"This 1932 serial starring John Wayne (a very young one) is packed with all twelve episodes, as 1 feature film. Wayne plays a pilot who is trying to solve a mystery of a stolen invention. The quality of this print is wonderful and is the first time available on DVD. Good work Marengo Films!"
Best version of this serial ever!
Carolyn Falconer | Upstate, NY | 12/30/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Bravo, Marengo Films, Bravo! They have done an outstanding job of transfering this 70 year old film to DVD. There is virtual no hiss on the soundtrack, and the print is the finest I've ever seen. Be aware that this is a public domain title, so it's not in pristen shape. But I've been viewing this film for the last 12 years on video, and by far, this is the best. One last aspect of this transfer that I enjoyed is that Marengo Films has cut out those annoying summary's and cerdits between each chapter. Again, great job Marengo Films; hope you eventually produce more of John Wayne's B western films!"
The Duke Did It First!...
L. Shirley | fountain valley, ca United States | 11/18/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
""Shadow Of The Eagle"(1932)
Okay, we all love the scene in "North By Northwest" in which Cary Grant is being chased across a field by the crop duster plane. It is a nail biting, edge of your seat scene, and we want to yell, "Look out Cary, it's coming back at you!" I would never take anything away from that class act, but fans of The Duke, may remember that he did it first about 27 years earlier, in this wonderful mystery/serial. And not only was he being chased by a stunt plane, but was carrying an injured woman in his strong arms at the same time!!! That's our guy, even early on, quite the hero.
"Shadow of the Eagle" is a real treat for John Wayne fans. It's runs about 3 hours, and the action and adventure, the mystery and suspense is non stop. Wayne plays Craig McCoy, a stunt pilot and is part of a traveling fair. When a mysterious pilot known as The Eagle", starts making murderous threats with sky-writing, our guy jumps into action to try and find this villain. Suspect everyone, suspect no one, as for 3 hours, the upper hand and evidence jumps back and forth between the bad guys and the good guys. Keep in mind this was an originally a 12 chapter serial, so each chapter may be considered a kind of cliff hanger.
What is most fun about the story is that all the performers of the traveling fair get involved in one way or another. Some are prime suspects(for a while), others, like the strong man, and the ventriloquist use their talents to help catch the criminal.
This film can be found on a DVD released by Platinum Disc(who do all those fun Great American Westerns). Although it starts out a little scratchy, I was very surprised by the quality of both the sound and the picture. It didn't get a total restoration, but a very decent view, and the film plays completely through with no breaks between the chapters. There are 3 other films of Wayne's included on this DVD. "Rainbow Valley", "His Private Secretary", and "Paradise Canyon", all from the 30's, and they do show their age). The DVD is simply called John Wayne" Enter B0001I2C4I into the DVD search and it will take you there, if you are interested in it. It is also part of a 2 pack John Wayne collection(9 films in total)Enter B0001OGVBM. So lots of choices here.
Witness the early beginnings of a legend in action...and enjoy!....Laurie
"
A classic John Wayne
Stephen Mulqueeney | Newbridge, Co Kildare Ireland | 06/22/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"It is great to see John Wayne in the early years . It was both funny and action packed and comsidering it was 70 years ago it was of a great quality ."
Some second thoughts
gadler | Wien | 02/12/2001
(3 out of 5 stars)
"After getting in touch with Marengo they explained to me that more viewers prefer the featurized-versions. That's why they've done it that way. But by mistake they forgot to mention it on the cover. A correct serial-version is in consideration for sometimes in the future. So my anger is calmed down - especially after checking my old tape of this serial - it has all the cliffhangers but picture and sound are far below that of the Marengo-DVD. So until a definitive versions turns up let's say: better than nothing."