Flash Gordon
Flash Gordon is a science fiction television series based on the characters of the Alex Raymond-created comic strip of the same name. Diverging from the storyline of the comics, the series set Flash, Dale Arden and Dr. Zarkov in the year 3203. As agents of the Galactic Bureau of Investigation, the team travels the galaxy in their ship the Sky Flash, battling cosmic villains under the order of Commander Paul Richards. The series was filmed in West Berlin and Marseille as a West German, French and American co-production by Intercontinental Television Films and Telediffusion. The series aired in syndication throughout most of the U.S. but also aired on the east coast on the DuMont Television Network. The series proved popular with American audiences and critical response, though sparse, was positive. Flash Gordon has garnered little modern critical attention. What little there is generally dismisses the series, although there has been some critical thought devoted to its presentation of Cold War and capitalist themes.
Insights
Plot Summary
In this revival of the classic comic strip hero, Flash Gordon, along with Dale Arden and Dr. Zarkov, travel to the planet Mongo to thwart the evil Emperor Ming's plans for galactic domination. Each episode presents a new threat or challenge that Flash must overcome, often involving alien creatures, advanced technology, and daring escapes.
Critical Reception
The 1955 'Flash Gordon' television series is often viewed as a product of its time, showcasing the quintessential sci-fi serials of the era. While not critically acclaimed for its sophisticated storytelling or special effects by modern standards, it holds a nostalgic charm for fans of vintage science fiction and adventure. It successfully captured the spirit of the original comic strip, offering thrilling cliffhangers and a clear hero-villain dynamic that resonated with audiences.
What Reviewers Say
- A charmingly retro sci-fi adventure that captures the spirit of its comic origins.
- Features classic serial-style cliffhangers and a straightforward good-versus-evil narrative.
- Special effects and acting are typical of low-budget 1950s television productions.
Google audience: Audience reviews often highlight the nostalgic value and simple, exciting adventure of the series, while acknowledging its dated production quality. Many appreciate it as a fun, vintage piece of science fiction history.
Fun Fact
The 1955 television series was produced by Schlesinger Productions and filmed in Technicolor, making it one of the first sci-fi television shows to be shot in color, though it was often broadcast in black and white due to technical limitations of the time.
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