Superman (1948) Serial Movie Review
When It Was Cool Retro Pop Culture
Superman is a 1948 15-part Columbia Pictures film serial based on the comic book character Superman. It stars an uncredited Kirk Alyn (billed on-screen only by his character's name, Superman; but credited as Kirk Alyn on the promotional posters) and Noel Neill as Lois Lane. It was the first live-action appearance of Superman on film.[1] The serial was directed by Thomas Carr (who later directed many early episodes of the Adventures of Superman television series[1]) and Spencer Gordon Bennet, produced by Sam Katzman, and shot in and around Los Angeles, California. It was originally screened at...
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Captain America (1944) Serial Film Review
When It Was Cool Retro Pop Culture
Captain America is a 1944 Republic black-and-white 15-chapter serial film loosely based on the Timely Comics (now Marvel Comics) character Captain America. It was the last Republic serial made about a superhero. It also has the distinction of being the most expensive serial that Republic ever made. It stands as the first theatrical release connected to a Marvel character. The film was re-released in 1953, and it was released in Turkey in popular before the release of the original comics, Turkish Captain America films was also produced such as 1968 film Binbaşı Tayfun and 1973 film 3 Dev...
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House of Frankenstein (1944) Retro Movie Review
When It Was Cool Retro Pop Culture
A great Universal monsters horror film from 1944! House of Frankenstein features Dracula, Frankenstein, and the Wolf Man in action with and against each other! A fine and fun horror movie! Check out our Patreon at -
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Son of Dracula (1943) Movie Review
When It Was Cool Retro Pop Culture
There's a new Dracula in town kids. Following the classic Bela Lugosi led classic, Universal Pictures came back with two (sort of) sequels- Daughter of Dracula and Son of Dracula. We take a look at Son of Dracula that apparently doesn't feature the son of Dracula at all. Nope, it's the count himself and he is played by Lon Chaney, Jr. this time with Bela Lugosi nowhere to be found. This time Dracula comes to the U.S. looking for fresh blood but he's not looking for a bride... a bride is looking for him! Listen in as Karl from When It Was Cool reviews Son of Dracula!
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Death of Hulk Hogan (2025) Podcast Special
When It Was Cool Retro Pop Culture
Join pro wrestling historian and author Karl Stern as he talks about the complicated history and legacy of pro wrestling legend Hulk Hogan, who passed away on July 24, 2025, at his home in Florida. Hulk Hogan, who began his pro wrestling career in the late 1970s, became one of the most famous pro wrestlers in history and a major pop culture star as well. From his movies to his reality show, Hulk Hogan was one of the biggest media stars pro wrestling ever produced.
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Batman (1943) Serial Movie Review
When It Was Cool Retro Pop Culture
Oh boy... you win some and you lose some. While Adventures of Captain Marvel from Republic Films was a real winner the same cannot be said for the racist and silly 1943 Columbia Film The Batman. The casting was beyond terrible and there were few good qualities about this 15-part serial. The costuming was fine but today we meet a Batman who never wins a fight, a Robin that was at least twice too old, and dialog meant to offend probably everyone. This film did introduce The Bat's Cave to Batman lore and just wait until you hear about the amazing special effect that...
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Superman (2025) Movie Review Podcast
When It Was Cool Retro Pop Culture
Yesterday, I went to see James Gunn's new Superman movie starring David Corenswet. What should I expect? The dark, grim, and joylessness of the Snyderverse? Nope. This movie was a lot of fun with a lot of excitement. It has been criticized in the media as being too 'woke' or political, but I didn't see it that way. This was not a great movie but was a very good one and a promising start to the new (and hopefully improved) DC cinematic universe!
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Superman Mad Scientist (1941) Cartoon Review
When It Was Cool Retro Pop Culture
The Fleischer Superman cartoons in the 1940s were extraordinarily groundbreaking at the time and are still looked back on as one of the greatest animated series ever. On this episode, Karl from When It Was Cool looks back at this epic piece of retro pop culture! Be sure to check out our Patreon page .
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The Wolf Man (1941) Retro Movie Review
When It Was Cool Retro Pop Culture
This week our retro movie review continues looking back at the 1941 Universal horror classic The Wolf Man starring Lon Chaney, Jr. While this is perhaps my least favorite of the Universal Pictures horror classics it did lay down the lore for much of what we know as the werewolf mythology. The movie does have its good points also and today host Karl from talks The Wolf Man (1941).
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Adventures of Captain Marvel (1941) Retro Serial Review
When It Was Cool Retro Pop Culture
This episode takes a look back at the 1941 Republic Movie serial on Captain Marvel (Shazam) which is considered one of the best of the old-time movie serials. Support us on Patreon -
info_outlineThis week our retro movie review continues looking back at the 1941 Universal horror classic The Wolf Man starring Lon Chaney, Jr. While this is perhaps my least favorite of the Universal Pictures horror classics it did lay down the lore for much of what we know as the werewolf mythology. The movie does have its good points also and today host Karl from When It Was Cool talks The Wolf Man (1941).