TOM MIX'S ONLY SERIAL AND HIS LAST MOVIE
Neal C. Reynolds | Indianapolis, Indiana | 08/06/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"One reviewer must've gotten the wrong video, because this is definitely Tom Mix, and Rin Tin Tin is nowhere to be seen in it! Besides Tom Mix, you get Charles Middleton as the villian. He's not nearly as menacing as he is in the Flash Gordon serials, but he's still a notable villian. This is truly a contemporary western, taking place in 1935 when the movie was made. The bad guy is bent on chasing the indian tribe off their reservation so he can mine it for a secret explosive that he plans to sell to an unnamed European country. In one scene, he mentions the added power this powerful explosive would give a dictator, so if you know enough history to know what was happening in Europe in 1935, you can guess what country was being suggested here. Tom Mix and Middleton together make this one of the better western serials, and I quite recommend it."
Worthwhile just to enjoy seeing the legendary Tom Mix
Neal C. Reynolds | Indianapolis, Indiana | 01/03/2003
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Tom Mix is probably the best known of the early western heroes. Besides his roles, he's also credited for being an early mentor for a hopeful young actor by the name of John Wayne.This Mascot serial was made at the end of Tom Mix's career. He was one who suffered from the advent of sound. One interesting facet of the serial is its foreshadowing of events in Europe. The bad guy is mining a powerful explosive for an unnamed European country which is preparing for war. I don't think I'm spoiling the ending by letting you know that Tom Mix, aided by his horse Tony, successfully thwarts the scheme by the final chapter. Quite recommended for those who enjoy vintage western action."
Great fun
Roger Long | Port Clinton, OH USA | 08/09/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"If you are looking for realism in a western serial, this isn't it. Not even close. It has 1935 automobiles, a villain whose name begins with Z, a secret weapon that would change warfare, a bubbling laboratory, and a horse, Tony, that can out-lassie Lassie when it comes to seeking help and communicating. But most of all it has a great cowboy, Tom Mix, who was a fine rodeo and circus rider, doing his own stunts. He certainly could ride and was especially creative in getting on a horse. Once he even jumps out a window, and Tony is right there, situated perfectly, saddled and waiting.
The story doesn't really matter, now, does it? It's Tom Mix without the Ralston ads, and that's just about enough. He was supposedly John Wayne's mentor and severest critic. He could certainly outdo The Duke when it came to horsemanship.
It's crude. The story is predictable. But it's still great fun."