Radar Men from the Moon – 05 Murder Car
Strategic targets on Earth are being destroyed by an unknown weapon. Government security head Henderson suspects it’s an “atomic ray” originating from the moon! He assigns Commando Cody, scientist and man of action with a secret flying suit, to investigate. Soon, Cody is battling Earth thugs in the pay of Krog the moon man and making trips in his experimental rocket to the moon itself, in a perilous and all but singlehanded effort to thwart the planned invasion of Earth.
Director: Fred C. Brannon
Writer: Ronald Davidson
Stars: George Wallace, Aline Towne, Roy Barcroft
Refreshed, expanded, and generously sprinkled with extra flavour — this article returns with richer details, deeper context, and a touch more cinematic charm than ever before. We’ve dusted off the archives, polished the lore, and added a few extra kernels of insight for those who like their movie knowledge served warm and overflowing.
Updated not just for cinephiles and lore‑hunters, but also for wandering Jedi, conflicted Sith, and that one indecisive Dark Jedi who still can’t decide which side of the Force feels more “him” this week. Whether you’re here for deep‑cut trivia, behind‑the‑scenes magic, or simply to lose yourself in the stories that shape our galaxy of movies, TV, and streaming shows, this freshly‑seasoned update is ready to welcome you back into the fold — popcorn in hand, lightsaber optional.
🙂 Summary
The Moon Men escalate their Earth‑side operations by deploying a heavily fortified “murder car” — an armored vehicle used for sabotage and targeted attacks. Commando Cody and his team race to intercept the lunar agents behind the destruction, uncovering a plot that ties the vehicle to Retik’s broader invasion strategy. This chapter leans into Republic’s signature formula: fast chases, sabotage, undercover agents and a final cliffhanger that pushes Cody closer to the heart of the lunar conspiracy.
🎭 Cast & Characters
- George Wallace — Commando Cody
- Aline Towne — Joan Gilbert
- Roy Barcroft — Retik
- Clayton Moore — Graber
- William Bakewell — Ted Richards
🎥 Behind the Camera
- Director: Fred C. Brannon
- Studio: Republic Pictures
- Serial Format: 12‑chapter sci‑fi adventure
- Notable: Republic reused miniature car explosions across multiple serials — eagle‑eyed fans can spot identical shots in King of the Rocket Men.
✨ Themes & Vibes
- Sabotage and pursuit
- Lunar infiltration
- Armored‑car mayhem
- Atomic‑age tension
- Classic serial cliffhanger pacing
🍿 Popcorn Fact
The “murder car” was a repurposed studio prop used in several Republic serials — often repainted and re‑armored to fit different villains.