This film was how I introduced my significant other to the character. I actually ran a role playing game where I had a significant character be the descendant of Lamont Cranston. And the look on her face when she realized who her character’s father was I will treasure for the rest of my life.
New Shadowcast??? My Wednesday just got 110% better! Thank you Razorfist for introducing me to my new favorite character, I'm currently working on a custom Shadow action figure👍👍
34:28 as someone whose favorite music is 40s Swing & Big Band, it incenses me to no end when they use stale modern "jazz" in a period piece. I'm supposed to be back in time not a Macy's buying a sweater
Hey Razor, don't worry about the long time between shadowcasts. The agents of the Shadow will be here, ever vigilant for new content. Also, I don't want Shadow getting more popular, becoming mainstream and getting a reboot if you get my drift.
I remember being eight years old in 1984, ten years before this movie ever hit the silver screen, and during one spring cleaning, my mother and father asked use to put on some music. My older sister and I searched through my dad's vast library of reel-to-reel, cassette tapes, and records, until we found a large box with a bunch of records inside. It was a compilation of old radio shows; Abbott & Costello, Fibber McGee & Molly, Lights out, and The Shadow. I asked my mom about it, and she said it wasn't something for cleaning, but for later when the cleaning was done, so I set it aside while my sister chose the music. After we were done, and everyone was eating dinner, my mom suggested we listen to one of the old records, so I picked up the first one I saw; The Shadow and put it on. From that moment I was transfixed. I don't have any memory of what the story was about, all I know was that when the record was done, I wanted more. Unfortunately, that was the only Shadow recording, so I resigned myself to putting on Abbott & Costello's "Who's on first" record next. That was my introduction to The Shadow, so when I saw advertisements for movies like Darkman, and The Shadow down the line, I did everything I could to see them in the theaters, buy their VHS's, and watch them on cable every chance I got.
When I was 11 years old, I rode my bike downtown to the library. It was a beautiful summer evening. I wandered around until I was at the vinyl collection. I randomly pulled some records out and was immediately gripped by the pulp illustration and the title: The Shadow. I borrowed the record and went home to listen to it. Instant fan of old time radio from that moment. It was 1992. When I saw in some movie magazine there was going to be a Shadow film, I was there opening day. There were few other people there, all older fellas. Saw one or two more times at the second run theater. The audience was always thin; and understandably so. Later on, some time in 1995, I was kind of singing "Some Kind of Mystery" and my buddy said, "Hey, that's from The Shadow!" Turns out he had the soundtrack, liked the OTR shows. We acted in theatre plays (he, the SUPERIOR performer), so we recorded an improvised "episode" to cassette one summer evening. Such nerds. He was the only other fan I knew of. We were tight buddies in one part thanks to The Shadow. He passed away when we were in our early 20s, and I certainly miss him, but I have those fun memories from when we were boys.
Not only does this film come after Batman & Batman Returns. It also shares 1994 with The Mask and The Crow. Similar styles, atmospheres, influences, etc.
Welcome back! Since the last Shadow cast episode, I have read 12 of the Shadow pulps (the first 10, Voodoo Master, and Hydra) Thanks for introducing me to this IP and this great character!
Agent… Dregan reporting in. This podcast is the only one that I am interested in listening. Thank you for making these awesome podcasts for me and all other agents. Agent Dregan… Out.
I saw the the shadow movie in theater. My dad took me as a little kid. It was the 90s no one batted an eye at a six year old girl in full shadow costume skipping in.
I believe I was 10 when The Shadow movie was on tv one Saturday afternoon many years ago.....obsessed ever since. Still hope to see a revival of the character on screen but this will always have a special place.
Reporting for duty! So great to see you back with a Shadowcast, Razor, it's been sorely missed. I love this movie. Like many of the younger Shadow fans, this was my introduction to the character and... yeah, I see it as being unfairly underrated and forgotten. The sets, the music, the actors, it's all so damn good. And I think this is where my love for the 1930s-1950s americana comes from - the suits, the gangsters, the oldie cars, the dames, the art deco, all of that good stuff. Way before I've seen any of the Batman movies or indeed *anything* Batman, I've seen this movie on a VHS and boy did it stay with me. I mean, quite obvious from my username, really. Man I would've killed for a Shadow toy back when I was a kid, too bad there were none in my neck of the woods. Nice one about the rotating restaurant at the top of the hotel, I never thought of that, but it is pretty clever.
