@cauchamar Now that you have attacked me get back on your ''high horse'' and go fishing. Then feel good about your self because you told someone off having read their mind since you know what I think.
Everything you need to know about Superman, nicely packaged into a 1 minute intro.
While I admit that George Reeves was a great Superman, I still hold Christopher Reeve as the best because he made me believe in both Superman AND Clark Kent, whereas (due to budget restrains) George Reeves' Clark Kent was mostly Superman in a suit that he would take off in the third act.
I always liked,George Reeves as a kid,in the way I liked Hop-along Cassidy,The Cisco Kid,and the Lone Ranger,but the fate that befell him was similar to that of Marilyn Monroe, and others where were reputed to have commited suicide but by most obvious observation,likely DID NOT !
Never tried jumping off a roof with a towel pinned to my shirt, but I did jump off well built ramps that we made as kids when the Evel Knievel craze was in high gear. Of course some of us kids hit the pavement with a thud! Parents coming out of their homes screaming saying "you stupid kids, you stupid ,stupid kids"! Affixing big bath towels to our swollen heads/ or faces and broken limbs.
Actually, every single episode was shot in color, but many were copied using black and white film.
Anyway, we can always use these stories as proof that Superman's career extends beyond his mid forties. You can explain the lack of supervillains by implying that by the time Superman turned 45, he had defeated them all, even Lex Luther.
We know Supergirl and Krypto the superdog traveled to the far future, so they would not be living in the era of Superman's prime.
I don't think Superman would do a lot of things. Like invade Iraq. Or pretty much all the stuff the CIA has ever done. Or pretty much all the stuff the bankers, tycoons, and politicians have done. In other words, if Superman wouldn't apologize, it's because he would have nothing to apologize for - unlike any American president, which is what I suspect you were referring to with your right-wing radio nonsense.
@copernicus633 It's not PC for him to stand up for that kind of thing anymore, unfortunately. Like refering to "the American way" means he doesn't look out for people from other countries too. These are sad and rediculous times.
Plus, you can always take "mild-mannered" to mean something more along the lines of "polite." Like in the 90's cartoons, where Clark in't rearing to jump into the fray at the first sign of danger, but he's still a crack investigative reporter and assertive when he needs to be. He's a quiet guy, but it's pretty clear that he's quiet because he chooses to be, not because he's shy. Again, though, this is just my opinion.
When I watch these episodes it makes me appreciate how wonderful Christopher Reeves interpretation of Superman was. Don't get me wrong, I LOVED Superman as a kid, and as an adult I have about 30 episode on dvd. It's just that Clark Kent, the way Mr George Reeves played him, was never really 'mild-mannered' was he? The contrast of personalities wasn't really there as much as Christoper Reeves version. Still love the original though.
@blkchk To each their own (most people would agree with you), and maybe it's because I grew up with Reeves, not Reeve, but I personally like Badass!Clark better than Timid!Clark. Reeve did an amazing job, to be sure, but Reeves' Superman just seems more... sensible, I guess. Supes was Clark long before he put on the cape, and how can he become a top reporter if he pretends to be a nervous wreck all the time?
Ah, the 50's TV Superman. Looks like he was a bit short on the gym and long on the three-martini lunches and Camels; see how high his belt is? (Bet you dollars to donuts there's a CORSET under there..!)
Superman was created by 2 jewish immigrants. He was their ultimate immigrant character when they were struggling to settle in to American culture. The character was bought for pittance by DC and the symbol became an American mascot during the war. His American patriotic side was fabricated later.
@ozey115 Very true, Gerald Jones's book 'Men of Tomorrow' covers Siegel & Shuster's tragic history and the birth of their most famous creation Superman. Although they did have him fighting 'Fifth Columnists' (Nazis) and even hauling Adolf Hitler and Joseph Stalin before The League of Nations a couple of years before America got into WW2. I'd say Siegel & Shuster's sentiments weren't all that far from Simon & Kirby and other alot of other comics creators who were opposed to Hitler at this time.
Can you imagine the wonders of watching this show back in the late 40's??? Not many people can afford a T.V in those days, not that I would know but to watch this in it's live broadcast must be amazing!!!
Does anyone remember the Superman episode where a villain sends Lois and Jimmy as electronic signals over the telephone wires to Alaska, yet SOMEHOW Superman manages to catch up with them, even though those transmissions would be near the speed of light?
I was recently watching some Superman cartoons made in the early 40s. The opening is virtually the same as this but there is no "... and the American Way." It's just "... fights a never ending battle for truth and justice."
I guess the political climate of the early 50s made the addition necessary.
I love this opening, built on the cartoons and expanded. But I always had a grammar question: shouldn't the line be "who, when not disguided as Clark Kent"?
It's just that it sounds like Superman puts on the glasses and suit when he goes out to fight crime.
Street scene showing American Men wearing suits, ties, hats, even the cop is wearing his hat...people back then knew how to dress when they went uptown...the building looks like that old Admin building in downtown LA..............
