Movies - Movie serial

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	Movies - Movie serial

Movie serials were short subjects originally shown in theaters in conjunction with a feature film. Known as "chapter plays," they were extended motion pictures broken into a number of segments called "chapters" or "episodes." A typical serial would consist of twelve to fifteen episodes. In all but the last episode, major characters would be in peril, which would be resolved at the beginning of the next episode. Often the reprised scene would add an element not seen in the previous close, but unless it contradicted something shown in the previous episode close, audiences accepted the explanation. (Though rare, a few serials did make an alternate to the previous close. These were called "cheats" by the audience.)

Movie serials were intended to induce audiences to see the next film at the theater, to see how the dilemma of the previous chapter was resolved.

The majority of serials were Westerns, since those were the least expensive to film. Besides Westerns, though, there were films covering many genres, including crime fiction, espionage, comic book or comic strip characters, science fiction, and jungle adventures. Although most serials were filmed cost effectively, some were made at significant expense. The Flash Gordon
serial and its sequels, for instance, were major productions in their times.

The silent era was the zenith of the movie serial and serial stars from this period were major stars such as Pearl White, who starred in the quinessential silent serial The Perils of Pauline which still ranks among the best known silent films. Ruth Roland, and Helen Holmes were also leading serial queens. Most of these serials put beautiful young women in jeopardy week after week. The serials starring women were the most popular during the silent period but in the sound era few serials had a female character in the major role. Years after their first release, serials gained new life at "Saturday Matinees," theatrical showings on Saturday mornings aimed directly at children. For that reason, serials are called "Saturday Matinee Serials," even though they were originally shown with feature films.

In the early days of television in the United States, movie serials were often broadcast, one chapter a day. Many are now available on VHS tapes and DVDs for collectors.

Category:History of film

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