Secret Agent X-9

Starring:Lloyd Bridges, Keye Luke, Jan Wiley, Victoria Horne, Samuel S. Hinds, Cy Kendall, Jack Overman, George Lynn, Clarence Lung, Benson Fong, Arno Frey, Ferdinand Munier, Ann Codee, Edward Howard, Eddie Hart, Albert Law, Eddie Luke, Larry Wong, Sayre Dearing, Tom Steele
Director: Ray Taylor, Lewis D. Collins
Studio: Vci Video
Product Type: DVD

Average customer rating:

Former Fattest Baby Becomes A Star!
" the King of Serials on DVD...VCI Entertainment ~ 1945 Secret Agent X-9"
Now available in both versions

Secret Agent X-9
Starring: Lloyd Bridges , Keye Luke , Jan Wiley , Victoria Horne , and Samuel S. Hinds
Director: Ray Taylor , and Lewis D. Collins
Manufacturer: Vci Video
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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Similar Items:

Secret Agent X-9
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ASIN: B000087F3E
Release Date: 2003-01-28

Description

Based on the comic strip by artist Alex Raymond and writer Dashiell Hammett. International agents join forces to stop the Nazis from acquiring the formula for synthetic fuel. Lloyd Bridges stars as agent X-9 in this action packed serial. This was the last comic strip inspired serial released by Universal and the second Secret Agent X-9 film based on the same comic strip by Dashiell Hammett and Alex Raymond. The plot line is different from the 1937 version however the characters are similar. Bonus Features: Interview with Beau Bridges and Max Allan Collins| Commentary by Max Allan Collins| Biographies and Filmographies| Photo Gallery| Previews of other VCI Cliffhangers. Specs: 1-DVD9 + 1-DVD5; Dolby Digital Mono; 252 minutes; B&W; 1.33:1 Aspect Ratio; MPAA - NR; Year - 1945; SRP - $19.99.

Customer Reviews:

Former Fattest Baby Becomes A Star!.......2006-01-10

There's not much connection between the two versions of "Secret Agent X-9" except that they both were inspired by the same comic strip, which actually wasn't very popular. The DVD release by VMI has a commentary which tells you far more about that comic strip than you care to know. It also has an interesting interview with Beau Bridges about the lead, his father Lloyd Bridges (1913-1998).

This was only Bridges' second leading role, the first being the previous year in an unimportant movie, but he had had minor, mostly uncredited roles in at least 52 movies when he starred in this one, so he appears experienced and confident in his role. He also had the advantage of having won a fat baby contest in 1914 in which the judge, former president William Howard Taft, pronounced little Lloyd as fat as HE was! As a Columbia contract player Bridges appeared in B-Westerns and Three Stooges comedies. He is just about perfect here as Secret Agent X-9, probably the best performance I have ever seen in a serial.

But this group is almost an ensemble cast, as the supporting roles are quite important and extremely well done. Mr. Solo, who sits at the end of the bar playing tiddly winks through all 13 chapters, is one of the most memorable serial charcters ever. His appearance in the penultimate shot of the final chapter is an absolute gem! He's played by Samuel S. Hinds, who was Jimmy Stewart's dad in "It's A Wonderful Life" and the corrupt mayor in "Destry Rides Again."

Jan Wiley ("Dick Tracy vs. Crime, Inc."), as a non-accented Australian ostensibly working for the Japanese but actually sending secret messages to the Allies, is also extremely impressive. Two Asian actors each of whom played a son of Charlie Chan are also present, Keye Luke ("Smilin' Jack") as Chinese agent Ah Fong, and Benson Fong as a Japanese scientist. A non-Asian, Victoria Horne, plays the sinister Nabura, and walks around saying "Ah, so" with her eyes closed. Cy Kendall plays bar-owner Lucky Kamber with verve.

This is probably tied with "Smiln' Jack" as Universal's best serials. It has great 1940's atmosphere and more action than is typical of Universal serials. Unfortunately the cliffhangers ARE typical of Universal serials, but the ending of Chapter One is pretty clever with X-9 tricking a Japanese submarine into sinking a German ship. Typically, however, a hail of gunfire simply misses the good guys. The opening title sequence in each chapter is really classy, and the music sets the scene even to the blast from a boat's gun in the background fitting in beautifully with the music. Many of the scenes, especially in Kamber's bar, are redolent of the atmosphere of "Casablanca."

The acting is excellent from all concerned, making this a top-notch serial.

