THE GREAT ALASKAN MYSTERY (1944) Universal has a few things to recommend it. First thing is the cast, the film is loaded with quality character actors. Many who appeared in the previous decade for the major studios, M.G.M, Paramount, Warner Brothers etc. Second, much documentary footage of the 'Great White North' was used for back-round plates. Third, the musical score, though a Hodge-Podge collection from previous film scores it is fun too pick them out. From THE SPOILERS (1942) too most of the Universal Horror Films.
Why the low rating? For it fails like most Universal Serials do except for BUCK ROGERS and the FLASH GORDON Trilogy, too much talk not enough action or decent SFX. Universal Serials were dialogue and plot driven and except for the previously mentioned, lacked the action of their competition from REPUBLIC Studios. Though a middle tier Studio, Universal had a excellent SFX department, but its head John Fulton did not work on Serials. REPUBLIC devoted original musical scores to support the action and the Lydecker Brothers SFX, not so Universal. Stunt work was sub-par also with the Fight scenes so-so.
The serial is about as entertaining as most of those from COLUMBIA and made with the same level of competence. The plot is centered around the 'PARATRON', at first, a matter transmitter, but with a energy boost a super Death-Ray and our Axis enemies want it, nuff-said! Our two (2) disc copy came courtesy of ALPHA VIDEO via our local Flee-Market. It appears to be from a 16mm dupe print. Night scenes are a little too dark, but the sound is quite clear.
