This production of the "Perils Of Pauline" is not to be confused with the silent serial of the same name. Pauline even has a different last name in the two serials.The opening "title" shot shows a train which does not appear in the serial. Probably put in there to remind people of the silent serial, but in that serial there is no woman on a railroad track either. That came from some other movie. Since this serial is about the search for two halves of a disk those halves could have been shown as a title shot and would have set the tone for the serial, something the train did not.This serial did make good use of newsreel footage. The opening scenes of a revolution in China were probably newsreel footage. But there were some shots that seemed to be original, using a number of extras. Good production values.I agree with one reviewer who said the serial went downhill somewhat when the action took place in a jungle. Too many shots of wild animals that seemed to have nothing to do with the plot.

Early Universal serial concerns the quest for the two halves of a sacred disc on which is written a formula of great value. Beginning in China during a revolution the the adventure shifts to various locations around the world. To be honest the first four episodes of the this serial are four of the best in serial history. There is a sense of urgency and speed with which things move that keep things moving lively. The first chapters set in the city under siege are amazing, its large scale danger through which the heroes and villains move and its amazing. Unfortunately the need to find the disc and then get out of the city is lost once the story moves on to the jungle where the round and round about nature of the story becomes not much more than spinning wheels. It remains watchable thanks to the great cast, especially John Davidson as the villain. Also helping to keep it watchable is some great location footage thats added in for color. Worth a look.

An enjoyable cliffhanger from Universal's early sound serial period with a good cast and storyline. Somewhat dated production hurts it a bit but overall an admirable effort from producer Henry MacRae and director Ray Taylor.

Evalyn Knapp gives a pouty performance as she, along with her father and various accomplices, attempts to locate the other half of a disk which contains an important formula, before the evil Dr. Bashan gets his hands on it. Lots of humor and cliff-hanging action. If you liked this serial, try "The Black Coin".