The Shadow of Fu Manchu
“The Shadow of Fu Manchu” was an adventure radio drama that captivated audiences from 1939 to 1940. Adapted from the first nine Fu Manchu novels by British author Sax Rohmer, the syndicated series aired in 15-minute installments.
Plot and Characters:
The show revolved around the diabolical criminal mastermind, Dr. Fu Manchu, voiced by Harold Huber. His schemes involved creating havoc and chaos worldwide, often utilizing mysterious Eastern arts, such as vipers, poisonous mists, strange drugs, and biological weapons.
Opposing him were the British official Sir Denis Nayland Smith (played by Hanley Stafford) and his loyal friend and assistant, Dr. Petrie (played by Gale Gordon). Much like Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson, this duo tirelessly worked to thwart Fu Manchu’s nefarious plans. A recurring element in the storyline was the exotic slave girl, Karamaneh (played by Paula Winslowe), who was held by Fu Manchu and often became an objective for Smith and Petrie to rescue.
The plots were repetitive in their theme: Fu Manchu’s insidious actions met with Smith and Petrie’s attempts to stop him. The series, though brief, is remembered for its focus on one of the most effective villains in early radio.
Production and Impact:
The series was produced as a joint venture by Fields Brothers Inc. and Radio Attractions, Inc., with episodes recorded in Hollywood at Radio Recorders studios. It was released in December 1938 and sold to local stations, which broadcast the serial at various times and dates between 1939 and 1940. There were reportedly 156 quarter-hour episodes, compiling four 39-episode serials adapted from different Rohmer novels.
Despite the controversial racial undertones of the Fu Manchu character, the radio show was highly popular and left a lasting impact on popular culture and the crime fiction genre. It helped popularize radio dramas and set a high standard for crime fiction, introducing audiences to the trope of the sophisticated, intelligent villain..
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