I'm so excited for another Shadocast! It's always so nice to have an outlet to geek out over my all time favorite character! Especially the pulp Shadow! Thank you, Razör!
I saw it once as a kid, and it was fine. I've grown to really appreciate it and enjoy it way more as an adult. One of the blu-rays I am so happy to own.
After hearing my cries in the desert, our man shows us to an oasis of plenty. Many happy returns. Always had a soft spot for all those pulp movies of the 90's. The Shadow and the Rocketeer lead the pack, with Tracy and the Phantom probably in that order. They're all enjoyable and well done, so its like asking which is your favorite Ninja Turtle. Of course, if we were talking king of the modern-ish pulp movies, it'd be Flash Gordon. Glorious. Cheesey. Queen. Darn good adventure. My kids actually sat through that one. As usual, exciting times with the Shadowcast. My thanks. Until next time.
You're right, the details they lift from the pulps is impressive especially when you keep in mind that this was back in the 90s. Today writers can sneak in references without ever going anywhere near the source material thanks to fan wikis. Also Peter Boyle is so great in this movie. He should have had more screen time.
I think it's It's interesting how they got character of The Shadow backwards. They wanted people to feel safe but still have him struggle with being good. When in reality when you encountered The Shadow in the pulps he usually scared the crap out of everyone but protected the innocent. Reminds me of Aslan Dangerous But Good. Man do we need more Characters like that.
Oh man I have been waiting for this episode! Doesn't get the Justice it deserves... I think I was in third grade when this came out. It has been one of my all time favorites since.
So glad I came across this video and your channel. This film was my introduction to The Shadow. Love this film. Let's hope The Shadow returns one day to the Silver Screen.
Razor, your love of this movie warms my heart! I have loved it since seeing it in a UK cinema aged 8 in 1994. Every time I revisit the movie, it more or less holds up for me, the obvious flaws being the ones you described. They matter not. This movie rocks. I also have something in common with you in that I copied the costume for a Halloween. It's a great, easily-assembled costume.
Great video! Love this movie. Had the toy as a kid and it was epic watching it in the the movie theater. As a child I loved the origin and the way he would appear from the shadow and unload bullets and appear from smoke and cold clock thugs even though it wasn't cannon. Exceedingly underrated film. I eagerly waited for the sequel that never came. I need that Kaluta comic in my life. And I gotta hunt down that action figure again.
I have been going through all of your Shadowcasts in sequential order and they have been superb listening. But when this popped up in my feed, I had to watch right away. I discovered the Shadow through this film as well and fondly remember the toys. The Shadow, The Rocketeer, and The Phantom are three of my favorite movies and all recieve regular repeat viewings. Thanks for the great content. Keep it all coming!
I saw the movie in 1994 at the Joy Cinema in Tigard, Oregon (which was still properly decorated as a 30s art deco local cinema at the time), and it was my gateway into the radio plays. The writing is solid, the effects are great, and even the blocking of all the extras when they establish the New York sets is amazing! If enough surviving drive-ins ran this for 2025, it would get the attention it needed.
Happy to return. Sadly missed this movie in theatres due to poverty, but I do remember the marketing blitz. This movie was in advertised every comic I saw.
