emery as Commissioner Morrison* Russell Hicks as Marshal Carleton* Peggy Drake as Carol Brent* George Irving as Prof Marshall Brent...
is reused for this serial. The Japanese logo is still visible on its side.
Stock footage from several earlier serials was used to pad out the serial and keep costs down. This includes the Rocket crash from The Purple Monster Strikes
The Purple Monster Strikes
The Purple Monster Strikes is a Republic Movie serial. It was also released as a television film under the title D-Day on Mars .The original production title for the serial was The Purple Shadow Strikes...
, a car chase from Secret Service in Darkest Africa
Secret Service in Darkest Africa
Secret Service in Darkest Africa is a Republic movie serial. It was Republic's thirtieth serial, of the sixty-six produced by the studio....
and various pieces from G-Men vs. the Black Dragon.
All effects in this serial were produced by the Lydecker brothers
Lydecker brothers
-Partial filmography:*Darkest Africa *Women in War - Oscar nominated*Adventures of Captain Marvel *Flying Tigers - Oscar nominated*Commando Cody: Sky Marshal of the Universe...
, the in-house duo who worked on most of Republic's serials.
Stunts
- Dale Van SickelDale Van SickelDale Harris Van Sickel was an American college football, basketball and baseball player during the 1920s, who later became a Hollywood motion picture actor and stunt performer for over forty years...
Kent Fowler/Watchman (doubling Walter Reed) - David Sharpe Henchman Ryan/Technician (doubling Richard Irving)
- Tom SteeleTom Steele (stuntman)Tom Steele was a stunt man and actor, best remembered for appearing in serials, especially those produced by Republic Pictures, in both capacities.-Early life:...
as Henchman Drake/Trent/Taylor (doubling Harry Lauter & Michael Carr)
Theatrical
Flying Disc Man from Marss official release date is 25 October 1950, although this is actually the date the sixth chapter was made available to film exchanges.This was followed by a re-release of The Tiger Woman
The Tiger Woman (1944 film)
The Tiger Woman is a 12-chapter Republic film serial starring Allan Lane and Linda Stirling . The serial was re-released in 1951 under the title Perils of the Darkest Jungle and, in 1966, it was edited into the 100-minute Century-66 film Jungle Gold.Linda Stirling is a jungle girl lost in the...
, re-titled as Perils of the Darkest Jungle, instead of a new serial. The next new serial, Don Daredevil Rides Again
Don Daredevil Rides Again
Don Daredevil Rides Again is a Republic Movie serial. It makes heavy use of stock footage from Republic's previous Zorro serials. The character of Don Daredevil was created for this serial as the rights to Zorro belonged to Disney by 1951.-Cast:* Ken Curtis as Lee Hadley, otherwise known as...
, followed in spring of 1951.
A 75-minute feature film version, created by editing the serial footage together, was released on 28 March 1958 under the new title Missile Monsters. It was one of fourteen feature films Republic made from their serials.
Chapter titles
- Menace from Mars (20min)
- The Volcano's Secret (13min 20s)
- Death Rides the Stratosphere (13min 20s)
- Execution by Fire (13min 20s)
- The Living Projectile (13min 20s)
- Perilous Mission (13min 20s)
- Descending Doom (13min 20s)
- Suicidal Sacrifice (13min 20s)
- The Funeral Pyre (13min 20s)
- Weapons of Hate (13min 20s) - a re-cap chapter
- Disaster on the Highway (13min 20s)
- Volcanic Vengeance (13min 20s)
Source:
External links
Flying Disc Man from Mars (1950
1950 in film
The year 1950 in film involved some significant events.-Events:* February 15 - Walt Disney Studios' animated film Cinderella debuts.-Top grossing films : After theatrical re-issue- Awards :Academy Awards:*Ambush...
) is a Republic
Republic Pictures
Republic Pictures was an independent film production-distribution corporation with studio facilities, operating from 1934 through 1959, and was best known for specializing in westerns, movie serials and B films emphasizing mystery and action....
film 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...
