Overland Mail (VCI/Western Serial)
Picture: C Sound: C Extras: C Chapters: C
One of
the more mixed Western Serials, Fred Beebe and John Rawlins’ Overland Mail (1937, Universal) has Lon
Chaney Jr. and Noah Berry Sr. & Jr. in this tale of delayed mail
deliveries, even then a federal matter. Jim Lane (Chaney) intends to find out
why. The villains are disguising
themselves as Native Americans to misplace the blame, but Lane intends not to
let prejudice get in his way and the 15 chapters of high adventure begin.
I am not
a big Western fan to begin with and thought this production lacked a bit of
energy. Nevertheless, fans of the stars,
serials and genre will like it and the production has its moments.
The 1.33
X 1 image varies throughout, but these prints are older and at least a
generation or two down. The Dolby
Digital 2.0 Mono is the same, but VCI has fixed these up to the best of their
ability and they are watchable enough to enjoy.
Extras include text biographies of the cast and directors, plus trailers
for four other Western Serials, some of which VCI has on DVD now.
- Nicholas Sheffo