Good to see the Shadowcast is back. I’m in the same boat of being too young to see the film on release but did have some of the toys. Years later, I finally got to see the film and became obsessed with the world of the character. It’s a good blending of the pulp and radio versions and I will always adore it even though I know some things are definitely not perfect. I agree it is the most underrated and best of the 90s pulp action revival films, all of which deserved better and had poor marketing campaigns. I’d only add a few things: The Shadow was very important for its sound design and was one of the earliest DTS 5.1 mixes. It remains one of the best designed multichannel discrete mixes of the era and is still reference grade to this day…except for the Kenny G needledrop…(which I’m so glad you mentioned!) I think the budget was relatively adequate, but certainly could have been higher. I think the real problem was that Universal didn’t know exactly how to market the film and didn’t support it properly which would happen two years later to an even greater extent with Paramount not knowing how to promote The Phantom. The best of all of the merchandising tie ins was the incredible pinball machine by Bally Midway which remains one of the best I’ve ever played. It can be extremely difficult, but always remains fun. I just wish it wasn’t so rare to find these days. The comic adaptation is indeed excellent, but it seems to be pulling on some elements from the James Luceno novelization. Luceno seems to have been a big pulp fan as he worked in a lot of little nods and references while trying to get the overall tone at least a bit closer to Gibson. I’ve always loved reading novelizations and read this long before I got to finally read any Shadow pulp novels. Then it dawned on me where some of the extra stuff in the novelization actually came from. Definitely read it if you get a chance!
For me, as an adult at the time, I had planned to see that movie. My friends too, but it ended up they went without me as I had be injured and was not on feet for a good chunk of time, thus I missed it. I did not however miss the comic adaption. I read that and later bought the VHS tape when it came out and watched the movie. I recall some of the differences striking me. But for me, The Shadow started out as something my parents generation told me about. The radio show was replayed on FM back the. And I go to see some of the DC Shadow comics thanks to a cousin having them. Ah the 1970s, great time to grow up, in some ways. Between The Shadow movie, The Phantom and The Rocketeer, yes, The Shadow is also my favourite of that too. I’ve long thought they suffered from being too close to the source material and causing a lot of film goers to not be able to get into what worked for the fans. I have The Shadow Ring they gave out with promotions of the movie. Love it.
In The Shadow movie, if I remember correctly, there's a scene in where Margo Lane mentions that she has a cousin name Harry. It could be a possibility that the film writers chose that name to reference Harry Vincent, but if anyone has read the pulps, you would know that Harry and Margo aren't related. I'd also agree on the whole Margo telepathy thing being unnecessary, but I'm in the camp of Margo being a Brunette. (I'll admit to that being a personal taste) On a final note, welcome back!
Great surprise thanks razor! First seen this as a kid I liked it because he was "like batman" but forgot about the shadow until your vids ( now he is my favorite hero)
no matter what it is I just love listening to razor geeking out about stuff he loves, also McLellan does have and english accent ma man welsh and scottish accents don't tend to be mixed into that title
I had been listening to Shadow radio dramas on tape before the movie was announced. Even though the film had loads of flaws, I loved it regardless. Hell, I still watch it a few times a year now. I purchased the sterling silver agent ring back in '94, on the same day my dad took me to see the movie. The comic book shop next to the theatre had just one for sale. It really hurt when I had to sell in in the early 2010s thanks to the recession's impact on my financial situation. I also had to part with the United Cutlery version of the Phurba dagger and a few mint pulp magazines.
I will admit I prefer the Rocketeer to this movie. However, I also admit my bias that I held this movie to a higher standard and it had too many things that annoyed me. I still like the movie but too much felt like they weren't trying to make a Shadow movie but a batman style movie instead.
I watched this movie as a kid before I had watched 89 Batman or Reeves' Superman so I was so amazed and since then instantly a fan of the Shadow. Glad it gets a shadowcast episode recognizing it for what it was
It's great to see another episode of the Shadowcast after having so long a wait. Funny enough, in between this episode and the last, I finished reading the last of the Shadow pulp reprints I was able to get (which was a good chunk of them) and I have to thank you for getting me to read them. While I have heard of this movie, I haven't seen it yet, but it is a great topic for getting back into the Shadowcast. I didn't know just how long and crazy this production actually was. Shame that they weren't able to do the hall of mirrors scene and also had to cut back on so many things, but looking at the clips I've seen, it's good that so much of this is more old fashioned in its make. Looking forward to whatever you cover next, great to see you back.
While the maelstrom churn of the Saint-Saëns piece "Le Rouet d'Omphale" captures the drive and gothic qualities of the character flawlessly, I am forever grateful that this film employed the musical talents of Jerry Goldsmith to score it, because his theme for "The Shadow" is a pounding earworm that sets the stage flawlessly. What a fun film, scored by one of the greats.
