Mack V. Wright (1894–1965)

It has been said that Ray Mala was the only Jewish Eskimo actor in Hollywood. Whatever his religious or racial origins, Mala is "all hero" in the 14-chapter Republic serial Robinson Crusoe of Clipper Island. The star plays a character also named Mala, a Polynesian native and U.S. Intelligence agent. Mala is dispatched to Clipper Island to prove that the huge dirigible San Francisco was destroyed by saboteurs (the destruction of the big blimp is culled from library footage of the Hindenburg disaster). Accompanied by his faithful dog Buck and human assistant Hank (William Newell), Mala discovers that a nest of enemy spies are operating on the island, with the electronic technology to control volcanic eruptions and keep the natives in thrall. Convincing the lovely Princess Melani (Mamo Clark) that he's one of the good guys, Mala manages not only to thwart the spies, but to also prevent a takeover by despotic high priest Porotu (John Piccori). A 100-minute feature version of this serial, retitled Robinson Crusoe of Mystery Island, was released to TV in 1966. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi Hide… (more)