What is first motion picture to climax with an explosion that destroys the base of the hero's arch-enemy?

May 18, 2004 11:50 AM

What is first motion picture to climax with an explosion that destroys the base of the hero's arch-enemy?
posted by johnnydark to media & arts (3 comments total)

There's probably something older than this, but the oldest one that comes to mind is one of the old Flash Gordon serials, Flash Gordon Conquers the Universe.
posted by CrunchyFrog at 12:04 PM on May 18, 2004

Roughest guess, I'd say one of the earliest adventure serials,
or even a silent comedy. The Phantom Empire, starring Gene Autry, preceeded Buster Crabbe's turn as Flash Gordon by a year,
though I'm certain a western or slapstick reel had employed explosives
as a plot device before then.
posted by Smart Dalek at 12:23 PM on May 18, 2004

You might want to try asking on alt.movies.silent.
posted by hyperizer at 2:57 PM on May 18, 2004