. This is considered a weak example of the serial medium, even compared to other post-World War II
World War II
World War II, or the Second World War , was a global conflict lasting from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations—including all of the great powers—eventually forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis...
serials.
Plot
Martian invader, Mota, attempts to conquer the EarthEarth
Earth is the third planet from the Sun, and the densest and fifth-largest of the eight planets in the Solar System. It is also the largest of the Solar System's four terrestrial planets...
as Mars
Mars
Mars is the fourth planet from the Sun in the Solar System. The planet is named after the Roman god of war, Mars. It is often described as the "Red Planet", as the iron oxide prevalent on its surface gives it a reddish appearance...
is worried about its use of new atomic technology
Nuclear technology
Nuclear technology is technology that involves the reactions of atomic nuclei. Among the notable nuclear technologies are nuclear power, nuclear medicine, and nuclear weapons...
. They consider that it would be much safer, and beneficial for both Earth and Mars, if the Martians were in charge. Mota, having been shot down by an experimental ray gun, blackmails American
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
scientist
Scientist
A scientist in a broad sense is one engaging in a systematic activity to acquire knowledge. In a more restricted sense, a scientist is an individual who uses the scientific method. The person may be an expert in one or more areas of science. This article focuses on the more restricted use of the word...
, and former Nazi
Nazism
Nazism, the common short form name of National Socialism was the ideology and practice of the Nazi Party and of Nazi Germany...
, Dr Bryant into assisting him and hires some criminals to be his henchmen.
Kent Fowler, the private pilot who shot down Mota with Dr Bryant's ray gun, gets caught up in these events while working security for atomic industrial sites.
Cast
- Walter ReedWalter Reed (actor)Walter Reed was an American stage, film and television actor. He was born in Fort Ward, Washington. Following a stint as a Broadway actor, Reed broke into films in 1941...
as Kent Fowler, pilot - Lois CollierLois CollierLois Collier was an American film actress born in Salley, South Carolina. She was sometimes credited as Lois Collyer....
as Helen Hall - Gregory GayeGregory GayeGregory Gaye was a Russian-American actor. The son of an actor, he was born Gregory De Gay in Petrograd, now known as St. Petersburg....
as Mota, martian invader - James Craven as Dr Bryant, scientistScientistA scientist in a broad sense is one engaging in a systematic activity to acquire knowledge. In a more restricted sense, a scientist is an individual who uses the scientific method. The person may be an expert in one or more areas of science. This article focuses on the more restricted use of the word...
and secretly a former NaziNazismNazism, the common short form name of National Socialism was the ideology and practice of the Nazi Party and of Nazi Germany... - Harry LauterHarry LauterHerman Arthur "Harry" Lauter was an American character actor originally from White Plains, New York....
as Drake, one of Mota's henchmen - Richard Irving as Ryan, one of Mota's henchmen
- Sandy Sanders as Steve, Kent's sidekickSidekickA sidekick is a close companion who is generally regarded as subordinate to the one he accompanies. Some well-known fictional sidekicks are Don Quixote's Sancho Panza, Sherlock Holmes' Doctor Watson, The Lone Ranger's Tonto, The Green Hornet's Kato and Batman's Robin.-Origins:The origin of the...
- Michael CarrMichael CarrMichael Carr or Mike Carr may refer to:*Michael Carr , British politician, MP for Ribble Valley 1991-92*Michael Carr , British politician, MP for Bootle in 1990...
as Trent, disc-ship pilot-henchman
Production
Flying Disc Man from Mars was budgeted at $152,640 although the final negative costNegative cost
Negative cost is the cost of actually producing and shooting a film. It does not include such costs as distribution and promotion.Low-budget movies, for example The Blair Witch Project, can have promotional expenses that are much larger than the negative cost.The term comes from the costs up to the...
was $157,439 (a $4,799, or 3.1%, overspend). It was the most expensive Republic serial of 1950.
It was filmed between 21 August and 12 September 1950 under several working title
Working title
A working title, sometimes called a production title, is the temporary name of a product or project used during its development, usually used in filmmaking, television production, novel, video game, or music album.-Purpose:...
s: Atom Man from Mars, Disc Man from Mars, Disc Men of the Skies, Flying Planet Men and Jet Man from Mars. The serial's production number was 1709.
