The Lightning Express

For the tag team, see The Lightning Express (professional wrestling).

The Lightning Express is a 1930 American pre-Code Universal film serial, featuring the adventures of "Whispering Smith" (played by Al Ferguson). This serial is considered a lost film.^[2]

The Lightning Express
Directed by	Henry MacRae
Written by	Ford Beebe (screenplay)
Produced by	Henry MacRae
Starring	Lane Chandler Louise Lorraine Al Ferguson
Edited by	Alvin Todd Edward Todd
Music by	Sam Perry
Distributed by	Universal Pictures
Release date	June 3, 1930 (1930-06-03)[1]
Running time	10 chapters (220 minutes)
Country	United States
Language	English

The serial's story focuses on whether a railroad will be allowed to cross a family's property.^[3]

Cast

• Lane Chandler as Jack Venable
• Louise Lorraine as Bobbie
• Al Ferguson as detective Whispering Smith
• Greta Granstedt as Kate
• J. Gordon Russell as Frank Sayer, the villain
• John Oscar as Bill Lewellyn
• Martin Cichy as Hank
• Bob Reeves as Floyd Griswell
• James Pierce as henchman
• Robert Kelly as henchman

Production

The Lightning Express was based on "Whispering Smith Speaks" by Frank H. Spearman.^[4] Released by Universal on June 3, 1930, it was a remake of Whispering Smith Rides (1927).^[5]

Chapter titles

1. A Shot in the Dark
2. A Scream of Terror
3. Dangerous Rails
4. The Death Trap
5. Tower of Terror
6. A Call for Help
7. The Runaway Freight
8. The Showdown
9. The Secret Survey
10. Cleared Tracks

_Source:^[6]

See also

• List of film serials by year
• List of film serials by studio