Uploaded May 2026 | Updated September 2026, 1 week ago
It is long overdue, but here is a compilation of classic movie serials trailers from the 1940s. I hope to do a second volume with more well known chapter plays like "King of The Rocket Men" (1949).
Adventures of Red Ryder (1940). Today Tommy Cook (b. 1930) is the eldest surviving serial star. Don Barry was a gifted actor but also an early example of a controversial casting choice for a comics character.
Winners of the West (1941). The most appealing thing about the trailer may be Anne Nagel’s delivery.
Riders of Death Valley (1941). The “million dollar” serial? Great cast and outdoor scenes.
Gang Busters (1942). Recently restored with a 2K release worth checking out. Based on a true crime radio program but brought to the screen with a fantastic pulp like storyline.
[Return of] Captain America (1944). 1953 re-release trailer for Republic’s Captain America. The vigilante adventures of D. A. Grant Gardner.
Mystery of the Riverboat (1946). The main curiosity about this serial today is seeing Mantan Moreland as a supporting actor.
The Vigilante (1947). Ralph Byrd breaking away from Dick Tracy in one of the earliest DC Comics adaptations.
It is long overdue, but here is a compilation of classic movie serials trailers from the 1940s. I hope to do a second volume with more well known chapter plays like "King of The Rocket Men" (1949).
Adventures of Red Ryder (1940). Today Tommy Cook (b. 1930) is the eldest surviving serial star. Don Barry was a gifted actor but also an early example of a controversial casting choice for a comics character.
Winners of the West (1941). The most appealing thing about the trailer may be Anne Nagel’s delivery.
Riders of Death Valley (1941). The “million dollar” serial? Great cast and outdoor scenes.
Gang Busters (1942). Recently restored with a 2K release worth checking out. Based on a true crime radio program but brought to the screen with a fantastic pulp like storyline.
[Return of] Captain America (1944). 1953 re-release trailer for Republic’s Captain America. The vigilante adventures of D. A. Grant Gardner.
Mystery of the Riverboat (1946). The main curiosity about this serial today is seeing Mantan Moreland as a supporting actor.
The Vigilante (1947). Ralph Byrd breaking away from Dick Tracy in one of the earliest DC Comics adaptations.