" the King of Serials on DVD...VCI Entertainment ~ 1945 Secret Agent X-9".......2005-10-03

VCI Entertainment and Universal Pictures present Alex Raymond and Dashiell Hammett comic strip character from King Features Syndicate "Secret Agent X-9" (1945) (Dolby digitally remastered), 13 Chapters of vintage serial loaded with action sequences...the story line opens with Secret Agent X-9 on a destroyer and changing into a Nazi uniform impersonating a German Office, then giving his position over a wireless hoping a German submarine in nearby waters will over hear and blast her out of the water...does Phil Corrigan who is Agent X-9 join forces with Ah Fong and Jan Wiley trying to defeat Nabura who just so happens to be a most sinister Japanese agent around and one of the nastiest villains you'll ever run into...will Hakahima the Japanese scientist use his discovery of aviation fuel and element "722" to good use...Solo is about to do the double cross or is he, and if so will it foil X-9's plans....can "Shadow Island" remain neutral or will she fall into the hands of the evildoers...watch every scene for clues that will lead you right up to the tell tale final episode...the writers once again have been burning the midnight oil, cause it's down to the wire cliffhanger...Universal's high production team and great stunt work from the veterans serial department...there is a great deal of entertainment here for the cliffhanger fans out there.

Under director's Lewis D. Collins and Ray Taylor, producers Morgan B. Cox with original story by Joseph O'Donnell and Harold C. Wire, screenplay by Joseph O'Donnell and Patricia Harper...the cast include Lloyd Bridges (Phil Corrigan - Secret Agent X-9), Keye Luke (Ah Fong), Jan Wiley (Lynn Moore), Victoria Horne (Nabura), Samuel S. Hinds (Solo), Cy Kendall (Lucky Kamber), Jack Overman (Marker), Benson Fong (Dr. Hakahima), Arno Frey (Kapitan Grut), Ferdinand Munier (Papa Pierre Dupray), Ann Codee ('Mama Pierre' Dupray), George Chesebro (Blindfolded man), Edmund Cobb (Bartender), I. Stanford Jolley (Trent - Henchman), John Merton (Parker), Tom Steele (Nazi sailor on 'Lorelei'), Dale Van Sickel (truck driver)....great stunt work by Eddie Parker (stunt double for Lloyd Bridges) and John Daheim (stunt double for Benson Fong)...stayed tuned and don't miss each exciting chapter...another great serial provided by Universal Pictures during their heyday in the early '40s...by the way musical score by Milton Rose, Hans J. Salter, Frank Skinner and Paul Sawtell...also must make mention films like this were tremendous morale boosters during WWII with this well written spy story...excellent production with climatic scenes in each episode, especially in "Zero Minute" the final chapter.

CHAPTER TITLES: (Disc One)
1. Torpedo Rendezvous
2. Ringed by Fire
3. Death Curve
4. Floodlight Murder
5. Doom Downgrade
6. Strafed by a Zero

SPECIAL FEATURES: (Disc One)
1. Commentary By Max Allan Collins

INTERVIEW:
(a telephone interview with Beau Bridges by Max Allan Collins)

BIOS & FILMOGRAPHIES
1. Lloyd Bridges
Birth Date: Lloyd Vernet Bridges
Birth Date: 1/12/1913 - San Leandro, CA
Died: 3/10/1998 - Los Angeles, CA
2. Keye Luke
Birth Date: 6/18/1904 - Canton, China
Died: 1/12/1991 - Whittler, CA
3. Jan Wiley (known as Harriet Brandon & Harriette Brandon)
Birth Date: 2/23/1916 - Marion, Indiana
Died: 5/27/1993 - Rancho Palos Verdes, CA
4. Victoria Horne
Birth Year: 1920 - New York
Died: 10/10/2003 - Beverly Hills, CA
5. Lewis D. Collins (Director)
Birth Date: 1/12/1889 - Baltimore, MD
Died: 8/24/1954 - Hollywood, CA
6. Ray Taylor (Director)
Birth Date: 12/01/1880 - Perham, MN
Died: 2/15/1952 - Hollywood, CA

PHOTO GALLERY: (Disc One)
(stills from "Secret Agent X-9" (1945) & Lobby Cards)

VCI CLIFFHANGER COLLECTION (Disc One) (now available on DVD from VCI)
1. Winners of the West (Dick Foran & Harry Woods)
2. The Master Key (Milburn Stone, Jan Wiley, Alfred LaRue & Dennis Moore)
3. Mysterious Mr. M (Richard Martin, Pamela Blake, Dennis Moore & Jane Randolph)
4. Gang Busters (Kent Taylor, Robert Armstrong & Ralph Morgan)
5. Tailspin Tommy (Maurice Murphy, Patricia Farr, Noah Beery Jr, Walter Miller & Grant Withers)

