Heroes of the Flames

Heroes of the Flames is a 1931 American Universal movie serial. Although once considered to be lost, it has survived and was preserved by Universal in 2016. It stars Tim McCoy (in a break from his usual cowboy roles) as a firefighter who's developing a new kind of flame retardant, but his work is constantly being disrupted by a rival (Gayne Whitman) who wants the formula for himself (as well as the leading lady, played by Marion Shockley). Fittingly, seven of the 11 cliffhangers involve burning buildings with at least one principal trapped inside. It is unusual for the manner in which chapter recaps are handled: A reporter at a local newspaper repeats a summary of the previous episode as he takes it down from a witness on the phone. It also has no music at all--the opening titles are accompanied by sound effects (sirens, bells ringing, fire crackling, etc.). It's also the first film role for future star Bruce Cabot in an uncredited bit part.