DRUMS OF FU MANCHU (1940)--Colorized Composite Video

Drums of Fu Manchu (1940) is a 15-chapter Republic serial film based on the character created by Sax Rohmer. Though using the title of the ninth novel in the series, it actually is based on numerous elements from throughout the series to that point, cherry-picked by the writers. It starred Henry Brandon, William Royle and Robert Kellard. It was directed by the serial team of William Witney and John English and is often considered one of the best serial films ever made.

CAST:
This is very action-packed and violent serial involving Fu Manchu attempting to control Asia by finding the tomb and scepter of Genghis Khan, which will unite the people of Asia under his rule. Allan Parker allies himself with the traditional British literary nemeses of Fu Manchu, Sir Denis Nayland Smith and his associate, Dr. Flinders Petrie after his father is kidnapped and killed by Fu Manchu's dacoits.

OTHER ELEMENTS:
Directors Witney and English, working with photographer William Nobles, stressed the elements of mystery in the plot over the usual action. Strong use of shadows was made with "the eeriest lighting possible falling upon Fu Manchu".
It was one of the very rare films made under the US Motion Picture Production Code to allow the villain to escape at the end. According to serial expert Alan Barbour, the Hays Office accepted the explanation that Fu Manchu always "got away" at the end of his novels to wreak further havoc in the next adventure, and Republic may well have been considering follow-ups.
The influences on many similar serials and motion pictures cannot be overstated. Many similarities exist between Drums of Fu Manchu and the Indiana Jones saga, especially Raiders of the Lost Ark and Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom.
CHAPTERS:
Fu Manchu Strikes (29min 18s)
1. The Monster (17min 39s)
2. Ransom in the Sky (17min 38s)
3. The Pendulum of Doom (16min 49s)
4. The House of Terror (17min 23s)
5. Death Dials a Number (17min 43s)
6. Vengeance of the Si Fan (18min 15s)
7. Danger Trail (16min 48s)
8. The Crystal of Death (16min 54s)
9. Drums of Doom (17min 11s)
10. The Tomb of Genghis Khan (16min 59s)
11. Fire of Vengeance (16min 39s)
12. The Devil's Tattoo (16min 47s)
13. Satan's Surgeon (16min 40s)
14. Revolt! (16min 45s)