Wonder Woman, the WW2 movie serial?

[Mark_S]

This came up because of tonights Smallville episode where I was trying to explain to my parents why Diana doesn't have a part. We talked about the old movie serials, Batman, Captain Marvel, Captain America and I wondered what a movie serial from the 1940's would look like for Wonder Woman. Any thoughts anyone? I know this means casting your mind to the ancient times of b&w movies, real popcorn at movie theatres...5 cents to get into a bill that included a serial, a newsreal, a cartoon, a B feature and then the main feature... and of course coming attractions.
For myself I think Maureen Ohara might have done well with the part.

Mark_S

[TripleX]

I'm sure it wasn't intentional, but I gotta call you out for warming over a thread I did on the DCMB.

[Mark_S]

I'm sure it wasn't intentional, but I gotta call you out for warming over a thread I did on the DCMB.

Sorry, haven't been on there in months.

Mark_S

[TripleX]

It was 3 years ago, don't sweat it.

[melibell21]

Ava Gardner. Honestly, the perfect WW. http://www.cinemavoyage.com/images/avagardner.jpg Slap on a WW tiara and some longer hair, and it's totally Diana.

[Free-Man]

Lot's of blackface I'd imagine.:tongue:

[Peter Svensson]

I do find it important to point out that this is the plot for Realworlds: Wonder Woman, a prestige format one-shot set in the "real" world during the filming of the Wonder Woman serial. It's a decent read.

[JKCarrier]

Oh man, that would have been fun to see.
Veronica Lake as the Cheetah?
Marlene Dietrich as Paula Von Gunter?
Peter Lorre as Dr. Psycho?

Hmm...can't think of a good candidate for the all-important role of Etta, though...

[TripleX]

Gene Tierney
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L_0tcQrHAZw&feature=fvst

Esther Williams
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9jUjhrDhFuM&feature=related

[Mark_S]

I do find it important to point out that this is the plot for Realworlds: Wonder Woman, a prestige format one-shot set in the "real" world during the filming of the Wonder Woman serial. It's a decent read.

I'll have to look for that one.

Mark_S

[Mark_S]

Eroyl Flinn for Steve Trevor? Given that this is the 1940's I'd have to wonder how much of Marston's work would find itsway into the film. Then again Saturday afternoon serials were cliffhangers, there'd be plenty of bondage and such. But what of the costume?

Mark_S

[Mark_S]

I think it might end up being something like Nyoka the Jungle Girl, in style at least.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DC1Ph6WpqA4&feature=channel

Or Panther Girl of the Congo

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AflAYqvBhKg

Mark_S

[Wonder_Boy]

Gene Tierney would have been amazing Wonder Woman :O

[Flying Saucers Over Oz]

Gotta point out, serials were ground out very cheaply by people who really just barely bothered to skim the source material.

So, if there had been a Wonder Woman serial, it wouldn't have featured any big names, at least not big names at the time. There may have been some cult favorites, or actors who went on to become popular. (one exception: Poor old Bela Lugosi, who always needed money.)

I'd imagine Etta would have had a pretty large role; not only would they need someone for Wonder Woman to explain stuff to, but they liked to throw in a kid sidekick for their intended audience to identify with.

It's doubtful any of the comic villains would have been used, though if they were going to use one, it'd probably be Baroness Paula Von Gunther. More likely, it'd be some generic spy queen or masked type with a mystery and suspects revolving around his or her true identity.

And don't expect any major super-feats. Again, we're working with a budget so miniscule you can't even expect an investment in styrofoam rocks to toss around.

[lizk42]

Wow, Ava Gardner would have been great. Honestly, though, I'd rather have 1940s animated shorts, like the Fleischer shorts for Superman - gorgeous deco style. That would be fun!

I read somewhere that WW actually outsold Superman and Batman occasionally during the 1940s. I wonder why they never did any other media forms at that time - radio, film shorts, etc. - if that was the case.

[JKCarrier]

It's doubtful any of the comic villains would have been used, though if they were going to use one, it'd probably be Baroness Paula Von Gunther. More likely, it'd be some generic spy queen or masked type with a mystery and suspects revolving around his or her true identity.

Dr. Poison might work in that regard: Mad scientist, cheesy name, and the reveal that "he" is really a "she" would make a great last-chapter twist.