Movie spotlight
The Master Mystery
In this action-packed serial, government agent Quentin Locke infiltrates a corrupt patents company, only to run into the gleaming terror of its robot protector, the Automaton. In order to save the beautiful Eva Brent and find a cure for the dreaded Madagascar Madness, Locke suffers an inhuman array of tortures and physical restraints. He is chained, tied with barbed wire, padlocked in a crate and thrown in the water, tied beneath a descending elevator, strapped to an electric chair, and bound in an elaborate Oriental torture chamber.
Insights
Plot Summary
The serial follows the ingenious efforts of automaton detective "The Automaton" to thwart the villainous schemes of "The Equalizer." Each episode presents a new challenge and a daring rescue as The Automaton uses its remarkable abilities to protect a wealthy industrialist and his family from nefarious plots.
Critical Reception
As a silent serial from 1918, contemporary critical reception is difficult to ascertain definitively. However, the serial was a popular success, largely due to the star power of Harry Houdini and the innovative use of special effects for its time, particularly the titular automaton. Modern retrospectives acknowledge its historical significance as an early example of the mystery serial genre.
What Reviewers Say
Praised for its innovative use of special effects, especially the automaton.
Cited as an early example of the mystery serial genre with thrilling action sequences.
The star power of Harry Houdini was a major draw for audiences.
Google audience: Information regarding specific Google user reviews for this silent film serial is not available.
Fun Fact
The serial's most famous element, "The Automaton," was portrayed by a combination of clever camera tricks, mechanical props, and a dancer in costume, creating the illusion of a robot detective.
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