CHAPTER TITLES: (Disc Two)
7. High Pressure Deadline
8. The Dropping Floor
9. The Danger Point
10.Japanese Burial
11.Fireworks for Deadmen
12.Big Gun Fusillade
13.Zero Minute

SPECIAL FEATURES: (Disc Two)
INTERVIEW:
(a telephone interview with Beau Bridges by Max Allan Collins)

BIOS: (Disc Two)
(Same as Disc One)

PHOTO GALLERY (Disc Two)
(Same as Disc One)

VCI CLIFFHANGER COLLECTION (Disc Two) (now available on DVD from VCI)
(Same as Disc One)

Own them now on DVD....if you crave adventure, drama and plenty of action then this is the place for all of the above...also check out another release from VCI Entertainment (King of Serials) and Universal Pictures present Dashiell Hammett, Alex Raymond and Charles Flanders comic strip from King Features Syndicate "Secret Agent X-9 " (1937) (Dolby digitally remastered), 12 cliffhanging chapters that will keep you on the edge of your seat....the story line opens with daily strips in the style of Alex Raymond but drawn by Charles Flanders at the beginning of each episode...ask yourself this question, can good triumph over evil...don't pass this one up you're about to find out the answer.

Great job by VCI Entertainment for releasing "Secret Agent X-9" (1945), the digital transfere with a clean, clear and crisp print...looking forward to more high quality releases from the vintage serial era...order your copy now from Amazon or VCI Entertainment, stay tuned once again for top notch action mixed with deadly adventure from the "King of Serials" VCI...just the way we like 'em!

Total Time: 252 mins on 2 DVD's ~ VCI Entertainment 8344 ~ (2/25/2003)

Now available in both versions.......2004-08-14

This is the second version of Secret Agent X-9, released by Universal in 1945 and not directly connected to the same serial from 1937. Max Allan Collins gives an informed, interest-holding commentary that can be played along with the first chapter and parts of the second. Among the details he gives is how King Features developed this strip to compete with Chicago Tribune's Dick Tracy, which he himself ended up writing at one point.

As the serial progresses thru its 13 chapters, we know from the beginning who the primary bad guys are. But among the other characters, we gradually learn who is on whose side. It takes place on Shadow Island off the coast of China. The island is designated neutral territory during WWII. It's pretty big on the map they show: probably about the size of China's Hainan Island although not the same shape.

Ethnic casting is a little off. Keye Luke does play a Chinese good guy, but there are other Chinese actors playing Japanese, and the facial features don't match. And the nefarious Dragon-Lady type arch villain is called Nabura: supposedly Japanese but wearing Chinese garb and apparently of southern European extraction (Victoria Horne). But we can suspend this disbelief.

And here is a chance to see a young Lloyd Bridges and later to hear Collins interview Beau, one of his equally famous sons.

The quality of the print is usually good. Some of the night scenes are hard to make out, and I don't know if that depends on my monitor. Most chapters are about 20 minutes long. But one detail makes me uneasy: Chapter 9 runs under 16 minutes. Are there four missing minutes that they were unable to find and restore?

Serial lovers: Be sure to include this and its 1937 counterpart in your collection.

Average customer rating:

Great 1930's Atmosphere
"from the King of Serials on DVD...VCI Entertainment ~ 1937 Secret Agent X-9"
An Historically Interesting Serial.

Secret Agent X-9
Starring: Larry Blake , Monte Blue , Henry Brandon , Jr. Lon Chaney , and Jack Cheatham
Director: Ford I. Beebe
Manufacturer: Vci Video
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Action & Adventure | Genres | DVD | Video

Classics | Action & Adventure | Genres | DVD | Video

Espionage | Action & Adventure | Genres | DVD | Video

General | Television | Genres | DVD | Video

DVDs Under $14.99 | Today's Deals in DVD | Special Features | DVD | Video

( S ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video
Similar Items:

Secret Agent X-9
Mandrake the Magician
Captain Midnight
Jungle Jim (1936) (2pc)
The Phantom - Serial

ASIN: B000087F1A
Release Date: 2003-01-23

Description

When the crown jewels of Belgravia are stolen, Secret Agent X-9 (Scott Kolk) is sent to investigate. With the help of Shara Graustark (serial icon Jean Rogers) our hero soon discovers this to be no ordinary heist but the work of a mysterious master criminal known only as Blackstone. Bonus Features: Actor Biographies| Chapter Menu| Bonus Serial Trailers. Specs: 1-DVD9 + 1-DVD5; Dolby Digital Mono; 240 minutes; Color; 1.33:1 Aspect Ratio; MPAA - NR; Year - 1937; SRP - $19.99.