Yes chrismc410, even good old Chris Reeves. George Reeves was an athlete in real life. He was an Olympic boxer. He played his role and comparatively was 10 to 20 years older than the later actors who played Superman. Had he been mandated to pump up on modern weight training like they do now he would have ripped his shirt apart. He was a stud, and he played his character with a confidence I have not seen anyone else portray.
@trayguy: Well said, sir. I feel the same way, life was simpler in many ways, but quality of life was abundant. Better moral values also. People usually respected each other(with the usual exceptions), but we lived better in America in those days, and all without the present technology and fast and competitive way of living.
I have to wonder if 44th prez Barack Hussein Obama liked this show, which left the air just before he was born on Aug. 4, 1961, but continued in repeats for many years. Consider that George Reeves was born in WOOLstock, WRIGHT County, IOWA and in 2008, Obama stunned the political world with an upset win in the Democratic IOWA Caucus over ex NC Sen. John Edwards—favored because of his extensive 2-year campaign in the state and better organization; and 3rd place Sen. HILLary RodHAM Clinton of NY
George Reeves* native WRIGHT County, Iowa could channel the 2008 race for president considering Barack Obamas ex-*Goddamn America* pastor, Rev. Jeremiah WRIGHT. Considering crafty *time rollback* angles and *puppy love* themes, its significant that Reeves was also known as George BESSolo, but its unrelated to the 1981 split or BESSie MEARS in Richard WRIGHT*s novel, *Native Son*. Of course, perhaps Obama*s harshest critics, the Birthers, insist he isnt NATIVE to the U.S., & was born in KENya
As having grown up in the 1950s I wish we were still back there in some ways. You didn't have to worry about walking out on the street and other stuff. It was a different era.
Still one of the best openings in TV history; a lost art. Other classics: Dallas, The Sopranos, Batman, Cheers, Family Ties, Hawaii Five-O, the Andy Griffith Show, I Dream of Jeannie, The Lone Ranger, The Brady Bunch, The Jeffersons, All in the Family, Leave it to Beaver, The Flinstones.
@chrismc410 Yes chrismc410, even good old Chris Reeves. George Reeves was an athlete in real life. He was an Olympic boxer. He played his role and comparatively was 10 to 20 years older than the later actors who played Superman. Had he been mandated to pump up on modern weight training like they do now he would have ripped his shirt apart. He was a stud, and he played his character with a confidence I have not seen anyone else portray.
No, Adam West never made a cameo on this show. He didn't appear on television until the early 1960s, several years after this Superman series had finished production.
I can remember sick-days home from school, watching these episodes, in the 90's. George Reeves really adds so much appeal to this show...he will always be the best actor to play Superman.
Yes, Christopher Reeve was good, and he actually looked more like the Superman in the comics. I vote him as second best, but in my opinion George Reeves was the best.
Well, imo, George Reeves was better as Clark Kent than as Superman, whereas Christopher Reeve was better in the Superman part than as Clark Kent. But both were good at what they did, and should be remembered fondly.
That is a very interesting and plausible observation. Both Christopher Reeve and George Reeves were excellent in the dual (Kent/Superman) roles. I will bet that it is also a generational thing. Those who grew up with George Reeves prefer him, and the younger generation prefer Christopher Reeve.
The character is now 71 years old, and still being portrayed to modern audiences (re: Smallville). Almost all the actors who portrayed him are gone. although "Marvel" superheroes & villans
are in vogue today, I think Superman is still the best (and the first, of course).
What normal-minded kid would miss this show at 5:30 or so, on Channel 11...we got to know all the shows by heart, but wouldn't miss seeing one for anything...
Noticed something about the first part of this and the color versions. The Black and White version has a S&W Miltary and Police revolver, the color version uses a Colt Officer's Model revolver, subtle but obvious differences to the trained eye
as a kid in the 50's this to me was the king of all shows...no other hero could come close to Superman..the opening theme song played here used to send shivers down my back...best time to be a boy!!!!
This looked really old to us kids back in the 1960's. I remember most programs looking old even at 7 or 8 years old. They didnt have to many made for TV shows in the early 1960's,so we kids watched 1940 and 1950 stuff cut up to fit on TV.
I used to watch these re-runs on Nick at Night when I was a kid. The first episode I saw was the one about the Mole Men. That was the first episode in the series if I'm not mistaken.
I'm truly saddened to see "Kelloggs' Presents " deleted from the opening. It's tantamount to "Championship Bowling" being introduced without "Wildroot Cream-Oil" or "The Cisco Kid" Without "Teddie Peanut Butter". What would Lawrence Welk have done without "Plymid", "Dodch", or Ted Mag, except laugh all the way to the bank?
Hey Laceykat66,I also met Noel Neil in the Orlando,FL Comic-Con back in 2002 and I must say that she is the most wonderful and nicest person that I ever met.She is indeed a first class individual =)
Where are you from??? The "American Way" needs to be re-surfaced, and cleansed of all the idiotic "other ways"...remember..Borders, Language, and Culture make a nation...
