Flash Gordon Conquers the Universe (1940)

86% of critics liked it
(7 reviews)
56% of users liked it
(402 ratings)

A mysterious plague, the Purple Death, ravages the earth. Dr. Zarkov, investigating in his spaceship, finds a ship from planet Mongo seeding the atmosphere with dust. Sure enough, Ming the Merciless is up to his old tricks. So it's back to Mongo for Flash, Dale, and Zarkov, this time with ready-made… More A mysterious plague, the Purple Death, ravages the earth. Dr. Zarkov, investigating in his spaceship, finds a ship from planet Mongo seeding the atmosphere with dust. Sure enough, Ming the Merciless is up to his old tricks. So it's back to Mongo for Flash, Dale, and Zarkov, this time with ready-made allies waiting: Prince Barin of Arboria and Queen Fria of the frozen northern land of Frigia; where, it so happens, is found polarite, antidote to the plague. But Ming will use all his forces to keep our heroes from thwarting his plans of conquest...

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Rating, Runtime: Unrated, 1 hr. 55 min.
Directed By: Ford Beebe, Ray Taylor
Genres: Action & Adventure, Classics, Science Fiction & Fantasy

In Theaters: Mar 3, 1940 Wide
On DVD: Apr 25, 2000
Studio: VCI

Critic Reviews

Ken Hanke, Mountain Xpress (Asheville, NC)
Third and final (and actually made in 1940) Flash Gordon serial. Still fun.
James Sanford, Kalamazoo Gazette
Though played out against some lavish backdrops, 'Universe' is easily the weakest of the Flash serials.
Bob Bloom, rec.arts.movies.reviews
The prettiest of the Flash Gordon serials, even though like most Universal chapterplays, it is filled with stock footage and choppy editing.
John J. Puccio, Movie Metropolis
If you have never seen a genuine, matinee cliffhanger before, this is the place to start.
John J. Puccio, Movie Metropolis
Of course, it's corny and juvenile but that's the point.