Customer Reviews:

Great 1930's Atmosphere.......2006-01-09

This is one of two serials of the same name, the second being in 1945 with a different plot and cast. "Secret X-9" was a popular comic strip of the day, based on characters created by the great writer of detective fiction Dashiell Hammett.

This was probably the best serial made as early as 1937 until William Witney came along at Republic Studios and raised the bar for the genre, and the best Universal serial until the 1940's. It has the look and feel of a "real" movie, not all stops and starts like so many other serials. It seems more like a typical mystery film of the 1930's, what "Gang Busters" could have been, perhaps. With the action usually continuing right on through the cliffhangers, it has a tight story and is well acted, with endless switcheroos as to who has the jewels or the paper that will lead to them. The sets are very good, especially the waterfront scenes and the pirate ship in the harbor. The fights, which are fairly short though not well choreographed, are less important than the plot, a welcome change from most serials. Unfortunately the chapter endings are not very remarkable, except for one which has a remarkably bad cheat: Chapter 5 ends with X-9 being shot by a hidden gun in a bookcase--he clutches his stomach and keels over to the floor. In Chapter 6 the gunshot misses him completely and instead knicks his pal Pidge.

Scott Kolk had been a Broadway actor who went to Hollywood with the advent of sound. He became a Universal contract player, and was elevated to a title role for the first time in this serial. But stardom eluded him, and not even a name change to Scott Colton could do the trick; he left films in 1938.

Blond and beautiful Jean Rogers (looking a little like Jean Harlow) is even more attractive as the well-dressed, enigmatic Shara Graustark than she was in her role a year earlier as the scantily-clad Dale Arden in "Flash Gordon," although that was the role that made her a serial icon. Monte Blue is far better in the dual role of Baron Karsten, and the criminal known as Brenda disguised as Karsten, then he was when he chewed up the scenery in "Undersea Kingdom." But Henry Brandon ("Drums of Fu Manchu") steals the bad-guy honors as the master criminal known as Blackstone--it's a shame he doesn't get as much screen time as Blue does. Brandon was a fine actor who separated himself from most other serial actors by underplaying his part. Makes you wonder why he never became more famous.

I love the chases in this because of the great 1930's cars involved--beautiful old automobiles. And I hate the wimpy ending.

"from the King of Serials on DVD...VCI Entertainment ~ 1937 Secret Agent X-9".......2005-10-02

VCI Entertainment and Universal Pictures present Dashiell Hammett, Alex Raymond and Charles Flanders comic strip from King Features Syndicate "Secret Agent X-9 " (1937) (Dolby digitally remastered), 12 Chapters of vintage serial loaded with action sequences...the story line opens with daily strips in the style of Alex Raymond but drawn by Charles Flanders at the beginning of each episode...can Secret Agent X-9 stop the notorious jewel thief "Brenda" from stealing the crown jewel of Belgravian...will the evil "Blackstone" hide the stolen jewels in a safe place that will never be discovered...will speedboat chases ever become an American past time after watching this serial...can the Baron Michael Karsten with the help of X-9 unmask the mysterious "Brenda"...the writers of this 12 Chapter Universal Serial must have been burning the midnight oil, cause it's down to the wire cliffhanger...high production and great stunt work from Universal's serial department...there is a great deal of entertainment here for the cliffhanger fans out there.

Under director's Ford Beebe and Clifford Smith, producers Ben Koenig, Barney A. Sarecky and Henry MacRae with screenplay by Charles Flanders, Dashiell Hammett, Wyndham Gittens, Leslie Swabacker, Norman S. Hall and Ray Trampe...the cast include Scott Kolk (Agent Dexter, X-9), Jean Rogers (Shara Graustark), David Oliver (Pidge), Henry Brandon (Blackstone), Monte Blue (Baron Michael Karsten), Henry Hunter (FBI Agent Tommy Dawson), Larry J. Blake (Chief FBI Agent Wheeler), Lon Chaney Jr (Maroni - primary henchman), Robert Kortman (Trader' Delaney), Eddy Waller (Lawyer Carp), Eddie Parker (marine guard, FBI Agent and Henchman), George Magrill (freighter crewman), Tom Steele (Policeman, FBI Agent, Henchman - stuntman)...great stunt work by George Magrill, Eddie Parker and Tom Steele...stayed tuned and don't miss each exciting chapter...another great serial provided by Universal Pictures during their heyday in the early '30s...by the way musical score by Franz Waxman (scored "Bride of Frankenstein"), Charles Previn (father of Andre Previn), Karl Hajos, Arthur Morton, Edward Vaughan, Sam Perry...also must make mention that Henry Brandon as Blackstone was always one of my favorite villains had the lead in the 1940 serial "Drums of Fu Manchu"...Brandon was often cast as an Indian Chief as in "The Searchers" (1956) and "Two Rode Together" (1961)...Brandon was quite the versatile actor of his day.

