COMMANDO CODY:
Sky Marshal of the Universe
15 CHAPTER SERIAL
1953

There is some controversy among scholars of movie serials whether this is a serial or a television series. It was originally intended as a TV series, but contractual obligations forced Republic Pictures to give it a theatrical release before allowing it to be broadcast on TV. While each episode bears a "number" and title, the episodes do not end in "cliffhangers", a hallmark of the classic movie serial. Unlike TV series of that period, though, the episodes are not completely self contained - they follow a definite story arc, and cannot be shown out of order and remain comprehensible to the viewer.

PLOT:
Earth is menaced by an evil alien "Ruler" who desires to add the Earth to his list of conquests. The Ruler uses a number of diabolical devices to carry out a series of attacks against the Earth. These devices generate floods and typhoons, spread germ warfare, block out the sun, generate additional suns, and pull the Earth and the moon out of their orbits. Scientist Commando Cody develops a "Cosmic Dust Blanket" to protect the Earth. However, the Ruler uses guided missiles to penetrate the shield. Cody, assisted by Joan Gilbert and Ted Richards, constructs an atomic-powered rocketship to travel into space and combat the Ruler and his evil henchmen and robots.

CAST:
John Crawford ...  Mason
Roy Barcroft ...  Voice on Radio
Kenneth MacDonald ...  Superintendant of Dispersal Station Eight
Peter Brocco ...  Dr. Brocco
Zon Murray ...  Ross
William Henry ...  Tantor
Mauritz Hugo ...  Baylen
Paul Livermore ...  Adjutant Zerak
Sydney Mason ...  Captain Ingor
Denver Pyle ...  Krug
Marshall Reed ...  Bill
Keith Richards ...  M-7 Captain
Lee Roberts ...  Alien Crewman
Rick Vallin ...  Captain Duron

CHAPTERS:
1  Enemies of the Universe
2  Atomic Peril
3  Cosmic Vengeance 
4  Nightmare Typhoon
5  War of the Space Giants 
6  Destroyers of the Sun 
7  Robot Monster from Mars
8  The Hydrogen Hurricane
9  Solar Sky Raiders
10  S.O.S. Ice Age
11  Lost in Outer Space 
12  Captives of the Zero Hour
 
Each episode lasts 25 minutes.