New York viewers didn't get to see the show until April 1, 1953, when it first aired on WJZ-TV {now WABC}, Channel 7, on Wednesdays at 6:15pm. Seems there was a matter of allowing "Superman and the Mole Men" (1951) to finish its bookings in movie theaters across the country before the TV series could appear in syndication; this is why the initial premiere dates were scattered during the first season {Chicago, Sept. '52- Los Angeles, Feb. '53, and so on}.
This show was later aired on WPIX-TV during the 60's until the 1980's where channel 11 pulled the plug, but it was later shown on WWOR-TV (channel 9) by the late 80's until the early 90's.
The show was distributed by Associated Artists Productions. AAP was the main distributor of that show, but they also acquired the rights to the pre-48 WB cartoons and the Popeye series as well.
It not only moved to WWOR but replaced the "three apes" block of movies on Thanksgiving Day for a while. Noel Neill and Jack Larson were on hand to reminisce about their time on the show, too.
With that said, "The Adventures of Superman" on WPIX during the '70s as a kid was very special to me. Primitive looking today, it still has a proud place in my memory.
As a child, I preferred the color episodes, though the B&W episodes are more adult- oriented and appeal to me more today.
Kellogg's originally sponsored the 15 minute daily radio version of "THE ADVENTURES OF SUPERMAN" between 1943 and '47; after their initial success in sponsoring the syndicated "WILD BILL HICKOK" TV series in 1951, they wanted another adventure show, and decided to sponsor 'The Man Of Steel' again- only they didn't know HOW "adult" Bob Maxwell's version was {he also produced the radio show} until after they "bought" it- and demanded edits in some episodes before it initially aired in late '52.
His agent convinced a reluctant Reeves it was just "work" which would rot on the shelf, this film noir, gritty, no punches pulled, series did languish 18 months before Kellogs discovered it. Shown on Dumont 8:30 PM Monday night, Mom said "no wonder the late night spot--this is NOT for kids".
It wasn't. One time grandma got pushed in her wheel chair down a flight of stairs.
Kellogs cereal picked up the seies 2 years after 1st filming. They wanted a kiddie show. Result? Season 1 is unique
Even the weakest episode of this show totally crushes 'Superman Returns' or the whole dang 'Smallville' show. George Reeves was the best Superman ever.
Before "BATMAN", there was a Classic Mythical Hero Of Justice. "Superman" played by George Reeves, really appealed to me and some other kids who wanted to be "Superman". Three Cheers to Superman. The Kids Television Superhero. Ms. Lois Lane was so sexy. I want to kiss her lips and her lovely feet.
class, simply class!! this show had it all. I wish I could turn back the hands of time. they should air all these shows in prime time again in full force. It would be a good dose of reverse brain washing to get society back to the way it was years ago.
I think this is an amazing show. George Reeves is amazing. Now I wasn't alive when the show was being aired, but I do know that compared to shows now, it is a lot better in the lessons you learn...The Adventures of Superman is simply amazing. It's fun to see the effects too before all the new technology. Ah well. this is the best theme song ever!
You are right folks! This may be viewed today as "propaganda", but we had values then . Kid's learned from their "hero's" about how to conduct yourself and be good people.We KNEW what Superman represented expected of us. Now the "BAD GUY's"are the hero's.I feel sorry for kids today. They'll never know what it's like to have a decent role model.Reeves WAS Superman for my generation.
Originally, in the space before the opening title, Charles Lyon delivered the sponsor's I.D.: "KELLOGG'S-the greatest name in cereals- presents...'THE ADVENTURES OF SUPERMAN'".
Because Americans are far greater than the British or Canadians. Ha ha just kidding. It was a TV show made for American TV, why would they say anything else?
@serberious I take it to mean traditional American values.
yrtuag 3 weeks ago
I`m not being funny or disrespectful here but what exactly was " The American Way " ?
serberious 4 weeks ago
@cauchamar Now that you have attacked me get back on your ''high horse'' and go fishing. Then feel good about your self because you told someone off having read their mind since you know what I think.
yrtuag 1 month ago
The guy in the front of the crowd looks like Bill O'Reilly
TamaleManandMrFork 1 month ago
he was coming 2 visit AUSTRALIA so why would he commit suicide?
Elainerulesutube 1 month ago
Why are the first 2 people so excited about birds or planes?
poggymoose 2 months ago
Everything you need to know about Superman, nicely packaged into a 1 minute intro.
While I admit that George Reeves was a great Superman, I still hold Christopher Reeve as the best because he made me believe in both Superman AND Clark Kent, whereas (due to budget restrains) George Reeves' Clark Kent was mostly Superman in a suit that he would take off in the third act.
TheOniKami 4 months ago 4
The late Detroit movie host Bill Kennedy, was the voice of the opening credits of Superman.
MrPolkajohn 4 months ago
I believe that Goerge Reeves is the quincesstal Superman and the best there was.
