The Mysterious Mr. M (1946) Serial | Directed by Lewis D. Collins & Vernon Keays

The Mysterious Mr. M is a 13-chapter film serial that follows federal agent Grant Farrell as he investigates the disappearance of Dr. Kittridge, a submarine inventor. An elusive villain known as "Mr. M" employs a mind-controlling drug called "Hypnotreme" to manipulate individuals into committing crimes, all in a bid to steal Kittridge's submarine technology. As Farrell delves deeper, he uncovers layers of deception and confronts various dangers to thwart Mr. M's nefarious plans.

Genre: Crime, Mystery, Action

Directors: Lewis D. Collins and Vernon Keays

- Lewis D. Collins: An American film director active from the 1920s to the 1950s, Collins specialized in directing action-packed serials and B-movies. His extensive work in the serial genre made him a prominent figure in early American cinema.
- Vernon Keays: An American director and screenwriter, Keays worked on numerous low-budget films and serials during the 1940s and 1950s. His collaborations often involved action and adventure themes, catering to the popular tastes of the time.

Star Cast:
- Richard Martin as Detective Lieutenant Kirby Walsh
- Pamela Blake as Shirley Clinton, insurance investigator
- Dennis Moore as Agent Grant Farrell
- Edmund MacDonald as Anthony Waldron, the original villain
- Virginia Brissac as Cornelia Waldron
- Jack Ingram as William Shrag, the chief henchman
- Danny Morton as Derek Lamont, one of Waldron's henchmen
- Byron Foulger as Wetherby, the "real" Mr. M
- Jane Randolph as Marina Lamont, associated with Waldron's schemes

As Universal Pictures' 137th and final serial, "The Mysterious Mr. M" marked the end of an era for the studio's chapter plays. While not as renowned as some earlier serials, it was appreciated by audiences for its suspenseful plot and action sequences. The introduction of a mind-control element added a unique twist to the traditional crime narrative.

Fun Facts:
- Universal's Final Serial: This production was the last serial produced by Universal Pictures, concluding their long history of chapter-based storytelling.
- Mind Control Plot Device: The use of "Hypnotreme," a mind-controlling drug, added a science fiction element to the crime genre, distinguishing it from other serials of the time.
- Chapter Titles: Each of the 13 chapters had intriguing titles, such as "When Clocks Chime Death," "Flood of Flames," and "The Human Time-bomb," designed to entice audiences back to theaters for each installment.

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