I saw this film in the theater and really enjoyed it. Russell Mulcahy really is an underrated director. Highlander, The Shadow, and Resident Evil Extinction. Yes Highlander 2 was hot garbage but the Spanish producers didn’t give a flip about movie making let alone story. And RE3 while is weighed down by the series it’s part of is actually an interesting one because Mulcahy made daytime creepy. It stands out from the rest of the series schlock.
I saw this as a lil kid as well.. along with the radio show, and comics.. I was kind of a mark for the whole golden age / pulp revival, or attempted revival in the mid - late 90's.. read a lot of Edgar Rice Burroughs, REH, etc. Back then, as a lil kid, finding the copies & reprints of actual original material was far more spotty, which made anything authentic you could find in a used book store or old comic den seem all the more precious. But yeh, for all it's faults & a somewhat bungled 3rd act, I rented this movie half a dozen times. Remember the lil quick draw action figure. Good review. 🕶👍
I really enjoy these dives into the past, & especially my childhood in the 90's where I only got the surface level understanding of most of the shit I encountered.
I wonder who these days could do a faithful rendition of The Shadow in a new radio series. Any stories on the world stage or primarily America? It would be a cool video idea. Congrats on your success and may it continues. Godspeed.
I have talked to people about this film just existing, and have been met with nothing but blank stares. Almost as though I suddenly had a second head start growing out of my neck. There are people that don't even know this movie exists.
Fun fact: Alec Baldwin didn't kill someone in the filming of this movie.
Almost killed me with cringe. What a horrible interpretation of the character.
Also, the Novel adaptation explains that the Lamont in the film is actually Kent Allard borrowing Cranston's identity.
Are you referring to the Alec Baldwin film?
This film was how I introduced my significant other to the character. I actually ran a role playing game where I had a significant character be the descendant of Lamont Cranston. And the look on her face when she realized who her character’s father was I will treasure for the rest of my life.
Shadow agent reporting for duty.
I adore that film, it was the gateway for me to get into The Shadow series.
New Shadowcast??? My Wednesday just got 110% better! Thank you Razorfist for introducing me to my new favorite character, I'm currently working on a custom Shadow action figure👍👍
34:28 as someone whose favorite music is 40s Swing & Big Band, it incenses me to no end when they use stale modern "jazz" in a period piece. I'm supposed to be back in time not a Macy's buying a sweater
Hey Razor, don't worry about the long time between shadowcasts. The agents of the Shadow will be here, ever vigilant for new content. Also, I don't want Shadow getting more popular, becoming mainstream and getting a reboot if you get my drift.
1000% agree with everything you said!
I remember being eight years old in 1984, ten years before this movie ever hit the silver screen, and during one spring cleaning, my mother and father asked use to put on some music. My older sister and I searched through my dad's vast library of reel-to-reel, cassette tapes, and records, until we found a large box with a bunch of records inside. It was a compilation of old radio shows; Abbott & Costello, Fibber McGee & Molly, Lights out, and The Shadow. I asked my mom about it, and she said it wasn't something for cleaning, but for later when the cleaning was done, so I set it aside while my sister chose the music.
After we were done, and everyone was eating dinner, my mom suggested we listen to one of the old records, so I picked up the first one I saw; The Shadow and put it on. From that moment I was transfixed. I don't have any memory of what the story was about, all I know was that when the record was done, I wanted more. Unfortunately, that was the only Shadow recording, so I resigned myself to putting on Abbott & Costello's "Who's on first" record next.
That was my introduction to The Shadow, so when I saw advertisements for movies like Darkman, and The Shadow down the line, I did everything I could to see them in the theaters, buy their VHS's, and watch them on cable every chance I got.
When I was 11 years old, I rode my bike downtown to the library. It was a beautiful summer evening. I wandered around until I was at the vinyl collection. I randomly pulled some records out and was immediately gripped by the pulp illustration and the title: The Shadow. I borrowed the record and went home to listen to it.
