Rating: - A Tale of Two Studios
Once upon a time the Serial was an extremely popular form, and 2 studios were the major producers who stuck with it the longest- Republic and Columbia. Republic had the writers, actors directors and, most importantly, the stuntmen who knew how to make them. Columbia had the more popular characters(Batman,The Phantom, The Shadow...etc).And while they would spend the money to acquire the rights, they were incredibly cheap when it came to production. Superman is a Columbia Serial, with all the shortcomings that that entails. Bad writing, bad acting, cheap effects, bad costumes (Hell, the only time somebody changes outfits is when Clark Kent becomes Superman. Otherwise they wear the same clothes throughout, including an unfortunate choice of hat for Lois Lane that makes her look like one of the dancing mushrooms from "Fantasia" for 15 chapters) Still, Superman: The Serial is not without it's charms...Kirk Alyn's adoption of Bud Collyer's voice trick on (Tenor)"This looks like a Job (Basso Profundo)for Superman" allows you to hear the testosterone levels rising...Tommy "Butch from Our Gang" Bond as Jimmy Olsen...Noel Neill's first shot at Lois Lane (sans anger management)...and the opportunity to play spot the stock footage during the destruction of Krypton. It's all good fun...Still, I think the secret wish of every serial fan is to imagine what Republic would have done with the Big Blue Guy...Hmmm...Kane Richmond as Superman...Linda Stirling as Lois Lane...*SIGH*

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