Robinson Crusoe of Clipper Island
1936 film by Mack V. Wright, Ray Taylor
Robinson Crusoe of Clipper Island (1936) is a Republic movie serial starring Ray Mala. It was the fourth of the 66 serials produced by Republic and the last (of four) to be released in 1936. Robinson Crusoe of Clipper Island is notable for being the first Republic serial to contain another common aspect of serials—a Re-Cap Chapter, similar to a clipshow in modern television, whereby the events of the previous chapters are repeated via clips (in order to save money). Contrary to popular belief, this was not the invention of the concept, which had been routinely used in serial production before the release of this serial. The serial was edited into the film Robinson Crusoe of Mystery Island, which was released in 1966.
Plot
Agent Mala, an intelligence operative, investigates sabotage on the remote Clipper Island. A gang of spies causes the eruption of a volcano, for which Mala is blamed. He convinces the native Princess Melani of his innocence and helps her ward off a takeover by rival high priest and spy collaborator Porotu and discover the identity of spy ringleader H.K.
Cast
Ray Mala as Mala, operative of the United States Intelligence Department undercover as a Pacific Dirigible Airlines radio operator. Mala was a rare non-Caucasian hero in serials.
Rex the Wonder Horse
Buck the Dog
Mamo Clark as Princess Melani, princess and ruler of the Komatoans
Herbert Rawlinson as Grant Jackson
William Newell as Hank McGlaurie, Agent Mala's partner
John Ward as Anthony Tupper, British Novelist accompanying Agent Mala
John Dilson as E. G. Ellsworth, joint owner of Pacific Dirigible Airlines
Selmer Jackson as Canfield, joint owner of Pacific Dirigible Airlines, alias H.K
Tiny Roebuck as Eppa - the Wrestler.
“Robinson Crusoe of Clipper Island” enters the record as 1936 film by Mack V. Wright, Ray Taylor. Crown Archives preserves that source wording while asking what Robinson, Crusoe and Clipper can confirm, complicate or overturn.
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Attribution, date and provenance are strongest when supported by the original work, a catalogue record and documented transmission. The source revision retrieved here is dated Feb 20, 2026. The linked authority identifier is Q3525822. 1 of 1 selected statements include explicit references; 0 carry qualifiers and 0 use preferred rank. The first chronological checks are 1936 and 1966.
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