When I was a kid around 1950 the local movie theater would show a serial before the movie began. My favorite was this guy who had a rocket pack on his back and the control was on his chest. I was probably among the last generation of kids to see children's matinees in the theater. In 1961-1962, they were presented every Saturday morning at the movie theater on the American Army base in Bad Kreuznach, Germany. Prior to the main feature, we would watch serials, including "Commando Cody"--the rocketeer in question--"Panther Girl of the Kongo" and "Blazing the Overland Trail," both produced in the mid-1950's.
Wow..takes me back..in the early 50's...the neighborhood theater had kiddie specials on a Sat afternoon..parents could drop us off at noon..pick us up at 6..thye loved it...I think it cost 25 or 50 cents...lots of cartoons, one or two serials..Buster Crabbe was popular, then a "B" movie or two..also included..they'd give us candy, popcorn soda, and a miniature load of Wonder Bread..
And we would absolutely torture the matrons...drive them bananas..