CHAPTER TITLES: (Disc One)
1. Modern Pirates
2. Ray That Blinds
3. Man of Many Faces

SPECIAL FEATURES: (Disc One)
BIOS:
1. Scott Kolk
2. Jean Rogers
3. Ford Beebe (Director)

VCI CLIFFHANGER COLLECTION (Disc One) (now available on DVD from VCI)
1. The Adventures of Red Ryder (Don "Red" Barry)
2. Winners of the West (Dick Foran & Harry Woods)
3. Gang Busters (Kent Taylor, Robert Armstrong & Ralph Morgan)
4. Tailspin Tommy (Maurice Murphy, Patricia Farr, Noah Beery Jr, Walter Miller & Grant Withers)

CHAPTER TITLES: (Disc Two)
4. Listening Shadow
5. False Fires
6. Dragnet
7. Sealed Lips
8. Exhibit "A"
9. Masquerader
10.Force Lie
11.Enemy Camp
12.Crime DOES NOT Pay

SPECIAL FEATURES: (Disc Two)
BIOS:
(Same as Disco One)

VCI CLIFFHANGER COLLECTION (Disc Two) (now available on DVD from VCI)
(Same as Disc One)

Own them now on DVD....if you crave action, drama and plenty of adventure then this is the place for all of the above...also check out another release from VCI Entertainment (King of Serials) and Columbia Pictures present Lee Falk and Phil Davis comic strip King feature "Mandrake the Magician" (1939) (Dolby digitally remastered), 12 Chapters of our favorite magician doing battle with "The Wasp", who is out to steal another scientist invention...will our villain of villains succeed in taking the radium energy machine and use it against Mandrake...can good triumph over evil...don't pass this one up.

Great job by VCI Entertainment for releasing "Secret Agent X-9" (1937), the digital transfere with a clean, clear and crisp print...looking forward to more high quality releases from the vintage serial era...order your copy now from Amazon or VCI Entertainment, stay tuned once again with top notch action and adventure from the "King of Serials" VCI...just the way we like 'em!

Total Time: 235 mins on 2 DVD's ~ VCI Entertainment 8341 ~ (1/07/2003)

An Historically Interesting Serial........2005-08-17

Leonard J. Kohl, in his book "Sinister Serials" (2000), declared that this serial "is officially considered lost". Well, thanks in large part to the great collector and preserver of old radio shows and movies, Fred Shay, we now have a clear, clean print of this "lost" serial.

"Secret Agent X-9" began as a newspaper comic strip drawn by Alex Raymond, who had also created "Flash Gordon". Although Dashiell Hammett was apparently hired to help with the plot, he ended up contributing very little. Too bad, because this is one very boring serial. (Universal was just not very good at producing effective stories for this very tricky genre.) The plot has to do with a mysterious jewel thief, the crown jewels of some imaginary country, examining paintings with a ray-beam device to find a bank receipt, boat chases, G-men, etc. It's all rather ho-hum, if you ask me. However, the serial gains in historical significance much of what it lacks in entertainment value, for one of the minor characters is a thug named Marconi who is played by none other than Lon Chaney, Jr. Two years after this serial was released, Chaney would portray Lennie in the movie and stage versions of Steinbeck's "Of Mice and Men", and he would go on to become a very popular B-movie star who would also make some significant A-movies.

Each episode on this two-DVD set begins with the serial's titles and credits and, starting with episode 2, a comic strip that outlines what happened during the last episode. This is exactly the way serials were shown in theaters in the "old days", and the way they should be watched today.

Oh sure, sometimes a scene or two is a bit dark, and the framing of the picture is not always perfect, and the crispness of a print made from the original nitrate negative may not be present, still, all in all, this is a top-notch version of a serial that is no longer "lost".

A great addition for anyone collecting old serials, but newcomers to this form of entertainment may wish to begin with one made by Republic Pictures. Now THEY knew how to make a serial!

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