The Hurricane Express is a 1932 American Pre-Code 12-chapter Mascot Pictures film serial. Written by Colbert Clark, Barney Sarecky, Wyndham Gittens, George Morgan, and J.P. McGowan, the serial was directed by Armand Schaeffer and J.P. McGowan and produced by Nat Levine. The Hurricane Express stars John Wayne as aircraft pilot Larry Baker. Wayne goes after a mystery villain named "The Wrecker", who was responsible for a train crash that killed Baker's father. The L & R Railroad is in competition with an airline for lucrative transport contracts. When the "Hurricane Express" is sabotaged and involved in a train wreck, one of his victims is Larry Baker's father, Jim (J. Farrell MacDonald). A mysterious figure, known as "the Wrecker" is responsible for the train crashes. Air Transport Company pilot Baker (John Wayne), wants to find the Wrecker, but, among a host of suspects, it will be difficult since the murderer can disguise himself to look like almost anyone. One of the main suspects in the train crashes is Walter Gray (Lloyd Whitlock), the airline manager and Larry's boss, who stands to gain if the L & R Railroad loose contracts. Suspicion is also cast on Tom Jordan (Matthew Betz), a recently discharged and disgruntled railroad engineer. Another possibility is that Frank Stratton (Edmund Breese), an escaped convict who had wrongfully been convicted, may be the Wrecker. Complicating matters is that Gloria Stratton (Shirley Grey) is Frank Stratton's daughter, and Larry is in love with her. Gloria tries to help Larry find the villains behind the train crashes, and when the "Hurricane Express" is again ready to go back into service, the pair are in air, flying as an escort to the speeding train. With a full load of gold, the train is a tempting target for the Wrecker. The continuing attacks on the L & R Railroad put Gloria and Larry in danger, but they are determined to bring the Wrecker and his gang to justice. Finally, unmasks the Wrecker and with Gloria, is able to look forward to a happy future together. Starring J. Farrell MacDonald, John Wayne, Lloyd Whitlock, Matthew Betz, Edmund Breese, Shirley Grey
Good to see The Duke acting before he made it as a Western icon actor.
So liked the old car styles and then they could be hand cranked if the battery died or even push stated if standard/manual transmission operated. So like the ol' Steam Engines, too. Oh, and the language was clean and not like the filthy crap put out by the Hollywood rot since the 1970s. When Stevens was not mentioned in the prologue, I was alert.
I wonder what prompted both directors to have this screened with the fast forward button on? The car chases, the fight scenes and the running were something from the Benny Hill show.....lol
All in all, it was a brilliant storyline as even Sherlock Holmes would be baffled as to the Wrecker's identity. This guy would put the Mission Impossible master of disguise character played by the late Martin Landau to shame. Many thanks for uploading!
I really enjoy the Duke's early films, particularly his 3 Mascot serials -- THE SHADOW OF THE EAGLE, THE HURRICANE EXPRESS and THE THREE MUSKETEERS.
Thanks for sharing it! I always enjoy watching Old Great Story Serial though. 👍👌👏
An of course, I'm a subscriber!
Thanks Again Though.
Great classic !! Thanks !
At least Shirley Gray managed to get through this one alive. Last two films I saw her in, she was killed (Transatlantic Merry-Go-Round and The Life of Jimmy Dolan). Who'd want to kill a cute kid like her? Ernie Adams was a real camera hog in this one, leading the band of outlaws. Funny to see Charles King in a suit and tie instead of a Stetson.
I didden understand this
health warning. watching this movie will cause your IQ to decrease.
Some of these old motor cars have real tasty sounding engines. Very pleasing to my ear; and my other ear too.
Good ol' Mascot serial.
John Wayne earning his filming spurs but giving WW2 a 'miss' shall we say. James Stewart 20+ bombing missions over Germany, Fonda Gable Ford & more went overseas, not forgetting Bob Hope who flew in a Stork aircraft into a short jungle cleared runway. Respect Bob. Wayne ever the Hero..
That gunman at the end of Chapter #2 is a real genius, getting 1000 rounds of shells out of that 50-round drum magazine in a matter of seconds.
GOSTARIA DE VER ESSES SERIADOS DE CINEMA - DUBLADOS OU LEGENDADOS EM PORTUGUES;;;
On chapter 5 . This serial plot has more twist than a coiled snake.
Great series!