Classic Adventure
Remember those moments where the main character finds himself in a difficult or precarious dilemma, or confronted with a shocking revelation, those thrill-a-minute extravaganzas, those rip-roaring spectacles, swashbuckling and derring-do action, cliff-hanger endings .... that was what Saturday Matinees were made of.
Below is a compilation of the 'essence' of this wonderful genre. See also 'Cliff-Hanger Serials'
Under Fiesta Stars (1941)
6.8/10
Director: George Sherman
Starring: Gene Autry
A mine owner dies and leaves half to Gene and half to easterner Barbara Erwin. Gene wants to continue operation of the mine as requested in the will b... Read more
The Invisible Woman (1940)
Director: Edward Sutherland
Starring: Virginia Bruce, John Barrymore, John Howard
Eccentric Professor Gibbs, brilliant but impractical, invents an invisibility machine and advertises for a guinea pig. What he gets is Kitty Carroll,... Read more
Northwest Passage (1940)
7.1/10
Director: King Vidor
Starring: Spencer Tracy, Robert Young, Walter Brennan
This rousing adventure saga is based on the exploits of colonial American frontiersman Robert Rogers and his men. Spencer Tracy stars as Rogers, leadi... Read more
The Son of Monte Cristo (1940)
6.3/10
Director: Rowland V Lee
Starring: Louis Hayward, Joan Bennett, George Sanders, Lionel Royce, Florence Bates
Louis Hayward stars as the sword-slinging hero, Edmond Dantes Jr., in this swashbuckling adventure from director Rowland V Lee. Masquerading as a fopp... Read more
Young Buffalo Bill (1940)
5.7/10
Director: Joseph Kane
Starring: Roy Rogers, George Gabby Hayes
A thoroughly enjoyable Western bio-flick that stretches the facts but is one of Roy Rogers' best nevertheless. The cavalry sounds a call for Buffalo B... Read more
Rancho Grande (1940)
6.6/10
Director: Frank McDonald
Starring: Gene Autry
Kay and her eastern clan go out West to run the ranch left her by her grandfather. Badguys are out to ruin the ranch's irrigation system, so Autry len... Read more
Melody Ranch (1940)
6.6/10
Starring: Gene Autry
His Arizona hometown of Torpedo invites Gene back to be the honorary sheriff of the Frontier Days Celebration. Read more
Gaucho Serenade (1940)
6.9/10
Director: Frank McDonald
Starring: Gene Autry
A bunch of businessmen are out to kidnap a former partner's son so he won't squeal on them. Guess who must stop them. Read more
Shooting High (1940)
6.4/10
Director: Alfred E Green
Starring: Gene Autry
A movie company making a film about a famous sheriff hires his grandson as a stand-in for the lead. The grandson's friend scares the actor out of town... Read more
Ride Tenderfoot Ride (1940)
6.4/10
Director: Frank McDonald
Starring: Gene Autry
Gene Autry inherits and runs a meat packing company. To get Gene to sell, the lady owner of a rival company starts a feud to derail Gene, who tries to... Read more