What is it about?
The paper examines the plot of the 1936 movie serial FLASH GORDON, (and its sequels), and how it parallels the "hero's journey" of folklore as defined by Vladimir Propp, Joseph Campbell and other structuralists. The films diverge in this regard from the comic strips on which they were based.
Featured Image
Why is it important?
The paper suggests that the popularity and success over time and influence of these films may be due, at least in part, by the folkloric plot structure. It cites other successful films that share a similar plot structure.
Perspectives
I have tried to explored a deeper meaning in films that are often dismissed as Saturday morning matinee children's fare. By doing this I have also explored my own fascination with these film serials.
Lee Weinstein
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: The Hero’s Journey of Flash Gordon, The Journal of Popular Culture, June 2021, Wiley,
DOI: 10.1111/jpcu.13026.
You can read the full text:
Contributors
The following have contributed to this page