MrTrayguy 5 months ago
This comment has received too many negative votes show
By FAR the shittiest Superman ever. He looked like an old man, was a terrible actor, and his ingrattitude was legendary.
sivazh 5 months ago
im related to him :)
ilovetodance02 6 months ago 2
I always liked,George Reeves as a kid,in the way I liked Hop-along Cassidy,The Cisco Kid,and the Lone Ranger,but the fate that befell him was similar to that of Marilyn Monroe, and others where were reputed to have commited suicide but by most obvious observation,likely DID NOT !
arjaramillo 6 months ago 2
If you really, read his 'story',George Reeves didn't likely, commit suicide...
arjaramillo 6 months ago
@arjaramillo Of course he did n't commit SUICIDE. Read my comment
Mr76Yearsago 6 months ago
TRUTH, JUSTICE... and the American way...
Gotta love the 50's.
Qaoz 6 months ago
George Reeves,just a great actor>.I will never believe he was able to commit suicide!
MrBasketballplayer50 6 months ago
Ever notice how he stands in front of a machine guns and have bullets pump off his chest; yet if you throw something at him, he ducks?
daytraderfbf 7 months ago
@daytraderfbf Comedian David Brenner used that observation in his act.
planetiowa 7 months ago
@planetiowa Fine minds think a like !!
daytraderfbf 7 months ago
Never tried jumping off a roof with a towel pinned to my shirt, but I did jump off well built ramps that we made as kids when the Evel Knievel craze was in high gear. Of course some of us kids hit the pavement with a thud! Parents coming out of their homes screaming saying "you stupid kids, you stupid ,stupid kids"! Affixing big bath towels to our swollen heads/ or faces and broken limbs.
Cromag99 8 months ago
@Cromag99 The best bike to do this was the "banana bike" at the time!
Cromag99 8 months ago
Who else who hadn't seen this in 40 years started remembering every word of this intro about 10 seconds in and talked along till the end?
Mayortwilleger 8 months ago
Clarks trousers are up around his tits. Better than below his ass, I guess.
makjac46 9 months ago
George was a badass Superman too. He used to punch the hell out of those mob guys and anyone else who wanted some...
muclesmarinara 9 months ago
Actually, every single episode was shot in color, but many were copied using black and white film.
Anyway, we can always use these stories as proof that Superman's career extends beyond his mid forties. You can explain the lack of supervillains by implying that by the time Superman turned 45, he had defeated them all, even Lex Luther.
We know Supergirl and Krypto the superdog traveled to the far future, so they would not be living in the era of Superman's prime.
GarthanSaal444 9 months ago
@GarthanSaal444 Only about half of the episodes were shot in color. Check out the Wikipedia article.
planetiowa 7 months ago
My heart still swells when I listen to the Superman intro. Truth, Justice, and The American Way . I don't think Superman would apologize.
yrtuag 10 months ago 7
@yrtuag
I don't think Superman would do a lot of things. Like invade Iraq. Or pretty much all the stuff the CIA has ever done. Or pretty much all the stuff the bankers, tycoons, and politicians have done. In other words, if Superman wouldn't apologize, it's because he would have nothing to apologize for - unlike any American president, which is what I suspect you were referring to with your right-wing radio nonsense.
cauchamar 1 month ago
Six people can't leap tall buildings in a single bound.
LordKelvin100 10 months ago
Don't you wish we still had the national self-confidence to proudly say "the American way" ?
copernicus633 10 months ago 3
@copernicus633 It's not PC for him to stand up for that kind of thing anymore, unfortunately. Like refering to "the American way" means he doesn't look out for people from other countries too. These are sad and rediculous times.
cano21 10 months ago 2
I wish I had the powers of Superman.
trayguy 10 months ago
@trayguy er,ah, it's a comic, man.
makjac46 9 months ago
Plus, you can always take "mild-mannered" to mean something more along the lines of "polite." Like in the 90's cartoons, where Clark in't rearing to jump into the fray at the first sign of danger, but he's still a crack investigative reporter and assertive when he needs to be. He's a quiet guy, but it's pretty clear that he's quiet because he chooses to be, not because he's shy. Again, though, this is just my opinion.
thevampirefrog06 10 months ago
I loved this show as a kid!!!!
downdeep35 11 months ago
My hero.
belinda2118 11 months ago
Fuk it!
wikipedosuk 11 months ago
isnt youtube great ?
gelvispro 11 months ago
When I watch these episodes it makes me appreciate how wonderful Christopher Reeves interpretation of Superman was. Don't get me wrong, I LOVED Superman as a kid, and as an adult I have about 30 episode on dvd. It's just that Clark Kent, the way Mr George Reeves played him, was never really 'mild-mannered' was he? The contrast of personalities wasn't really there as much as Christoper Reeves version. Still love the original though.
blkchk 1 year ago
@blkchk To each their own (most people would agree with you), and maybe it's because I grew up with Reeves, not Reeve, but I personally like Badass!Clark better than Timid!Clark. Reeve did an amazing job, to be sure, but Reeves' Superman just seems more... sensible, I guess. Supes was Clark long before he put on the cape, and how can he become a top reporter if he pretends to be a nervous wreck all the time?
thevampirefrog06 10 months ago
@thevampirefrog06 LOL. As my dearly departed mother would say "It's the quiet ones that fool you". Either way a great character.
blkchk 10 months ago
@blkchk So true, on both counts!
thevampirefrog06 10 months ago
@thevampirefrog06 And I always get Reeves, Reeve mixed up!