Instant fan of old time radio from that moment. It was 1992.
When I saw in some movie magazine there was going to be a Shadow film, I was there opening day. There were few other people there, all older fellas. Saw one or two more times at the second run theater. The audience was always thin; and understandably so.
Later on, some time in 1995, I was kind of singing "Some Kind of Mystery" and my buddy said, "Hey, that's from The Shadow!" Turns out he had the soundtrack, liked the OTR shows. We acted in theatre plays (he, the SUPERIOR performer), so we recorded an improvised "episode" to cassette one summer evening. Such nerds.
He was the only other fan I knew of. We were tight buddies in one part thanks to The Shadow. He passed away when we were in our early 20s, and I certainly miss him, but I have those fun memories from when we were boys.
Let's get those Alex Baldwin jokes ready!
What's his favorite Looney Toons character? Pepe Le PEW--PEW.
Don't fire them off too soon.
Locked and Loaded.
Right on target
Not only does this film come after Batman & Batman Returns. It also shares 1994 with The Mask and The Crow. Similar styles, atmospheres, influences, etc.
Holy crap, talk about serendipity! I've been working on a B&W edit of this movie. Thank you for introducing me to the ORIGINAL dark knight.
Gonna have to share that edit with the rest of us when you get a chance to finish it. Best of luck, man!
@Phantasemo Yeah, I've got some test clips on my channel to see what would work best. Would love to hear any feedback them.
Super cool idea. Looking forward to that.
Good idea they did it for the phantom and it really helped
The line about Cranstons tie is a direct nod to old time radios habit of product placement / advertisements
Finally I’ve been waiting for another Shadowcast episode!
Does The Shadow know what lurks in the chamber of his gun?
I love that you still do these! Thank you so much for helping me through my current hospital stay Razor!
Godspeed, brother! Praying for your quick recovery.
Nice to see you here too. I hope you get better soon.
Two of my favorite content creators in the same comment section? Absolute victory!
Hope you're improving Grim.
Welcome back!
Since the last Shadow cast episode, I have read 12 of the Shadow pulps (the first 10, Voodoo Master, and Hydra) Thanks for introducing me to this IP and this great character!
Long have I waited…finally the Shadowcast is back baby!!!!!!!!!
This is the film where I cannot help but hear Baldwin saying 'The Shadow Nose'.
But, yeah, it is criminally overlooked.
Agent… Dregan reporting in. This podcast is the only one that I am interested in listening. Thank you for making these awesome podcasts for me and all other agents. Agent Dregan… Out.
I've never clicked a notification so fast ... Ooh, I gotta put a pot of coffe on.
Dude, I JUST watched this film 2 weeks ago with my friends. Perfect timing to get a new Shadowcast, as if it was spoken into existence! Love it.
I saw the the shadow movie in theater. My dad took me as a little kid. It was the 90s no one batted an eye at a six year old girl in full shadow costume skipping in.
Always a good time for a ShadowCast.
This episode dropping made my day.
YES! Thank You Razor!
I believe I was 10 when The Shadow movie was on tv one Saturday afternoon many years ago.....obsessed ever since. Still hope to see a revival of the character on screen but this will always have a special place.
Reporting for duty! So great to see you back with a Shadowcast, Razor, it's been sorely missed.
I love this movie. Like many of the younger Shadow fans, this was my introduction to the character and... yeah, I see it as being unfairly underrated and forgotten. The sets, the music, the actors, it's all so damn good. And I think this is where my love for the 1930s-1950s americana comes from - the suits, the gangsters, the oldie cars, the dames, the art deco, all of that good stuff. Way before I've seen any of the Batman movies or indeed *anything* Batman, I've seen this movie on a VHS and boy did it stay with me. I mean, quite obvious from my username, really. Man I would've killed for a Shadow toy back when I was a kid, too bad there were none in my neck of the woods.
Nice one about the rotating restaurant at the top of the hotel, I never thought of that, but it is pretty clever.
I'm so excited for another Shadocast! It's always so nice to have an outlet to geek out over my all time favorite character! Especially the pulp Shadow! Thank you, Razör!
