Watch Flash Gordon: The Deadly Ray from Mars

Flash Gordon: The Deadly Ray from Mars is a science fiction film released in 1938, directed by Ford Beebe and Robert F. Hill. This movie is the fifth installment in the Flash Gordon series and stars Buster Crabbe as Flash Gordon, Jean Rogers as Dale Arden and Charles Middleton as the evil Emperor Ming the Merciless. The movie begins with a mysterious beam of light that is unleashed from a Martian spacecraft to Earth. The light, also known as the "Deadly Ray," causes widespread destruction, decimating entire cities, and killing hundreds of people. Flash Gordon and his team, including Dale and Dr. Hans Zarkov (Frank Shannon), are called upon by the International Peace Bureau to investigate the cause of this destruction and put an end to it.

Their journey to Mars is fraught with danger as they face various obstacles, including the treacherous and unpredictable terrain of the planet, and the vicious creatures that inhabit it. Along the way, they also encounter strange Martian humanoids, including the beautiful Queen Azura (Beatrice Roberts), who captures Flash's heart and takes an interest in his friends' scientific knowledge.

Once they reach the source of the deadly ray, Flash and his team learn that the beam is controlled by Ming the Merciless, who is seeking to destroy Earth and claim it for his own sinister purposes. To stop him, they must band together with the resistance fighters on Mars led by Prince Barin (Richard Alexander), who is also vying for the throne and has a contentious relationship with Ming.

Throughout the movie, there are thrilling action sequences, including exciting rocket battles and fast-paced escapes from dangerous creatures. The storyline is filled with suspense as Flash and his team race against the clock to stop Ming from destroying Earth with his deadly weapon.

The performances by the lead actors are excellent, with Buster Crabbe impressing as the heroic and dashing Flash Gordon, and Jean Rogers as the beautiful and intrepid Dale Arden. Charles Middleton is also excellent as the villainous Emperor Ming, exuding an air of malevolence and cunning.

The special effects and sets are also noteworthy, considering the film's budget and the era in which it was made. The film's use of miniatures and matte paintings to create the otherworldly landscapes of Mars is impressive. The costumes, especially those of the Martians, are also notable for their imaginative and creative design.

Overall, Flash Gordon: The Deadly Ray from Mars is an exciting and entertaining sci-fi adventure that is sure to delight fans of the genre. The movie's thrilling action sequences, engaging storyline, and excellent performances make it a must-watch for fans of classic cinema and science fiction.

Flash Gordon: The Deadly Ray from Mars is a 1966 sci-fi movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 39 minutes.