blkchk 10 months ago
Where are his fucking feet
Hotshott1990 1 year ago
6 idiots didn;'t like this.
trayguy 1 year ago
Ah, the 50's TV Superman. Looks like he was a bit short on the gym and long on the three-martini lunches and Camels; see how high his belt is? (Bet you dollars to donuts there's a CORSET under there..!)
bjggjb 1 year ago
Superman was created by 2 jewish immigrants. He was their ultimate immigrant character when they were struggling to settle in to American culture. The character was bought for pittance by DC and the symbol became an American mascot during the war. His American patriotic side was fabricated later.
ozey115 1 year ago
@ozey115 Very true, Gerald Jones's book 'Men of Tomorrow' covers Siegel & Shuster's tragic history and the birth of their most famous creation Superman. Although they did have him fighting 'Fifth Columnists' (Nazis) and even hauling Adolf Hitler and Joseph Stalin before The League of Nations a couple of years before America got into WW2. I'd say Siegel & Shuster's sentiments weren't all that far from Simon & Kirby and other alot of other comics creators who were opposed to Hitler at this time.
cha5 11 months ago
truth, justice and the American way! LOL!!!
jedancovek 1 year ago
this is the real mccoy..love it!!! My man "Superman" Mild manner reporter..lol and more powerful than a locamotive.. Love it!!
LizbethGemini 1 year ago
Can you imagine the wonders of watching this show back in the late 40's??? Not many people can afford a T.V in those days, not that I would know but to watch this in it's live broadcast must be amazing!!!
samuraiyao 1 year ago
Does anyone remember the Superman episode where a villain sends Lois and Jimmy as electronic signals over the telephone wires to Alaska, yet SOMEHOW Superman manages to catch up with them, even though those transmissions would be near the speed of light?
shmuli9 1 year ago
6 commies I see!
viewingut 1 year ago
I was recently watching some Superman cartoons made in the early 40s. The opening is virtually the same as this but there is no "... and the American Way." It's just "... fights a never ending battle for truth and justice."
I guess the political climate of the early 50s made the addition necessary.
PhiloYT1 1 year ago 3
My grandma was the one who said "Its a plane"
jessicaackermann 1 year ago 11
@jessicaackermann Awesome Man!
trayguy 1 year ago
@jessicaackermann I always wondered who that was! Now I know......Thanks!!!
CanadaAstro 1 year ago 2
@CanadaAstro no problem! :) her name was Virginia Pearl Ackermann (aka Ginny)
jessicaackermann 11 months ago
@jessicaackermann Do you know the guy in back who extends his arm and then pulls it back in amazement? That always tickled me.
blkchk 10 months ago
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My sister and I would stand up during the opening credits. So long ago, such good memories.
guestwho789 1 year ago
My sister and I would stand up during the opening credits. So long ago, such good memories.
guestwho789 1 year ago
Love the 48-star flag xD
KIFulgore 1 year ago
in an american way... lol
MaikUniversum 1 year ago
An illegal immigrant running around in leotards! Aw com'on!
ziggycat999 1 year ago
in the comics they have Batman stronger than Superman, preposterous!
KingPuddinsdaddy001 1 year ago
@KingPuddinsdaddy001
not dtronger.
only smarter, which is bullshit, since superman has a supermind.
and bats fans say he can beat anyone with prep time, which is also bullshit.
OropherThranduil 1 year ago
I love this opening, built on the cartoons and expanded. But I always had a grammar question: shouldn't the line be "who, when not disguided as Clark Kent"?
It's just that it sounds like Superman puts on the glasses and suit when he goes out to fight crime.
bsabruzzo 1 year ago
Nothing like seeing it when it was originally released, in 1953. They re-released it in the 60's too.
frostfirei 1 year ago
would watch everyday after school ...agree with envision a great opening to a great time for tv
pdogone1 1 year ago
I love how Superman's intro post WW2 in the radio, cartoon, and television productions were used as propaganda. LOL
christopherleon84 1 year ago
@christopherleon84 Yup. Superman was a Democrat and would likely be one today. :)
1400deadwood 1 year ago
george reeves christopher reeve both superman and both died prematurely.
MrTabby5000 1 year ago
A great series and ahead of it's time!
esmit56 1 year ago
George Reeves was without a doubt the quintensesial Superman!
paullytigereyeroot55 1 year ago 2
0:29 where are his boots?????
