On September 19th, 1952 a little show premiered known by the name of “The Adventures of Superman.” Who’s this Superman character you ask? He’s just some guy flying around in his underwear fighting for truth, justice and the American way (because in the 50’s, that was the only way). Lucky for us viewers, when the show eventually ended, we had “Captain Nice” to pick up the superhero mantle in the late 60’s. (Check out the video below. It’s worth the viewing!)
Before big budgets and CGI, we had springboards, mattes and rotoscoping for this modestly budgeted television show in the 1950’s. The first two seasons were filmed in black & white while the remaining four seasons were filmed in color (though not broadcast in color until 1965). It ran for a total of 104 episodes, with the last episode airing on April 28, 1958.
The first episode of the series entitled “Superman on Earth” is a very traditional telling of the Superman origin story. Jor-El sends his only son Kal-El to Earth in a spaceship to avoid the destruction of their planet (Krypton). The Kents (known here as “Eben” and “Sarah”) find the newly arrived baby and raise him as their own. After the death of Eben, Kal-El (now known as Clark Kent) leaves his home in Smallville and ventures to Metropolis where he applies for a job as a reporter at the Daily Planet. At first, Perry White, the editor-in-chief, balks at hiring another reporter. It is only after Clark (as Superman) saves a man from falling to his death from a blimp and gets the exclusive story, does Perry hire him on.
It’s actually a very good read. What’s interesting about this version I’ve posted here is that the script is a work in progress. It has many scenes crossed out and shows some changes to the dialogue. Though I didn’t compare the script to the final broadcast (embedded below), it would appear there are some differences. This script is definitely a very interesting piece of television history.
Anyhow, without further ado, enjoy reading – “Superman on Earth.”
Click HERE to read the script.
The Adventures of Superman Pilot “Superman on Earth.”
First aired September 19th, 1952
Captain Nice Pilot “The Man who flies like a pigeon.”
First aired January 9, 1967