It's amazing what you can learn from TCM at one in the morning. Currently they're showing "Judex" a French silent film serial with the supposedly first superhero ever created. Or at least rich millionaire with a fetish for disguises who runs around in a hat and cape.
I wouldn't be surprised if the back of the DVD case claims that "Judex" (French for Justice) had inspired later-day heroes including the Shadow and Batman, but I find it unlikely that even in the 1930s, foreign silent films were all the rage.
I can't picture Bob Kane going to see this film and come out saying, "You know what? I want to write a story about a guy who dresses like a bat." But you never know.
In other late night news, last night our local WB affiliate was showing cult-favorite "The Adventures of Buckaroo Banzai Across the Eighth Dimension" from 2 AM to 3:30AM, which is funny considering that the movie's at least an hour and forty minutes long.
They must have cut at least a half an hour of the movie, leaving whoever is watching it one bewildered insomniac. They even cut out the part when Banzai kicks a red Lectroid in the groin. Classic stuff.
Have you have seen the Saint movie with Val Kilmer and Elisabeth Shue on network television? They cut off the last ten minutes of the film. No free cold fusion for everyone!
Am I getting to a point? Do I even have a point? Maybe. I'll get back to you on that.
1 comment:
I think it depends on what you consider a superhero. I am sure that to the Greeks Ulysses and other myths were "superheroes". Not to mention before batman and judex there was the Scarlet Pimpernel, so I don't know about the claims on first superhero. Maybe it's the first (and only?) FRENCH superhero.
Why should they keep movies in their entirity on TV? If you really wanted to see it you would have paid the $10.00- $20.00 to see it at the theater like everyone! You lazy cable subscriber! Who needs to see how the movie ended anyway? Maybe it's a rare UPN edited ending soon to be out on the DVD release.
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