I saw it once as a kid, and it was fine. I've grown to really appreciate it and enjoy it way more as an adult. One of the blu-rays I am so happy to own.
"Who knows what evil lurks in the hearts of men?!"
"The shadow do! 😀"
After hearing my cries in the desert, our man shows us to an oasis of plenty. Many happy returns.
Always had a soft spot for all those pulp movies of the 90's. The Shadow and the Rocketeer lead the pack, with Tracy and the Phantom probably in that order. They're all enjoyable and well done, so its like asking which is your favorite Ninja Turtle.
Of course, if we were talking king of the modern-ish pulp movies, it'd be Flash Gordon. Glorious. Cheesey. Queen. Darn good adventure.
My kids actually sat through that one.
As usual, exciting times with the Shadowcast. My thanks.
Until next time.
The Shadow is one of my Top Ten Favorite Characters now. He DEFINITELY deserves a return to the big screen... or at least a new TV series!
Agents of the Shadow, we gather again at last!
That's some serendipity; I was re-watching your old videos over the last few days, then this drops after a 16 month break. Glad this channel is back
You're right, the details they lift from the pulps is impressive especially when you keep in mind that this was back in the 90s. Today writers can sneak in references without ever going anywhere near the source material thanks to fan wikis.
Also Peter Boyle is so great in this movie. He should have had more screen time.
Oh hell yeah! Been waiting for more Shadowcast!
I think it's It's interesting how they got character of The Shadow backwards. They wanted people to feel safe but still have him struggle with being good. When in reality when you encountered The Shadow in the pulps he usually scared the crap out of everyone but protected the innocent.
Reminds me of Aslan Dangerous But Good. Man do we need more Characters like that.
Glad to have the shadowcast back on air.
Yahoo!!! Where has The Shadow Cast been? Glad to see your return!!!
Oh man I have been waiting for this episode! Doesn't get the Justice it deserves...
I think I was in third grade when this came out. It has been one of my all time favorites since.
So glad I came across this video and your channel. This film was my introduction to The Shadow. Love this film. Let's hope The Shadow returns one day to the Silver Screen.
3:54 Oh come on Razor, it's not even the "most beleaguered production" of its lead actor!
Harry Vincent is my favorite operative.
Been waiting on this since Razor announced he had a season on the way. Nice one mate😊 thank you.
Welcome back!
My favorite is still DC Comic with Kaluta's art! Mesmerizing as a kid!
Great to knock the dust off the ol' 45's and get back to vengeance...
Hell yes! Welcome back!
Just ordered Ghost of The badlands! We so needed a new Shadow Cast! Thanks for this one 🤘🤘
Amazing and such a gift, this is so GOOD!
Welcome back!! Agents of The Shadowcast rejoice!!
Razor, your love of this movie warms my heart! I have loved it since seeing it in a UK cinema aged 8 in 1994. Every time I revisit the movie, it more or less holds up for me, the obvious flaws being the ones you described. They matter not. This movie rocks. I also have something in common with you in that I copied the costume for a Halloween. It's a great, easily-assembled costume.
Great video! Love this movie. Had the toy as a kid and it was epic watching it in the the movie theater. As a child I loved the origin and the way he would appear from the shadow and unload bullets and appear from smoke and cold clock thugs even though it wasn't cannon. Exceedingly underrated film. I eagerly waited for the sequel that never came. I need that Kaluta comic in my life. And I gotta hunt down that action figure again.
Thanks to your recommendation. I am slowly reading through the pulps. I am currently reading Gangdoms doom
I have been going through all of your Shadowcasts in sequential order and they have been superb listening. But when this popped up in my feed, I had to watch right away. I discovered the Shadow through this film as well and fondly remember the toys. The Shadow, The Rocketeer, and The Phantom are three of my favorite movies and all recieve regular repeat viewings. Thanks for the great content. Keep it all coming!
I saw the movie in 1994 at the Joy Cinema in Tigard, Oregon (which was still properly decorated as a 30s art deco local cinema at the time), and it was my gateway into the radio plays.
