Watch Flash Gordon: The Purple Death from Outer Space

Flash Gordon: The Purple Death from Outer Space is a science fiction adventure film released in 1936, directed by Ford Beebe and Ray Taylor. It is the second feature film based on the Flash Gordon comic strip created by Alex Raymond. The plot involves the evil genius Ming the Merciless (Charles Middleton) who has unleashed a deadly substance known as the Purple Death on Earth. The only hope to stop him is Flash Gordon (Buster Crabbe) and his team, including Dr. Zarkov (Frank Shannon) and Dale Arden (Carol Hughes).

The film begins with a rocket crash landing outside of Dr. Zarkov's laboratory. Inside the rocket is a message from the planet Mongo, warning the people of Earth about the arrival of Ming the Merciless. Dr. Zarkov joins forces with Flash Gordon and Dale Arden to travel to Mongo and stop Ming's evil plan to take over the universe.

Upon arriving on Mongo, the trio discovers that Ming has unleashed the Purple Death, a deadly gas that turns its victims into purple statues. Flash and his team embark on a dangerous mission to find a cure for the Purple Death and put an end to Ming's reign of terror.

The group faces many challenges, including battles with Ming's army of soldiers and a giant mechanical robot. Along the way, they meet various allies, such as Prince Barin (Richard Alexander), leader of the forest people, and Queen Fria (Beatrice Roberts), leader of the ice kingdom.

The special effects and visuals in Flash Gordon: The Purple Death from Outer Space are impressive for its time, with elaborate sets and aerial sequences. The film also boasts a memorable musical score by composer Clifford Vaughan.

The cast is led by Buster Crabbe, who gives a strong performance as the heroic Flash Gordon, embodying the character's courage and determination. Carol Hughes also shines as Dale Arden, providing a capable and resourceful partner to Flash. Charles Middleton is menacing and charismatic as the villainous Ming the Merciless, adding an extra layer of drama to the film.

Overall, Flash Gordon: The Purple Death from Outer Space is an exciting and visually stunning sci-fi adventure. Its legacy has endured, inspiring future sci-fi productions and becoming a cult classic beloved by fans of the genre.

Flash Gordon: The Purple Death from Outer Space is a 1966 sci-fi movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 28 minutes.