Post by profh0011 on Mar 3, 2021 10:02:00 GMT -5
I may have tracked down yet another film that inspired not only Jack Kirby, but Bill Finger as well. It's Republic's "DAREDEVILS OF THE RED CIRCLE". A trio of circus-style daredevils are nearly killed when a criminal madman burns down an amusement pier. The younger brother (about 8 years old) winds up DEAD, and the 3 men decide to devote all their energies to tracking down those responsible.
Year back, I figured when Kirby did "STUNTMAN" he may have been doing a variation on "Robin The Boy Wonder" from DETECTIVE COMICS #38 (Apr'40 cover date, which means it probably came out in January 1940). In that one, "The Flying Graysons" are murdered while their young 8-year-old son Dick watches, and vows revenge.
In STUNTMAN #1 (Apr'46, 6 years later), a similar scenario takes place, except the hero who arises from it is an adult, not a kid.
But "DAREDEVILS..." was released in June 1939, 6 months BEFORE Robin's debut. Robin's origin has been recounted endlessly in the comics, and by now, probably on TV and films as well. But I've NEVER once seen anyone mention or even suggest that it was a plot swiped from an earlier movie serial. It should have been obvious.
The cast includes Bruce Bennett (the 1st "authentic" Tarzan), Carole Landis (who I just found out had a tragic career and life that ended far too young), and Charles Middleton, managing to be even more despicable and evil than he was when he played Ming The Merciless.
Year back, I figured when Kirby did "STUNTMAN" he may have been doing a variation on "Robin The Boy Wonder" from DETECTIVE COMICS #38 (Apr'40 cover date, which means it probably came out in January 1940). In that one, "The Flying Graysons" are murdered while their young 8-year-old son Dick watches, and vows revenge.
In STUNTMAN #1 (Apr'46, 6 years later), a similar scenario takes place, except the hero who arises from it is an adult, not a kid.
But "DAREDEVILS..." was released in June 1939, 6 months BEFORE Robin's debut. Robin's origin has been recounted endlessly in the comics, and by now, probably on TV and films as well. But I've NEVER once seen anyone mention or even suggest that it was a plot swiped from an earlier movie serial. It should have been obvious.
The cast includes Bruce Bennett (the 1st "authentic" Tarzan), Carole Landis (who I just found out had a tragic career and life that ended far too young), and Charles Middleton, managing to be even more despicable and evil than he was when he played Ming The Merciless.