This is a sequel to earlier serial The Purple Monster Strikes
The Purple Monster Strikes
The Purple Monster Strikes is a Republic Movie serial. It was also released as a television film under the title D-Day on Mars .The original production title for the serial was The Purple Shadow Strikes...
. The villain Mota reuses the Purple Monster costume from that serial.
Special effects
The Flying Disc from King of the MountiesKing of the Mounties
King of the Mounties is a Republic film serial.-Cast:* Allan Lane as Sgt Dave King* Gilbert Emery as Commissioner Morrison* Russell Hicks as Marshal Carleton* Peggy Drake as Carol Brent* George Irving as Prof Marshall Brent...
is reused for this serial. The Japanese logo is still visible on its side.
Stock footage from several earlier serials was used to pad out the serial and keep costs down. This includes the Rocket crash from The Purple Monster Strikes
The Purple Monster Strikes
The Purple Monster Strikes is a Republic Movie serial. It was also released as a television film under the title D-Day on Mars .The original production title for the serial was The Purple Shadow Strikes...
, a car chase from Secret Service in Darkest Africa
Secret Service in Darkest Africa
Secret Service in Darkest Africa is a Republic movie serial. It was Republic's thirtieth serial, of the sixty-six produced by the studio....
and various pieces from G-Men vs. the Black Dragon.
All effects in this serial were produced by the Lydecker brothers
Lydecker brothers
-Partial filmography:*Darkest Africa *Women in War - Oscar nominated*Adventures of Captain Marvel *Flying Tigers - Oscar nominated*Commando Cody: Sky Marshal of the Universe...
, the in-house duo who worked on most of Republic's serials.
Stunts
- Dale Van SickelDale Van SickelDale Harris Van Sickel was an American college football, basketball and baseball player during the 1920s, who later became a Hollywood motion picture actor and stunt performer for over forty years...
Kent Fowler/Watchman (doubling Walter Reed) - David Sharpe Henchman Ryan/Technician (doubling Richard Irving)
- Tom SteeleTom Steele (stuntman)Tom Steele was a stunt man and actor, best remembered for appearing in serials, especially those produced by Republic Pictures, in both capacities.-Early life:...
as Henchman Drake/Trent/Taylor (doubling Harry Lauter & Michael Carr)
Theatrical
Flying Disc Man from Marss official release date is 25 October 1950, although this is actually the date the sixth chapter was made available to film exchanges.This was followed by a re-release of The Tiger Woman
The Tiger Woman (1944 film)
The Tiger Woman is a 12-chapter Republic film serial starring Allan Lane and Linda Stirling . The serial was re-released in 1951 under the title Perils of the Darkest Jungle and, in 1966, it was edited into the 100-minute Century-66 film Jungle Gold.Linda Stirling is a jungle girl lost in the...
, re-titled as Perils of the Darkest Jungle, instead of a new serial. The next new serial, Don Daredevil Rides Again
Don Daredevil Rides Again
Don Daredevil Rides Again is a Republic Movie serial. It makes heavy use of stock footage from Republic's previous Zorro serials. The character of Don Daredevil was created for this serial as the rights to Zorro belonged to Disney by 1951.-Cast:* Ken Curtis as Lee Hadley, otherwise known as...
, followed in spring of 1951.
A 75-minute feature film version, created by editing the serial footage together, was released on 28 March 1958 under the new title Missile Monsters. It was one of fourteen feature films Republic made from their serials.
Chapter titles
- Menace from Mars (20min)
- The Volcano's Secret (13min 20s)
- Death Rides the Stratosphere (13min 20s)
- Execution by Fire (13min 20s)
- The Living Projectile (13min 20s)
- Perilous Mission (13min 20s)
- Descending Doom (13min 20s)
- Suicidal Sacrifice (13min 20s)
- The Funeral Pyre (13min 20s)
- Weapons of Hate (13min 20s) - a re-cap chapter
- Disaster on the Highway (13min 20s)
- Volcanic Vengeance (13min 20s)
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