Todd’s Serial Blog

CONAN

A Republic Serial in 12 Chapters

Producer: Robert Beche

Director: William Witney & John English

Writers: Barry Shipman, Franklin Adreon, Ronald Davidson & Sol Shor

Music: William Lava

Special Effects: Howard Lydecker & Theodore Lydecker

Based on the character created by Robert E. Howard

Cast:

Conan–Ray “Crash” Corrigan

Princess Valeria–Julie Thayer

Thulsa Doom–Charles Middleton

Zula–Guinn “Big Boy” Williams

Borak–Raymond Hatton

king Kull–William Gould

Queen Zenobia–Evelyn Brent

Thoth Amon–C. Montague Shaw

Red Sonya–Lynn Roberts

Yora–John Merton

Balthus–Jack Ingram

Salazar–Edmond Cobb

Amulric–George Chesebro

Kathulos–Al Taylor

RECAP:

Borak–Steals an important part from the engine of Thulsa Doom’s War Wagon.

Yora and Balthus–Are sent to Kull’s castle to retrieve the part.

Conan–Fights with Yora and Balthus as they try to escape with part.

CHAPTER SIX: PRISONER EXCHANGE

Conan is walking with Valeria.  It is obvious as they talk that the Princess is infatuated with Conan, and that Conan is starting to feel the same way.  Rounding a corner, they run into Yora and Balthus.  Conan immediately fights them, but is overpowered and knocked unconscious.

Yora grabs Valeria and says that Doom will be pleased to have her as a guest again.  Balthus tells him to go on with the Princess while he takes care of Conan.  After Yora drags the Princess away.  Balthus draws his sword and starts to bring it down toward Conan’s limp form.

Zula and Borak round a corner, arguing over who the princess’ handmaiden likes better when they see Balthus about to kill Conan.  Zula grabs Balthus’ sword arm, while Borak jumps on Balthus’ back.  Balthus struggles but is quickly subdued.

Together, with a revived Conan, they take Balthus to King Kull and Queen  Zenobia.  When they learn that Yora has escaped with the Princess, Zenobia breaks down and has to be taken to her chambers.  Conan suggests that Doom might be willing to trade Balthus for Valeria.  A messenger is dispatched to make terms for a prisoner exchange.

Doom receives the message.  He is infuriated at Balthus’ capture.  Then he smiles evilly, telling Yora he’ll agree to the exchange, but not in the way his enemies expect, then emits a small sinister laugh.

Balthus is put in the dungeon.  Doom’s mysterious confederate releases Balthus and shows him where he can slip out of the castle.  Conan just happens look out a window and see Balthus getting away.  Leaping out out of the window on to a horse, he chases Balthus down and recaptures him.

The messenger returns with Doom’s reply.  He will agree to an exchange on neutral ground halfway between the castle and Doom’s tower, as long as Conan comes alone.  Conan agrees and word is sent back to Doom.

Conan shows up at the meeting place, a clearing in the woods, with Balthus in tow.  Doom shows up with Valeria.  They agree to let their two prisoners go at the same time to walk toward them, everybody leaving when they finish crossing the clearing.  When both get halfway across, Doom signals Balthus, who grabs Valeria,  while archers appear behind Conan and fire arrows at his back….

NEXT WEEK

CHAPTER SEVEN

CRASHING DESTRUCTION