The writing is solid, the effects are great, and even the blocking of all the extras when they establish the New York sets is amazing!
If enough surviving drive-ins ran this for 2025, it would get the attention it needed.
Weird - I was just thinking over the weekend how it had been a while since I'd seen a Shadowcast. Awesome to have it back!
Happy to return. Sadly missed this movie in theatres due to poverty, but I do remember the marketing blitz. This movie was in advertised every comic I saw.
Good to see the Shadowcast is back. I’m in the same boat of being too young to see the film on release but did have some of the toys. Years later, I finally got to see the film and became obsessed with the world of the character. It’s a good blending of the pulp and radio versions and I will always adore it even though I know some things are definitely not perfect.
I agree it is the most underrated and best of the 90s pulp action revival films, all of which deserved better and had poor marketing campaigns.
I’d only add a few things: The Shadow was very important for its sound design and was one of the earliest DTS 5.1 mixes. It remains one of the best designed multichannel discrete mixes of the era and is still reference grade to this day…except for the Kenny G needledrop…(which I’m so glad you mentioned!)
I think the budget was relatively adequate, but certainly could have been higher. I think the real problem was that Universal didn’t know exactly how to market the film and didn’t support it properly which would happen two years later to an even greater extent with Paramount not knowing how to promote The Phantom.
The best of all of the merchandising tie ins was the incredible pinball machine by Bally Midway which remains one of the best I’ve ever played. It can be extremely difficult, but always remains fun. I just wish it wasn’t so rare to find these days.
The comic adaptation is indeed excellent, but it seems to be pulling on some elements from the James Luceno novelization. Luceno seems to have been a big pulp fan as he worked in a lot of little nods and references while trying to get the overall tone at least a bit closer to Gibson. I’ve always loved reading novelizations and read this long before I got to finally read any Shadow pulp novels. Then it dawned on me where some of the extra stuff in the novelization actually came from. Definitely read it if you get a chance!
For me, as an adult at the time, I had planned to see that movie. My friends too, but it ended up they went without me as I had be injured and was not on feet for a good chunk of time, thus I missed it. I did not however miss the comic adaption. I read that and later bought the VHS tape when it came out and watched the movie. I recall some of the differences striking me. But for me, The Shadow started out as something my parents generation told me about. The radio show was replayed on FM back the. And I go to see some of the DC Shadow comics thanks to a cousin having them. Ah the 1970s, great time to grow up, in some ways.
Between The Shadow movie, The Phantom and The Rocketeer, yes, The Shadow is also my favourite of that too. I’ve long thought they suffered from being too close to the source material and causing a lot of film goers to not be able to get into what worked for the fans.
I have The Shadow Ring they gave out with promotions of the movie. Love it.
In The Shadow movie, if I remember correctly, there's a scene in where Margo Lane mentions that she has a cousin name Harry. It could be a possibility that the film writers chose that name to reference Harry Vincent, but if anyone has read the pulps, you would know that Harry and Margo aren't related.
I'd also agree on the whole Margo telepathy thing being unnecessary, but I'm in the camp of Margo being a Brunette. (I'll admit to that being a personal taste)
On a final note, welcome back!
Great surprise thanks razor!
First seen this as a kid I liked it because he was "like batman" but forgot about the shadow until your vids ( now he is my favorite hero)
Agents of the Shadowcast...we are SO fucking back!
no matter what it is I just love listening to razor geeking out about stuff he loves, also McLellan does have and english accent ma man welsh and scottish accents don't tend to be mixed into that title
I had been listening to Shadow radio dramas on tape before the movie was announced. Even though the film had loads of flaws, I loved it regardless. Hell, I still watch it a few times a year now.
I purchased the sterling silver agent ring back in '94, on the same day my dad took me to see the movie. The comic book shop next to the theatre had just one for sale.
It really hurt when I had to sell in in the early 2010s thanks to the recession's impact on my financial situation. I also had to part with the United Cutlery version of the Phurba dagger and a few mint pulp magazines.
I wake up and the algorithm gives me what I've been craving for months! Hooray!
What the movie really needs is ninja reporters.