StarvingWolves 1 year ago
Now this was real Nick at Night.
charmedcasanova 1 year ago
Street scene showing American Men wearing suits, ties, hats, even the cop is wearing his hat...people back then knew how to dress when they went uptown...the building looks like that old Admin building in downtown LA..............
mroneoftheguys 1 year ago
Yes chrismc410, even good old Chris Reeves. George Reeves was an athlete in real life. He was an Olympic boxer. He played his role and comparatively was 10 to 20 years older than the later actors who played Superman. Had he been mandated to pump up on modern weight training like they do now he would have ripped his shirt apart. He was a stud, and he played his character with a confidence I have not seen anyone else portray.
regionman 1 year ago
@trayguy: Well said, sir. I feel the same way, life was simpler in many ways, but quality of life was abundant. Better moral values also. People usually respected each other(with the usual exceptions), but we lived better in America in those days, and all without the present technology and fast and competitive way of living.
billace90 1 year ago
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I have to wonder if 44th prez Barack Hussein Obama liked this show, which left the air just before he was born on Aug. 4, 1961, but continued in repeats for many years. Consider that George Reeves was born in WOOLstock, WRIGHT County, IOWA and in 2008, Obama stunned the political world with an upset win in the Democratic IOWA Caucus over ex NC Sen. John Edwards—favored because of his extensive 2-year campaign in the state and better organization; and 3rd place Sen. HILLary RodHAM Clinton of NY
GWhiz99 1 year ago
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George Reeves* native WRIGHT County, Iowa could channel the 2008 race for president considering Barack Obamas ex-*Goddamn America* pastor, Rev. Jeremiah WRIGHT. Considering crafty *time rollback* angles and *puppy love* themes, its significant that Reeves was also known as George BESSolo, but its unrelated to the 1981 split or BESSie MEARS in Richard WRIGHT*s novel, *Native Son*. Of course, perhaps Obama*s harshest critics, the Birthers, insist he isnt NATIVE to the U.S., & was born in KENya
GWhiz99 1 year ago
I love this show!
trayguy 1 year ago
As having grown up in the 1950s I wish we were still back there in some ways. You didn't have to worry about walking out on the street and other stuff. It was a different era.
trayguy 1 year ago
I wish those good old days could come back.
trayguy 1 year ago
Still one of the best openings in TV history; a lost art. Other classics: Dallas, The Sopranos, Batman, Cheers, Family Ties, Hawaii Five-O, the Andy Griffith Show, I Dream of Jeannie, The Lone Ranger, The Brady Bunch, The Jeffersons, All in the Family, Leave it to Beaver, The Flinstones.
jksonny 1 year ago 2
its on abc
7transformer 1 year ago
George was the best kent and Superman. EVrybody else has been a wimpy Superman in my opinion.
regionman 2 years ago
@regionman Even Christopher Reeve?
chrismc410 1 year ago
@chrismc410 Yes chrismc410, even good old Chris Reeves. George Reeves was an athlete in real life. He was an Olympic boxer. He played his role and comparatively was 10 to 20 years older than the later actors who played Superman. Had he been mandated to pump up on modern weight training like they do now he would have ripped his shirt apart. He was a stud, and he played his character with a confidence I have not seen anyone else portray.
regionman 1 year ago
classic show
only257 2 years ago 3
did Adam West ever make a Cameo in this show?
nobodysperfect06 2 years ago
No, Adam West never made a cameo on this show. He didn't appear on television until the early 1960s, several years after this Superman series had finished production.
TKUNDER 1 year ago
As a child of the 50's this was one of my hero's...Truth, Justice, and the American Way...Just the thing I need to hear.............
mroneoftheguys 2 years ago 2
A classic tv-series.
Absolutely fantastic.
copifo 2 years ago
I can remember sick-days home from school, watching these episodes, in the 90's. George Reeves really adds so much appeal to this show...he will always be the best actor to play Superman.
blackfelix83 2 years ago 2
My hero always!!
pete123pr 2 years ago 2
I'm a child of the 80's but I can recall when this would come on very early in the afternoon after school.I used to watch it all the time.
rtds9fan 2 years ago
George should have given Phillis a good spanking.
citywide44 2 years ago
yes yes yes!!!
roachman07 2 years ago
No one has ever, or will ever play Superman better than George Reeves.
DangerouslyYours 2 years ago 8
Christoper Reeve sure came close, but you're right about anyone else.
rradeski 2 years ago
Yes, Christopher Reeve was good, and he actually looked more like the Superman in the comics. I vote him as second best, but in my opinion George Reeves was the best.
DangerouslyYours 2 years ago 5
I enjoyed watching these as a child 45 years ago and I still love them today.
rradeski 2 years ago 2
Well, imo, George Reeves was better as Clark Kent than as Superman, whereas Christopher Reeve was better in the Superman part than as Clark Kent. But both were good at what they did, and should be remembered fondly.
Usagi1992 2 years ago
That is a very interesting and plausible observation. Both Christopher Reeve and George Reeves were excellent in the dual (Kent/Superman) roles. I will bet that it is also a generational thing. Those who grew up with George Reeves prefer him, and the younger generation prefer Christopher Reeve.
DangerouslyYours 2 years ago
Absolutely the best ever, I was blessed to be able to grow up in the 50s and 60s, what a difference between now and then. I miss the old shows!
Krylogenic 2 years ago 2
I hear you there ...
fjbutch 2 years ago
George Reeves was the best Superman ever hands down! that show was the greatest, simple and just plain good!!
aandc2005 2 years ago 10
The character is now 71 years old, and still being portrayed to modern audiences (re: Smallville). Almost all the actors who portrayed him are gone. although "Marvel" superheroes & villans
are in vogue today, I think Superman is still the best (and the first, of course).
rolex452 2 years ago
poor george reeves. i loved him to death. and now i miss him. i believe he was murdered.
