Flash Gordon (1936) & Buck Rogers (1939): Before Star Wars | EP02

The space opera truly began to take shape in the 1930s with the arrival of two iconic science fiction heroes: Flash Gordon and Buck Rogers.

In this episode of Journey Through Sci-Fi, we explore two classic sci-fi serials that helped define the genre: Flash Gordon (1936) and Buck Rogers (1939). These thrilling chapter-based adventures introduced audiences to rocket ships, alien worlds and interplanetary warfare decades before modern sci-fi blockbusters.

Originally adapted from hugely popular comic strips, both stories follow heroic adventurers battling tyrants across space. Their mix of cliffhanger storytelling, strange planets and bold heroes would go on to influence generations of science fiction creators — from pulp writers to filmmakers like George Lucas.LIST

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Discussion Points from the Episode

In this episode of Journey Through Sci-Fi, we explore:

• How Flash Gordon and Buck Rogers helped shape the space opera genre

• The influence of pulp comics and adventure serials on science fiction storytelling

• Why these early sci-fi heroes captured audiences in the 1930s

• The legacy of cliffhanger serial storytelling in modern sci-fi films

We also discuss how these two characters defined the early identity of science fiction cinema and helped bring space adventure to mainstream audiences.

Flash Gordon (1936)

Director: Frederick StephaniProducer: Henry MacRaeStudio: Universal PicturesStarring: Buster Crabbe, Jean Rogers, Charles B. MiddletonRelease Year: 1936

Flash Gordon was a 13-chapter science-fiction film serial based on the popular comic strip created by Alex Raymond. The story follows Flash, Dale Arden and scientist Dr. Zarkov as they travel to the planet Mongo to stop the tyrannical Emperor Ming the Merciless.

The serial was hugely popular and helped establish science fiction as a viable cinematic genre. It also launched two sequels — Flash Gordon’s Trip to Mars (1938) and Flash Gordon Conquers the Universe (1940).

With its strange alien creatures, rocket ships and cliffhanger storytelling, Flash Gordon is often considered one of the earliest examples of cinematic space opera.

Buck Rogers (1939)

Directors: Ford Beebe & Saul A. GoodkindProducer: Barney A. SareckyStudio: Universal PicturesStarring: Buster Crabbe, Constance Moore, Jackie MoranRelease Year: 1939

Buck Rogers was a 12-chapter sci-fi serial produced by Universal Pictures and based on the famous character created by Philip Francis Nowlan.

The story follows Buck Rogers, a pilot who is placed into suspended animation after a crash in the Arctic and awakens 500 years in the future, discovering Earth under the control of the tyrannical dictator Killer Kane.

With the help of allies from the Hidden City, Buck fights to overthrow the regime and restore freedom to the planet.

Interestingly, Buster Crabbe — who played Flash Gordon — also starred as Buck Rogers, making him one of the defining faces of early cinematic science fiction.

Why These Films Matter in Sci-Fi History

The Flash Gordon and Buck Rogers serials helped establish many of the tropes that still define space opera storytelling today.

These films introduced audiences to:

• Interplanetary adventure stories

• Alien rulers and tyrannical empires

• Rocket ships and futuristic technology

• Heroic rebels fighting for freedom

• Chapter-based cliffhanger storytelling

Although made with modest budgets, the imaginative worlds and adventurous tone of these serials left a lasting mark on science fiction cinema.

Their influence can be seen decades later in films like Star Wars, which borrowed heavily from the fast-paced serial storytelling style pioneered by these early sci-fi adventures.

Listen to the Episode

Listen to Space Opera E02: Flash Gordon (1936) & Buck Rogers (1939) wherever you get your podcasts.

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Or explore the full Journey Through Sci-Fi Space Opera series to discover more episodes covering the history of cosmic adventure in cinema.