I will admit I prefer the Rocketeer to this movie. However, I also admit my bias that I held this movie to a higher standard and it had too many things that annoyed me. I still like the movie but too much felt like they weren't trying to make a Shadow movie but a batman style movie instead.
I watched this movie as a kid before I had watched 89 Batman or Reeves' Superman so I was so amazed and since then instantly a fan of the Shadow. Glad it gets a shadowcast episode recognizing it for what it was
It's great to see another episode of the Shadowcast after having so long a wait. Funny enough, in between this episode and the last, I finished reading the last of the Shadow pulp reprints I was able to get (which was a good chunk of them) and I have to thank you for getting me to read them.
While I have heard of this movie, I haven't seen it yet, but it is a great topic for getting back into the Shadowcast. I didn't know just how long and crazy this production actually was. Shame that they weren't able to do the hall of mirrors scene and also had to cut back on so many things, but looking at the clips I've seen, it's good that so much of this is more old fashioned in its make.
Looking forward to whatever you cover next, great to see you back.
Thanks for continuing the podcast, Razor! I needed this.
The almost biblical irony of Alec Baldwin preaching to a murderous gangster about guilty consciences is just too much.
Been waiting for a new video! Love this movie.
Loved the movie when I saw it on the big screen and Kaluta is in my top 5 favorite artists.
While the maelstrom churn of the Saint-Saëns piece "Le Rouet d'Omphale" captures the drive and gothic qualities of the character flawlessly, I am forever grateful that this film employed the musical talents of Jerry Goldsmith to score it, because his theme for "The Shadow" is a pounding earworm that sets the stage flawlessly. What a fun film, scored by one of the greats.
I’ve been missing this podcast
I saw this film in the theater and really enjoyed it. Russell Mulcahy really is an underrated director. Highlander, The Shadow, and Resident Evil Extinction.
Yes Highlander 2 was hot garbage but the Spanish producers didn’t give a flip about movie making let alone story.
And RE3 while is weighed down by the series it’s part of is actually an interesting one because Mulcahy made daytime creepy. It stands out from the rest of the series schlock.
Mike Kaluta also changed some parts of the story he didn't like when he did the comic book adaptation.
So happy to see a new upload!
This was the movie that introduced me to the Shadow. Razor cemented my fandom.
I saw this as a lil kid as well.. along with the radio show, and comics.. I was kind of a mark for the whole golden age / pulp revival, or attempted revival in the mid - late 90's.. read a lot of Edgar Rice Burroughs, REH, etc. Back then, as a lil kid, finding the copies & reprints of actual original material was far more spotty, which made anything authentic you could find in a used book store or old comic den seem all the more precious. But yeh, for all it's faults & a somewhat bungled 3rd act, I rented this movie half a dozen times. Remember the lil quick draw action figure. Good review. 🕶👍
I just wish they got the chance to do a full fight scene in the hall of mirrors.
A new Shadow series, following a Doc Savage series, is awesome news. Looking forward to a re-release of the pulps from both.
I really enjoy these dives into the past, & especially my childhood in the 90's where I only got the surface level understanding of most of the shit I encountered.
Razor, thank you 😊
Love this, thanks man
I just finished the 4th shadow book and was debating on giving the movie a try. You’ve convinced me.
And I just peeped this channel yesterday too see if anything was new.
Holy shit, are we back?
I love this film too Razor
It been way to long been wait for another one of the shaodwcast
I wonder who these days could do a faithful rendition of The Shadow in a new radio series. Any stories on the world stage or primarily America? It would be a cool video idea. Congrats on your success and may it continues. Godspeed.
The move opened the door to The Shadow, and many other pulp heroes!
I agree with so many points, especially the Kenny G.
Some really interesting insights. I'd encourage you to read the novelization to see how it differs or reinforces the comic book version.
Wonderful, a new episode 🙂🙂🙂👍🏻👍🏻
so awesome !
I have talked to people about this film just existing, and have been met with nothing but blank stares. Almost as though I suddenly had a second head start growing out of my neck. There are people that don't even know this movie exists.
Was afraid this was over-but there is so much more I want Raz0r’s reviews of