Serial review – “The Phantom Creeps” (1939) **

Bela Lugosi made a number of serials during the 1930s, perhaps more than any other star. This is a 12 part effort where Bela plays a mad scientist reluctant to give his cool invention over to the boring old US government. This was made by Universal so there is use of familiar music from horror films from that studio, plus stock footage from movies like The Invisible Ray. It’s glorious silly fun with Bela really letting rip and having a high old time. Last minute escapes, wisecracking heroes – why don’t they do these any more?