BigFanDaysOfOurLives 2 years ago
What normal-minded kid would miss this show at 5:30 or so, on Channel 11...we got to know all the shows by heart, but wouldn't miss seeing one for anything...
curlingto 2 years ago 3
Without question. This opening has got to be the ultimate of all time! Hands down.
envision43 2 years ago 41
In my mind...One of the all-time best openings for a TV Show ever for a young growing American Boy.................
mroneoftheguys 2 years ago 5
phyliss coates wanted and got top billing with george reeves on opening credits---noel neill, the first lois shared credits with others
EMCEMITCH 2 years ago
Noticed something about the first part of this and the color versions. The Black and White version has a S&W Miltary and Police revolver, the color version uses a Colt Officer's Model revolver, subtle but obvious differences to the trained eye
chrismc410 2 years ago
We need him to come back and clean out our corrupt government.
bv468 2 years ago 35
@bv468 How?
weenyone 1 year ago
Reeves & Reeve? Were Christopher and George related at all or not?To me,the coincidence is too much(too close).
djminimoto 2 years ago 2
ReeveS and Reeve. No, they didn't have the same name; they weren't related.
TampaRed 2 years ago
George Reeves' real name was George Bessolo; Reeves was his stage name.
berserkley 2 years ago
as a kid in the 50's this to me was the king of all shows...no other hero could come close to Superman..the opening theme song played here used to send shivers down my back...best time to be a boy!!!!
superbeehemi 2 years ago 7
This has been flagged as spam show
he wasnt faster then the speeding bullet that blew the back of his head out was he?
oakfox1981 2 years ago
Superman is an alien from another planet
JacksonPerdue 3 years ago
By the way, the Mole man was actually a movie. They eventually broke down into 2 parts so that it could be shown as part of the TV series.
ace942 3 years ago
This looked really old to us kids back in the 1960's. I remember most programs looking old even at 7 or 8 years old. They didnt have to many made for TV shows in the early 1960's,so we kids watched 1940 and 1950 stuff cut up to fit on TV.
1952kid 3 years ago
The Lois Lane in season one kicked ass, had a mean bitchy demeanor and tough gal persona, with a horrorshow scream.
barflewk 3 years ago 4
i can do all those things and more
arlingtonandy 3 years ago
Yes, it's SUPERMAN, with the amazing ability to be unselfconscious about his knobby knock knees.
99rhetbaboons 3 years ago
George Reeves was the Ultimate Clark Kent. ;)
KingCharltonHeston 3 years ago
I used to watch these re-runs on Nick at Night when I was a kid. The first episode I saw was the one about the Mole Men. That was the first episode in the series if I'm not mistaken.
Herreken 3 years ago 2
Aaaahh....remember when we were the good guys?
crocfme 3 years ago 2
I'm truly saddened to see "Kelloggs' Presents " deleted from the opening. It's tantamount to "Championship Bowling" being introduced without "Wildroot Cream-Oil" or "The Cisco Kid" Without "Teddie Peanut Butter". What would Lawrence Welk have done without "Plymid", "Dodch", or Ted Mag, except laugh all the way to the bank?
oakmont9 3 years ago 3
I loved this show so much!!
1400deadwood 3 years ago
You just have to like an opening like this.
That is why this show is so beloved even today. The opening just got you in the mood.
I had the pleasure of meeting Noel Neil at this years San Diego Comic-Con. A classy lady still.
Laceykat66 3 years ago 7
Hey Laceykat66,I also met Noel Neil in the Orlando,FL Comic-Con back in 2002 and I must say that she is the most wonderful and nicest person that I ever met.She is indeed a first class individual =)
EvilWilderness 3 years ago
Geroge Reeves really played this part well.
FireitupBedford 3 years ago 6
if i had those kinda powers i wouldn't give a damn for the american way!
vacuum 3 years ago
Where are you from??? The "American Way" needs to be re-surfaced, and cleansed of all the idiotic "other ways"...remember..Borders, Language, and Culture make a nation...
sihingjimo 3 years ago 6
Weak comment, pinhead.
FactMaster2020F 3 years ago
I guess your parents didn't raise you right, the way that Jonathan and Martha raised Clark!
hawkferrous 3 years ago
...Aaaand the american waaaay...
AngeloAnnieMate 3 years ago 6
You have powers and abilities far beyond those of mortal men.
That's what my gf said to me last night! ;)
castingtherunes 3 years ago 4
New York viewers didn't get to see the show until April 1, 1953, when it first aired on WJZ-TV {now WABC}, Channel 7, on Wednesdays at 6:15pm. Seems there was a matter of allowing "Superman and the Mole Men" (1951) to finish its bookings in movie theaters across the country before the TV series could appear in syndication; this is why the initial premiere dates were scattered during the first season {Chicago, Sept. '52- Los Angeles, Feb. '53, and so on}.
fromthesidelines 3 years ago
This show was later aired on WPIX-TV during the 60's until the 1980's where channel 11 pulled the plug, but it was later shown on WWOR-TV (channel 9) by the late 80's until the early 90's.
