Main Cast: Mala, Rex the Dog, Mamo Clark, Herbert Rawlinson
Release Year: 1937
Country: US
Run Time: 14ch minutes
Plot
It has been said that Ray Mala was the only Jewish Eskimo actor in Hollywood. Whatever his religious or racial origins, Mala is "all hero" in the 14-chapter Republic serial Robinson Crusoe of Clipper Island. The star plays a character also named Mala, a Polynesian native and U.S. Intelligence agent. Mala is dispatched to Clipper Island to prove that the huge dirigible San Francisco was destroyed by saboteurs (the destruction of the big blimp is culled from library footage of the Hindenburg disaster). Accompanied by his faithful dog Buck and human assistant Hank (William Newell), Mala discovers that a nest of enemy spies are operating on the island, with the electronic technology to control volcanic eruptions and keep the natives in thrall. Convincing the lovely Princess Melani (Mamo Clark) that he's one of the good guys, Mala manages not only to thwart the spies, but to also prevent a takeover by despotic high priest Porotu (John Piccori). A 100-minute feature version of this serial, retitled Robinson Crusoe of Mystery Island, was released to TV in 1966. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
Robinson Crusoe of Clipper Island (1936) is a RepublicMovie serial starring Ray Mala. It was the fourth of the sixty-six serials produced by Republic and the last (of four) to be released in 1936. Robinson Crusoe of Clipper Island is notable for being the first Republic serial to contain another common aspect of serials - a Re-Cap Chapter, similar to a clipshow in modern television where the events of the previous chapters are repeated via clips (in order to save money). This, contrary to popular belief was not the invention of the concept, which had been routinely used in serial production before the release of this serial. The serial was edited into the film Robinson Crusoe of Mystery Island, which was released in 1966.
Following the sabotage and destruction of Pacific Dirigible Airlines' airshipSan Francisco on her maiden flight on the new California-Australia route (with the death of thirty-three people on board), the United States Intelligence Department assigns Agent Mala to investigate. Evidence points to the refuelling station on Clipper Island (in the Pacific Ocean). Mala heads to the island as a company radio operator, with partner Hank McGlaurie and dog Buck, along with local princess Melani and novelist Anthony Tupper.
The masked master spy known only as H.K. has learned of his mission and despatches his henchmen to intercept. Also causing problems is High priest Porotu, who wishes to usurp Princess Melani and rule the Komatoans.
Cast
Ray Mala as Mala, operative of the United States Intelligence Department undercover as a Pacific Dirigible Airlines radio operator. Mala was a rare non-caucasian hero in serials.[2]
Herbert Weber as Stevens, suspected Pacific Dirigible Airlines employee on Clipper Island
Anthony Pawley as Clark, a dying man on Clipper Island
Allen Connor as Jim Taylor
Production
Robinson Crusoe of Clipper Island was budgeted at $106,779 although the final negative cost was $111,848 (a $5,069, or 4.7%, overspend).[1] It was filmed between 31 August and 25 September, 1936 under the working titleRobinson Crusoe.[1] The serial's production number was 419.[1] This serial has very little to do with Robinson Crusoe.[2]
Stunts
Loren Riebe
Special effects
The special effects were created by John T. Coyle and the Lydecker brothers.
Release
Theatrical
Robinson Crusoe of Clipper Island's official release date is 14 November 1936, although this is actually the date the sixth chapter was made available to film exchanges.[1] A 71-minute feature film version, created by editing the serial footage together, was released on 15 January 1937.[1]
Television
In the early 1950s, Robinson Crusoe of Clipper Island was one of fourteen Republic serials edited into a television series. It was broadcast in six 26½-minute episodes.[1] The serial was one of twenty-six Republic serials re-released as a film on television in 1966. The title of the film was changed to Robinson Crusoe of Mystery Island. This version was cut down to 100-minutes in length.[1]
Chapter titles
Robinson Crusoe of Clipper Island is the only 14-chapter sound serial.[1][3]
