The Legend of Superman By Clyde Ayles

Perhaps the most famous super hero in the world is SUPERMAN. I know, some may say Batman, or Spiderman and a few others. But none have the powers of Superman.        He first came onto the scene in 1939 in a comic book titled Action comics. He was created by two young friends, Joe Shuster and Jerry Seigel.  His powers were a little limited in the beginning. He could leap over tall builings instead of flying all over the place. He was an instant hit.   In the 1940's he hit the movie screen in two sat. matinee serials "Superman" and "Superman vs. Atom Man".   Our hero was played by an actor  by the name of KIRK ALYN who became the first live action Superman. He was not very big  or muscular, but he was the man in the red cape.   When he flew the scenes were animated. The cartoon Superman would land behind a car and emerge as the real actor. I have these serials in my collection and they still hold up today.  Noel Neil, a slight pretty girl played Lois Lane.  Later she would play the part on the t.v. series. I met Ms. Neil at a movie show and she told of the good times she had making the movies.  In 1951, a small studio released a feature film "Superman And The Mole Men", which later would become a two parter on the t.v. show.  This time they starred an actor named GEORGE REEVES who had appeared in  a              few films like "Gone With The Wind" and "So Proudly We Hail".  In this version he did'nt even fly. Lois Lane was played by PHYLLIS COATES who did a few sat. serials.                                                    Then came the t.v.  show which ran for about three seasons. George Reeves was back and so was Phyllis Coates, later to be replaced by Noel Neil.   At first the storys were very good and full of action, but later turned into silly little stories and Mr. Reeves put on a few pounds. After the series ended, it was reported that Reeves became so typcast he could not find work. He later commited sucide.    Look for a film to come to your theatre soon about this tragedy.  There was also a little known broadway musical about the man of steel.                                                                                                                                Also in the 1940's cartoonist Max Fliesher made a few cartoon shorts of our hero starring the voice of Bud Collyer, who also played him on a 5pm. radio show that was sponsered by Kelloggs Pep breakfast food.    Mr. Collyer would later host a t.v. game show "Beat The Clock"            Some critics say the Fliesher cartoons were some of the best ever made. They are available on D.V.D.       Then came 1977 and Richard Donner's "SUPERMAN THE MOVIE" starring the late CHRISTOPHER REEVE, perhaps the the best Superman ever. The adds said "You will believe a man can fly" and they were right. MARGO KIDDER was Lois Lane. Then came three sequels, no. 2 being the best.     Warner Bros released the films, giving Shuster and Siegel creator credit when the two sold the rights.  I had the thrill of seeing Christopher Reeve in person at the Night Of A Hundred Stars at Radio City Music Hall in New York in 1991. I will not forget that.     Now we have "SUPERMAN RETURNS" coming to the big screen. This time it stars BRANDON ROUTH wearing the red and blue costume.  I hope we are not let down...   By the way, if you say you forgot the t.v. show "Lois And Clark", I didn't. They are just not very memorable. Dean Cain looked more like Superboy. And "Smallville? Well it stated out great, then went down hill.      SEE YA AT THE MOVIES     CLYDE