Forgotten Television: Adventures of Superman

Clark Kent (George Reeves) is a mild-mannered reporter for the Daily Planet who secretly defends Metropolis as Superman. Coming to Earth as a baby after his home planet of Krypton is destroyed, Clark is found by Eben and Sarah Kent who raise him as their own.  Superman combats criminals, mad scientists, gangsters, and other threats, using his superhuman strength, near invincibility, X-ray vision, and ability to fly. Lois Lane (Phyllis Coates in Season 1 and Noel Neill in later seasons) is his fearless co-reporter, often getting into perilous situations that require Superman’s timely rescue. Perry White (John Hamilton), the gruff editor-in-chief, and Jimmy Olsen (Jack Larson), the eager young photographer who idolizes Superman also join Clark Kent / Superman in fighting evil.

Adventures of Superman first aired in syndication on September 19, 1952, and ran for 6 seasons, ending in 1958.  It was one of the earliest live-action superhero TV shows and was met with widespread popularity among children and families.  George Reeves was praised for his charismatic portrayal and bringing a wholesome, reassuring tone to the character during the Cold War era. Critically, it was considered simple and campy by later standards, but it set the template for future superhero adaptations. Compared to the original Superman comics by Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster, the series toned down some of the darker or more fantastical elements. The show focused more on earthbound crime-fighting and moral lessons rather than the broader sci-fi adventures and powerful alien foes featured in the comics. Budget constraints also limited special effects and story scope, but the series remains beloved for defining Superman for an entire generation of viewers.  In future movies, Clark is also portrayed with less authority and is often seen as shy and clumsy, further separating Clark from Superman.

Tragically, George Reeves’ life came to a mysterious and controversial end. On June 16, 1959, Reeves was found dead in his Los Angeles home from a gunshot wound to the head. His death was officially ruled a suicide, but rumors and conspiracy theories have long surrounded the case, with some believing foul play was involved due to Reeves’ complicated personal life and alleged ties to powerful Hollywood figures. In support of the suicide theory, Reeves was depressed over his financial situation, and he felt his credibility as a serious actor had been ruined by his role as Superman. But on the flip side, there are several inconsistencies in the evidence and witness statements that lend credence to the murder theory. No matter what, his death cast a dark shadow over the wholesome image of Adventures of Superman and contributed to the enduring fascination with Reeves as both a beloved TV hero and a tragic Hollywood figure.  Reeve’s death meant the end of the show, which had planned another couple of seasons.  Even after his death, several ideas to continue the show were suggested, one that focused on Jimmy Olsen with stock footage of George Reeves being used to allude that Superman was still around, but Larson declined.  A spinoff focusing on a young Clark Kent in Smallville was also proposed with Johnny Rockwell staring, only the pilot was filmed, and the show was not picked up. Ultimately, the show would end.

I am not old enough to have seen this series during its original run, but I do remember watching the show in re-runs in the mid to late 1970s and absolutely loving it.  It is probably where I get my love for all things Superman.  Watching it now, after all the other series and movies have come out, it does seem very tame and a bit corny, but there is something still magical in its simplicity.  On a limited budget with a strict shooting schedule and no time for lengthy special effects sequences, the show was still able to convey a man flying, super strength, X-ray vision and many other powers.  George Reeves made a great superman, I wasn’t as thrilled with his Clark Kent, who sometimes seemed a bit too confident.  Both actresses playing Lois were excellent exuding enough chutzpa for the crack reporter she is supposed to be.  And Jack Larson’s Jimmy Olsen is, to this day, one of the best portrayals of that character.

Overall, for its time, Adventures of Superman was one of the first superhero shows to hit main stream popularity and set the stage for all the others yet to come.