The show was distributed by Associated Artists Productions. AAP was the main distributor of that show, but they also acquired the rights to the pre-48 WB cartoons and the Popeye series as well.
HomeoftheGoodGuys 3 years ago
It not only moved to WWOR but replaced the "three apes" block of movies on Thanksgiving Day for a while. Noel Neill and Jack Larson were on hand to reminisce about their time on the show, too.
With that said, "The Adventures of Superman" on WPIX during the '70s as a kid was very special to me. Primitive looking today, it still has a proud place in my memory.
As a child, I preferred the color episodes, though the B&W episodes are more adult- oriented and appeal to me more today.
EarlSnohomish 3 years ago
Kellogg's originally sponsored the 15 minute daily radio version of "THE ADVENTURES OF SUPERMAN" between 1943 and '47; after their initial success in sponsoring the syndicated "WILD BILL HICKOK" TV series in 1951, they wanted another adventure show, and decided to sponsor 'The Man Of Steel' again- only they didn't know HOW "adult" Bob Maxwell's version was {he also produced the radio show} until after they "bought" it- and demanded edits in some episodes before it initially aired in late '52.
fromthesidelines 3 years ago
His agent convinced a reluctant Reeves it was just "work" which would rot on the shelf, this film noir, gritty, no punches pulled, series did languish 18 months before Kellogs discovered it. Shown on Dumont 8:30 PM Monday night, Mom said "no wonder the late night spot--this is NOT for kids".
It wasn't. One time grandma got pushed in her wheel chair down a flight of stairs.
Kellogs cereal picked up the seies 2 years after 1st filming. They wanted a kiddie show. Result? Season 1 is unique
Yourdeadmeat69 3 years ago
Now I know what George Costanza meant when he said thevolden days must have been 'a bald man's paradise' - at 0.25...!!!
marcusbondi 3 years ago
ah! the memories of a wide eyed kid back in the late fifties. Love the whole production, especially the intro.
fjbutch 4 years ago
For the American way too? :)
bencuska 4 years ago
the LEGEND !!
KaFaCeM06 4 years ago
I agree... George and Dick better watch out... for down deep all Americans are Supermen.:)
syntaur 4 years ago
wtf no legs u suck noob
liljonaryan 4 years ago
If he's fighting for the Americsn Way her should bend Cheney in his bare hands.
zenarcade64 4 years ago
Even the weakest episode of this show totally crushes 'Superman Returns' or the whole dang 'Smallville' show. George Reeves was the best Superman ever.
flapdoodle64 4 years ago 5
This has to be the most "heroic" opening theme in history.
crispycritterz 4 years ago 2
Before "BATMAN", there was a Classic Mythical Hero Of Justice. "Superman" played by George Reeves, really appealed to me and some other kids who wanted to be "Superman". Three Cheers to Superman. The Kids Television Superhero. Ms. Lois Lane was so sexy. I want to kiss her lips and her lovely feet.
jkmlight 4 years ago
class, simply class!! this show had it all. I wish I could turn back the hands of time. they should air all these shows in prime time again in full force. It would be a good dose of reverse brain washing to get society back to the way it was years ago.
envision43 4 years ago 2
20 years after the death of George Reeves, I saw this show in re-runs as a kid and I was a huge fan!! I still am a fan of the show!!
SuperMathMan 4 years ago
Superman was the shiznit. (Thats a good thing)
VicExcelsior 4 years ago
I think this is an amazing show. George Reeves is amazing. Now I wasn't alive when the show was being aired, but I do know that compared to shows now, it is a lot better in the lessons you learn...The Adventures of Superman is simply amazing. It's fun to see the effects too before all the new technology. Ah well. this is the best theme song ever!
bananafreak281 4 years ago
Maybe if it was filmed in britain, in would be Truth,Justice and the british way.--(But then Superman would have had to have rotten teeth) lol
lewby54 4 years ago
You are right folks! This may be viewed today as "propaganda", but we had values then . Kid's learned from their "hero's" about how to conduct yourself and be good people.We KNEW what Superman represented expected of us. Now the "BAD GUY's"are the hero's.I feel sorry for kids today. They'll never know what it's like to have a decent role model.Reeves WAS Superman for my generation.
umbungi 4 years ago 2
Today's kids look up to P Shitty, Fitty Cent, and Hannah Montana.
castingtherunes 4 years ago
Originally, in the space before the opening title, Charles Lyon delivered the sponsor's I.D.: "KELLOGG'S-the greatest name in cereals- presents...'THE ADVENTURES OF SUPERMAN'".
fromthesidelines 4 years ago
That may explain why the old intro is spliced in with the newer colorized one.
prausch65 4 years ago
Why the Amerian way? Why not the Canadian way or the British way?
wlocks 4 years ago
Because Americans are far greater than the British or Canadians. Ha ha just kidding. It was a TV show made for American TV, why would they say anything else?
JDtheMusicMan 4 years ago
Because America > Canada and the British, duhhh.
neoEva00 3 years ago
great to see the Superman opening again. Thanks for the post, capt.
Rollin558 4 years ago