The Crimson Ghost
The Crimson Ghost

Movie spotlight

The Crimson Ghost

1946
Movie
167 min
English

A criminal mastermind known as The Crimson Ghost is out to steal a device called the Cyclotrode, which can short-circuit all electrical current on the planet.

Insights

IMDb6.2/10
Director: Fred C. BrannonGenres: Action, Crime, Mystery, Sci-Fi, Thriller

Plot Summary

A mysterious "Crimson Ghost" is terrorizing the city, committing murders and acts of sabotage, all while trying to steal a formula for a new invention that can control weather. Detective Dent, aided by reporter Diana Foster and young assistant Jimmy, races against time to uncover the identity of the villain and stop his reign of terror before he succeeds in his nefarious plot. The adventure unfolds across twelve thrilling chapters filled with chases, disguises, and perilous cliffhangers.

Critical Reception

As a classic cliffhanger serial from the golden age of Hollywood, 'The Crimson Ghost' is primarily appreciated by genre enthusiasts for its pulpy thrills and nostalgic value. While not critically acclaimed in its time for sophisticated storytelling, it delivers on the expected action and suspense inherent to the serial format. Modern reception focuses on its historical significance within the serial genre.

What Reviewers Say

  • Entertaining and action-packed cliffhanger serial.

  • Features a memorable villain and suspenseful plot twists.

  • A quintessential example of 1940s serial filmmaking.

Google audience: Audience reception is generally positive among fans of vintage serials, who praise its thrilling cliffhangers and engaging plot. It is viewed as a solid entry in the genre, offering classic adventure and mystery.

Fun Fact

The iconic, menacing mask worn by the Crimson Ghost was later famously reused in the opening credits of the popular horror-comedy television series 'Scooby-Doo, Where Are You!'.

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My Review

TMDB Reviews

2 reviews
CinemaSerf

CinemaSerf

I watched the abridged (ninety minutes) version of this serialisation and though I did like the eponymous baddie, I think it would have been better left as a twelve-parter with a week between each episode to anticipate the next instalment -...

litescameraction

litescameraction

I was lucky to have seen this in theaters when it was new. It made such an impression on me that I have bought three different copies of the dvd, and have spent years trying to find or replicate the costume of the Ghost. His entrance durin...