Dick Tracy’s G-Men (1939)

On September 2, 1939, Republic Pictures released the first chapter of their third Dick Tracy serial, Dick Tracy’s G-Men (1939). Ralph Byrd returns as Dick Tracy, who is working with the federal authorities. Tracy and his men captured Nicolas Zarnhoff, who has been sentenced to death for his crimes.

On the day of his execution, Zarnhoff takes a drug, which mimics death. As Zarnhoff’s corpse is removed from the prison, his men hijack the ambulance. After they transport Zarnhoff to his hideout, a doctor revives Zarnhoff. Dick Tracy and his men must recapture Zarnhoff to stop his plans.

As the third serial (affiliate link) in the series, I did not expect much from this group of shorts. However, Irving Pichel as the menacing Zarnhoff breathed new life into the series. Heroes need a super villain. Pichel as Zarnhoff fit the bill perfectly.

While Irving Pichel is more well known as a director today, Pichel was an underrated actor. Watch him as Sandor in Dracula’s Daughter (1936) and you will soon agree.

Pichel was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania on June 24, 1891. Pichel began acting in films during 1930. Pichel would play in 69 films, most in supporting roles, during his career.

Pichel also directed 38 films. He directed his last film, Day of Triumph (1954), shortly before his death on July 13, 1954. Pichel was 63 years old.

The serial is 15 chapters long with most chapters being about 15 minutes long. Let me know what you think.

You can leave a comment or ask a question about this or any post on my Facebook page.