Top-Tier Alternatives In the Shadow of Behold the Man: Cult Guide

Dir: Spencer Gordon Bennet

The villain of this serial, the "Wolf Devil", whose head covering amazingly looks like a REAL wolf's head, is determined to eradicate the non-native races from Alaska. Quite a large goal as compared to other serials of this period. He at one point captures the heroine, played by Ethelyne Clair. Drugs are involved.

Dir: Spencer Gordon Bennet

A fascinating piece of cinema that shares thematic elements.

A visual fragment from the archive: The thematic resonance of The Man Without a Face perfectly mirrors the editorial trajectory of our deep dive.

Dir: Spencer Gordon Bennet

A fascinating piece of cinema that shares thematic elements.

Dir: Spencer Gordon Bennet

A fascinating piece of cinema that shares thematic elements.

A visual fragment from the archive: The thematic resonance of The Yellow Cameo perfectly mirrors the editorial trajectory of our deep dive.

Dir: Spencer Gordon Bennet

Hawk of the Hills (1927), a ten episode serial, re-edited into a five-reel feature length version

Dir: Spencer Gordon Bennet

Notorious Mexican bandit El Malo forces the Mayor of Sierra Blanca, Seth Landport, to open the safe and turn over to him 2,000 pesos, which the bandit gives a promissory note for to the Mayor. Seth rushes to the cantina where Sheriff Rankin is drinking, and the sheriff posts a reward for the capture of El Malo. El Malo informs his men of the reward. The bandit and his sidekick Pedro visit the cantina where Pedro resumes a former acquaintance with Dolores, while El Malo has his attention directed to a tango being performed by Carmita. El Malo pushes her dancing partner aside and finishes the dance with Carmita. Since Seth's description of him is inaccurate, "El May" visits the sheriff and promises to deliver the wanted bandit to the cantina the following night. The next morning, El Malo and Pedro depart and, halting their horses on a hill, they view the stagecoach being held up by a trio of outlaws. They follow the outlaws to their hideout, where they discover the leader is the trusted town-mayor Seth. El Malo tells him to be in the cantina that night. Then things get involved, including the wrath of the displaced tango partner. El Malo handles it all without breaking a sweat.

A visual fragment from the archive: The thematic resonance of Melting Millions perfectly mirrors the editorial trajectory of our deep dive.

Dir: Spencer Gordon Bennet

Chapter 1 - Secret of the Vault Dora Blake (Allene Ray), posing as an art student, but secretly affiliated with the police, is watching enemies of her uncle, Tony LeBec (John Webb Dillon). She is loved by Ted Bradley (Walter Miller), a wealthy waster. When he is reduced to his last fifty dollars, he buys an interest in a taxicab driven by Tin Lung (Willie Fung). Sally Davis (Marie Mosquini), supposedly a model, but really a spy for Dora's enemies frames Dora with the story that a certain "Black Book", which is of value to Dora's uncle, lies in the Imperial vaults. Dora goes in search of it and Bradley, who has vainly sought to dissuade her, arrives just as police officer Sullivan, who has escorted Dora, is murdered. As Bradley, held by two crooks, watches, a hood is thrown over Dora's face and she is drawn out of sight by a great hand. To Be Continued- See Capter 2 - The Death Race.

Dir: Spencer Gordon Bennet

As a reporter, Dick Farrington is sent to cover an assignment that promises a big story. A lawyer has advertised for an ex-Marine who is a boxer. He makes good beating up a gang of roughnecks picked for the purpose, and secures the mysterious job that is filled with danger. It is to guard the heiress Lady Chatfield, but the hero is told nothing as to the secret in back of it all. Dick poses as Lord Grantmore, wears a monocle, and otherwise acts like a titled Englishman. They proceed to the mining town of Goldbrook, where the heiress is to occupy a mysterious mansion on the occupancy of which hinges a great fortune. The engineer of the mines is deeply interested in thwarting the plans of Lady Chatfield, and with his gang of roughneck miners makes things lively for the pugilist star in a series of fights that are hair raisers.

A visual fragment from the archive: The thematic resonance of Hawk of the Hills perfectly mirrors the editorial trajectory of our deep dive.

Dir: Spencer Gordon Bennet

A farce about three unnamed bad guys trying to steal $25K that a dying father left behind for his son. Opens with sailor Bill giving son, pet monkey and the lock box of money to a lawyer. Lawyer is supposed to deliver son, monkey and money to father's former shipmate named Captain Fairchild. Multiple failed robbery attempts throughout. Klutzy boyfriend Clyde wants to marry Captain's niece, Grace/Phyllis. Heroics in the end save the day with happy ending for all. The inter title cards are a big help.

Dir: Spencer Gordon Bennet

Brice, a secret service agent, seeks information regarding stolen silver which disappeared from the government in 1804. Hade and Milo seek the fortune for themselves, as do the "conches" natives of Florida since the time the money was buried. Claire, half sister of Milo, falls in love with Brice, who is captured by Milo and Hade and taken to an island where he is to be killed. He is rescued by another secret service agent. He escapes the island after being thrown into a sea of sharks. Claire and Brice are captured by the "conches" from whose camp they escape. After they have returned to Claire's home, Milo advances on Brice just as "conches" attack the house through a secret tunnel. They are repulsed by a stream of boiling water poured into the tunnel. Hade is arrested, later escapes but to meet his death wandering in the everglades. The government takes possession of the money and Brice takes possession of a wife.