FLASH GORDON ROCKETSHIPS

Flash Gordon was created by Alex Raymond in 1934

Flash Gordon serial produced by Henry Macrae and directed by Frederick Stephani (1936)

From the classic 1930’s Universal Serial ‘FLASH GORDON’ starring the incomparable Larry ‘Buster’ Crabbe as Flash Gordon.

The 13 part ‘Flash Gordon’ serial was a smash hit when it was released in movie theatres in 1936 (Television would not come about for several years). It was followed by two more Flash Gordon serials starring Crabbe (Flash Gordon’s Trip to Mars and Flash Gordon Conquers the Universe). These rocketships are indelible designs and with the sputtering and sparking engines and the electric/grinding sound effect they are icons for classic, fun, pulp sci-fi of the early 20th century. Like the Flying Saucers of the 1950s, and the USS Enterprise after that - they defined what a spaceship should look like. The VFX may not fool anyone today (I am not sure they fooled even the target audience of 10 year old boys in the 1930s, but it doesnt matter. These serials were produced with such vigor, and with the perfect casting of Buster Crabbe and Charles Middleton as Ming the Merciless it was thrill-a-minute stuff.

Many of the costumes, props and sets were re-used from previous Universal productions - including the Karloff Frankenstein films. The Rocketship piloted by Flash - and invented by Dr Zarkov - was actually created for a big budget musical film called ‘Just Imagine’ which was a colossal flop. I believe it was designed by Visual/Special Photographic Effects Supervsior and Art Directrot Ralph Hammeras.

Designed by RALPH HAMMERAS (I believe, please contact me me with any additional information)