Burn 'Em Up Barnes (1934)

Good start, but then it gets ruined

Entertaining from beginning to end, it maintains the spirit of the franchise while establishing it's own seal with a fun cast

There are moments that feel comical, some horrific, and some downright inspiring but the tonal shifts hardly matter as the end results come to a film that's perfect for this time.

Worth seeing just to witness how winsome it is.

This serial recently screened on Sydney TV station SBS. The cast list included Frankie Darro, who would have been about 16 years of age at the time. I wasn't expecting a lot but I was surprised at thoroughly enjoying every episode. The action is pretty much non-stop and young Frankie is nothing short of sensational as "Bobbie Riley". The stunts he does (did he do all of his stunts?) left this viewer breathless. Up and down fire escapes, into and out of automobiles, twisting and diving while being pursued by numerous villains; the list could go on and on.There is also a serial within the serial, with a studio employing the hero, Jack Mulhall, as "Burn'em up Barnes", to do their stunts when he's not otherwise engaged. The greater part of the serial seems to have been filmed on location which is certainly an attraction for local history buffs. As others mention, another appealing aspect are the various autos, trucks, planes and motorcycles inhabiting the landscape.The script I thought was well written and good direction kept the story moving along at lightning pace. In fact I'd find more enjoyment watching a repeat of this serial rather than viewing any of the current dreary lineup of so-called movie blockbusters. Bring on "The Phantom Empire"!

Watching the driving and racing scenes is great though a few takes are obviously in front of a screen. the action is great except after about 3 episodes of one scrape after another I stopped caring anymore. Of course originally you were supposed to wait a week between episodes so I guess that gave you time to relax. Really the 7 is strictly for the cars. The fight scenes are laughable. Still Burn 'em up and Madge and Bobby are likable enough and Tony gets a laugh or two. Just don't bother watching it all at once and maybe skip an episode or two. It won't matter it's really one big chase. Watch it for the cars though and enjoy the racing. Wow can they ever move that tow truck around.

I first saw this Film Serial recently on the "Burnt Rubber" multi DVD pack. I was surprised at the level of excitement and action in this film. It has some pretty good fight scenes and the usual stunts that appear in vintage cliffhangers such as this. Plus you get to see a variety of vintage 1930's automobiles being pushed to their limits. I know these machines are a far cry from the pavement burning beasts of the 70's. But to see what Grandpa, for some people Great Grandpa and beyond, used to screech the tires in, from motorcycles to huge buses, is priceless. And for those interested in silent movie fare, Burn 'Em Up Barnes is a remake of a 1921 movie by the same title.