Zombies of the Stratosphere

1 9 5 2 (USA)
12 x 15 minute episodes

Judd Holdren took over the role of Commando Cody in this sequel to Radar Men from the Moon (1951) – but the name of the main character was changed from Commando Cody to the more prosaic “Larry Martin” at the start of shooting.

Aline Towne costarred as Sue Davis and an unimpressive Leonard Nimoy played Nareb, one of the three Martians in funny costumes who hung around in caves with Earth gangsters.

Nearly everything about this serial was old, leftover, and overly familiar when released. The jet-pack flying footage is from King of the Rocketmen (1949) and the spaceships and robots had been used and reused since the 1930s.

The 12-chapter serial has been re-released a few times, including a colourised version of the episodes condensed into a feature (Satan’s Satellites) by Republic Video.

Holdren and Towne returned again in the Commando Cody: Sky Marshal of the Universe TV series (1953), which was also released in cinemas.

Judd Holdren died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head on 11 March 1974. He was buried at Valhalla Memorial Park in North Hollywood.

Larry Martin
Judd Holdren
Sue Davis
Aline Towne
Bob Wilson
Wilson Wood
Marex
Lane Bradford
Dr Harding
Stanley Waxman
Roth
John Crawford
Mr Steele
Craig Kelly
Shane
Ray Boyle
Narab
Leonard Nimoy
Walker
Tom Steele
Kerr
Jack Harden