Adventures of Smiling Jack (1943) — Episode 12: "The Temple of Time" Genre: Adventure, War, Action, Serial Directors: Lewis D. Collins, Ray Taylor Starring: Tom Brown (as Smiling Jack Martin), Rose Hobart, Edgar Barrier, Sidney Toler Runtime: Approx. 20 minutes per episode Production: Universal Pictures Summary: In Episode 12: "The Temple of Time," Smiling Jack continues his dangerous race against the clock to prevent a massive betrayal and sabotage effort. After escaping the enemy compound with critical intelligence, Jack discovers that the secret meetings of the enemy agents take place in a hidden location called The Temple of Time, an ancient ruin deep in the jungle. With the help of allies from the local resistance and his friends Tommy and Captain Wing, Jack ventures into the perilous jungle terrain. Navigating through booby traps and natural hazards, they finally reach the Temple, where they uncover plans for a massive strike against Allied bases. Meanwhile, Markworth’s duplicity comes into full view, and Jack must confront the fact that not all his allies are trustworthy. In a tense showdown inside the Temple’s shadowy corridors, Jack fights off enemy operatives and retrieves vital documents outlining the planned attacks. The episode ends on a cliffhanger as Jack is cornered by enemy soldiers while trying to escape with the documents, setting the stage for the thrilling final episodes. Key Features: Exotic setting: The ancient ruins create a moody and suspenseful atmosphere, filled with danger at every turn. Increased stakes: Jack’s discoveries raise the threat level dramatically, moving the serial toward its climactic resolution. High tension: Betrayals, narrow escapes, and looming battles make this episode one of the most action-packed in the series. Historical Notes: Jungle temples and "lost cities" were popular backdrops in 1940s serials, blending wartime intrigue with classic adventure tropes. This episode also highlights themes of loyalty, deception, and courage, essential to morale-boosting wartime storytelling. Public Domain Status: Adventures of Smiling Jack (1943), including Episode 12, is fully in the public domain and available for unrestricted viewing.