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One Sheet poster for the 1949 Republic Pictures movie serial
King of the Rocket Men
. The 12-chapter serial is a classic of the science fiction genre and is notable for introducing the "rocket man" character that would appear in later Republic serials.
Key Information
Title: King of the Rocket Men
Release Date: June 8, 1949 (U.S. serial release)
Studio: Republic Pictures
Genre: Science Fiction, Action, Cliffhanger Serial
Starring: Tristram Coffin as Jeff King/Rocket Man and Mae Clarke as reporter Glenda Thomas
Plot Summary
The story centers around a mysterious villain named Dr. Vulcan, who is attempting to steal the inventions of an organization of top scientists called "Science Associates" and sell them to foreign powers. After escaping an assassination attempt, one of the scientists, Professor Millard, goes into hiding and provides his colleague Jeff King with a prototype atomic-powered rocket suit and helmet to battle Dr. Vulcan's henchmen.
As the masked hero known as the "Rocket Man," Jeff King works to identify Dr. Vulcan from among the remaining scientists and prevent him from using a powerful weapon called the Sonic Decimator to destroy New York City.
The serial is known for its action sequences, the iconic rocket suit design (which influenced later characters like the Rocketeer and Iron Man), and its use of stock footage, including a tidal wave sequence borrowed from the 1933 film Deluge for its final chapter climax. The serial was later re-edited into a feature film titled Lost Planet Airmen in 1951. |
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