Rating summary

Movie		4.0
Video		4.0
Audio		4.0
Extras		1.5
Overall		4.0

Daredevils of the Red Circle Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Brian Orndorf May 9, 2017

Part of the Republic Movie Serial factory, 1939’s “Daredevils of the Red Circle” attempts a different approach to the creation of big screen heroes. Turning to the world of acrobatics to find a trio of men willing to put themselves in the line of fire to stop evil, the production finds an engaging starting point for action and adventure, following the exploits of characters who are accustomed to dangerous feats of survival. “Daredevils of the Red Circle” generally keeps up with serial interests in near-misses, silliness, and cheap suspense, but there’s craftsmanship from directors William Witney and John English that impresses, keeping 12 chapters filled with cartoonish violence and villainy, occasionally broken up by charged encounters and canine courage.

A devious villain, known as 39013 (Charles Middleton), has escaped prison, looking to exact revenge on philanthropist Granville (Miles Mander), the man who put him behind bars. Keeping Granville locked up in a secret room, 39013 steals the noble man’s identity, working to destroy his empire from within. Targeting an amusement center for destruction, 39013 triggers concern from high diver Gene (Charles Quigley), strongman Tiny (Herman Brix), and escape artist Bert (David Sharpe), who set out to bring this mysterious monster to justice after the loss of a loved one in a blazing fire. Determined to find 39013, the trio receives help from the enigmatic Red Circle, who provides valuable information, and dog Tuffie, who aids in sniffing and rescue needs.

While “Daredevils of the Red Circle” doesn’t have a powerful plot to keep the chapters engrossing, the serial does offer large amounts of fisticuffs and perilous situations, perhaps fully aware that 39013’s fiendish schemes aren’t very interesting, requiring more of a visceral boost to keep audiences returning to see how the saga unfolds. The production plays by serial rules, keeping danger on the front burner as the acrobats work to decode 39013’s secret plan and stolen identity (sold with impressive split-screen work and a few smooth editing tricks), putting Gene, Tiny, and Bert through all kinds of physical challenges, with every segment concluding with their certain death. The men always manage to make it out alive, but “Daredevils of the Red Circle” is persistent, cooking up scenarios that have the acrobats avoiding flood waters, gamma rays, time bombs, loose ladders, power lines, and various fires.

Chapters:

1 - “The Monstrous Plot” (27:53)
2 - “The Mysterious Friend” (16:46)
3 - “The Executioner” (16:49)
4 - “Sabotage” (16:42)
5 - “The Ray of Death” (16:44)
6 - “Thirty Seconds to Live” (16:44)
7 - “The Flooded Mine” (16:47)
8 - “S.O.S.” (16:44)
9 - “Ladder of Peril” (16:44)
10 - “The Infernal Machine” (16:45)
11 - “The Red Circle Speaks” (16:44)
12 - “Flight to Doom” (16:44)

Daredevils of the Red Circle Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

The AVC encoded image (1.37:1 aspect ratio) presentation is listed as "Newly mastered from a 4K scan," and the results are impressive, managing to revive a largely forgotten serial that's nearly 80 years old. Wear and tear remains, resulting in some jumpy frames, scratches, and speckling, but most of the viewing experience is secure, with encouraging clarity that makes the effort look dimensional at times. Textures are satisfactory on costuming and set materials, and close-ups provide welcome facial particulars. Delineation is communicative. Whites are stable. Grain is fine and filmic.

Daredevils of the Red Circle Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The 2.0 DTS-HD MA sound mix is basic but effective, handling dialogue exchanges with reasonable clarity considering the age of the production. Some hiss remains, but dramatics and heated encounters are preserved to satisfaction. Scoring is constant, offered as more of a background presence to keep the chapters burning along, but musicianship is noted. Sound effects offer snap.

Daredevils of the Red Circle Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

• Commentary features film historian Michael Schlesinger, offered on chapters "The Monstrous Plot," "Sabotage," "Ladder of Peril," and "Flight to Doom."

Daredevils of the Red Circle Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

"Daredevils of the Red Circle" is very industrial, often taking the acrobats into the bowels of factories to advance the story and smack around bad guys, with the cast doing a fine job with make-em-up choreography and a few rather harrowing stunts. The guys know how to throw themselves around for the good of the serial, and bruising dedication helps to keep "Daredevils of the Red Circle" entertaining for 12 chapters, which remains ridiculous, but charmingly so, providing a breezy viewing experience that works with a weekly sampling or an entire sit.