Adventures of Smiling Jack (1943) — Episode 7: "High Stakes" 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 7: "High Stakes," Smiling Jack’s mission grows even more dangerous. After barely escaping an enemy ambush at the end of Episode 6, Jack and his comrades regroup and continue their desperate search for the enemy courier with the secret plans. Fraulein von Teufel escalates her efforts, unleashing a double agent disguised as a wounded ally to mislead Jack's team. Meanwhile, Jack must survive a rigged poker game where the stakes are far more than money—they’re gambling for critical intelligence. Treachery thickens as Jack faces betrayal from a surprising source, leading to a heart-stopping chase through the village and surrounding jungles. The episode ends with another high-energy cliffhanger as Jack is trapped atop a burning communications tower, with enemy agents closing in from all sides! Key Features: Espionage twist: The "poker game" scene shows a classic spy trope where information is exchanged under the guise of casual conversation and gambling. Non-stop action: Gunfights, fistfights, and daring escapes keep the pace relentless. Building tension: Loyalties become even harder to discern, making Jack's survival dependent on split-second instincts. Historical Notes: This episode reflects the serial tradition of rapid cliffhangers designed to bring audiences back week after week. Costumes, sets, and characters continue to blend real-world wartime elements with exaggerated pulp adventure style. Public Domain Status: Adventures of Smiling Jack (1943), including Episode 7, is in the public domain and available for free distribution and viewing.