Are You Sure It Isn't Lunarium????

As I saw this headline, Uranium Found on the Moon, & read the article, I couldn't help but think of the classic 1952 Republic Pictures Saturday afternoon matinee serial Radar Men From the Moon. For those of you who don't remember seeing the serial in theaters or on TV as I did in the 60s, the plot is simple. Earth's defenses (actually only the USA's) are being sabotaged by a mysterious ray. It turns out that the attacks are being done to weaken our defenses before an whole out invasion of the Earth by the armed forces of the Moon. The Moon's atmosphere is depleated. & they want to take over Earth so they don't have to go outside wearing space suits.

The Moon's dictator Retik has sent his henchman, Krog to Earth to prepare the way. Krog hires 2 henchmen to do his dirty work. (1 of whom is played by Clayton Moore in his pre Lone Ranger days.) he has them do the various attacks using a ray gun powered by lunarium. Unlike uranium,which can only be used to power bombs, lunarium can also power atomic ray guns as well. the US government calls on Comando Cody to find out what is going on & put an end to the threat.

OK, I will admit that there are some parts that are pure cheese in this serial. At times the special effects fall far short. For not having an atmosphere, the Moon still has clouds & looks amazingly like Southern California, esp the mountains & canyons. At times logic is clearly lacking. For example, to get into the Moon's buildings you need an airlock. But they buildings have air vents that open up to the outside.

Then there is 1 scene that would never pass muster today. 1 of Comando Cody's lab assistants is Joan Gilbert. She is clearly an equal when it comes to science. But Comando Cody clearly doesn't see her as an equal in some ways. Right before they are about to take off for the Moon Cody tells her "I still think this is no trip for a woman." Joan Gilbert doesn't exactly redeem herself with how she justifies her going along: "Now don't start that again. You'll be very glad to have someone along who can cook your meals."

But it is still well worth watching. Esp if you are willing to overlook &/or laugh with as well as at the flaws.