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Date Posted: 00:34:16 03/08/09 Sun
Author: Tim
Subject: Impressions of Flash Gordon Conquers the Universe

Chapter one, The Purple Death, established the basic premise of the third and final Flash Gordon serial. The earth is under the plague of a mysterious death dust. Flash, Zarkov and Dale rocket into space and soon learn its source is Ming the Merciless. They travel to Mongo to the Kingdom of Arboria, ruled by Prince Barin (looking slimmer than before), who is now married to Ming's daugher Aura. The attire in Arboria is similar to Robin Hood. Soon the group is bound for Frigia, a cold land in the far north reaches of Mongo. There they are searching for Polarite, the only known antidote for the death dust.

This time around Ming is more like a dictator intent on total conquest, which reflected the world events of the day when the serial was released in 1940. One of Ming's prisoners mentions concentration camps.

Among the new characters introduced is Lady Sonja (Anne Gwynne), who appears to be an Arborian attendant of Princess Aura but is really an agent of Ming. She is as treacherous as she is beautiful. Sonja and Captain Torch (apparently promoted in rank since his last appearance in FG '36) are among Ming's most loyal and effective subjects. Captain Torch, Prince Barin and Princess Aura are all played by different actors than in previous serials.

Dale Arden, now played by Carol Hughes, is a stronger, more capable character than in FG '36 or Trip to Mars. I was surprised to hear Zarkov describe her as a chemist and radio operator, professions she must have mastered since the earlier FG adventures. At times Dale appears fearless, as in one scene when she is taken prisoner and boldly slaps the face of one of Ming's female palace guards.

There are parallels and similarities between this final serial and the Star Wars films, especially the first one in 1977. The epic music, the style of moving text used in chapter recaps, and the helmeted palace guards are a few of the many elements that, to me, conjure images of Star Wars. I have no doubt that this serial was one of the influences on filmmaker George Lucas.

One of the most memorable and imaginative dangers that Flash and the gang encounter are Ming's annihilants, mechanical men that are remotely controlled and loaded with bombs. The Rock Men in the Land of the Dead is another notable story sequence.

I think Conquers the Universe has the best dialogue of the trilogy. The final chapter includes Ming's chilling pronouncement, "The Universe? I am the Universe!" But in the end, "Flash Gordon Conquers the Universe", as Zarkov put it.

Sergeant Tim

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Replies:

[> Re: Impressions of Flash Gordon Conquers the Universe -- Tim, 01:13:16 03/08/09 Sun [1]

Carol Hughes is a beautiful actress, and her Dale Arden is more independent and less helpless than earlier portrayals. However, I must confess a slight preference for Jean Rogers (also a beauty) as Dale Arden. I am not sure why, perhaps it defies logic.

Flash Gordon Conquers the Universe is a fantastic serial though, and seems more advanced, technologically and otherwise, than Flash Gordon '36 or Trip to Mars.

Sergeant Tim


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[> [> Re: Impressions of Flash Gordon Conquers the Universe -- Prince Barin, 16:04:14 03/08/09 Sun [1]

Sergeant Tim has identified one of the very best lines in the FG trilogy, Ming's statement about him being the universe. That, along with his rant to Tarnak in "Mars" about all the planets being destroyed are highwater marks in the series. Middleton was perfect.

Still, I always enjoyed saying to Ming, "You murderer!" in FG '36.

Prince Barin


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[> Re: Impressions of Flash Gordon Conquers the Universe -- Officer Torch, 09:25:03 03/09/09 Mon [1]

Tim...thank you for your summary review of Universe. I gather you enjoyed it...I usually do...it's fast moving, with stirring music, lots of action, and I agree with you about the best dialog in the trilogy.

I also feel it's different from the '36/38 serials, not only because of some different cast, but costumes, more action, warfare and chilling aspects. This was more modern than first two. We have our favorites and perhaps certain ones in the trilogy are favored for different reasons. That's ok...and sometimes we change our minds in ranking favorites here.

You brought up something we don't often discuss...dialog. Yes, this 1940 serial has good dialog. You know, when you watch the three FG serials, come to think of it, dialog, maybe diction, articulation..well, English in general, is quite good, proper, tasteful, relevant. Guess in the world of cinema, and especially serials, to me the script work of FG trilogy would easily land an "A"...oh and no wisecracks from guys about accents. Good job Tim, papers are in the works for a promotion, but we must still resolve issue with Father Time and the High Priest.


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