History of the Superman Portrayals - Part 1

[CBR News]

With "Man of Steel" arriving in theaters next year, Alan Kistler examines the actors who have portrayed Superman in various iterations, from the earliest radio stories to TV and film.


Full article here.

[stewart48]

I struggle to sit through an entire reeves superman movie today, unlike when I was a kid and just rewatched them over and over again.

The image of Superman speaks to the child in all of us, and in a really weird way, I believe that is why the red shorts over the pants have always been important to the look, because it speaks to that inner child and memories.

The Nu Superman doesn't look bad, but he isn't going to connect visually. Emotional memories and nostalgia play a huge part in what made the classic superman work and thats something the nu design will not benefit from

[Lexrules]

I struggle to sit through an entire reeves superman movie today, unlike when I was a kid and just rewatched them over and over again.

The image of Superman speaks to the child in all of us, and in a really weird way, I believe that is why the red shorts over the pants have always been important to the look, because it speaks to that inner child and memories.

The Nu Superman doesn't look bad, but he isn't going to connect visually. Emotional memories and nostalgia play a huge part in what made the classic superman work and thats something the nu design will not benefit from

LOL. How could you have trouble sitting through Superman The Movie? I really have a problem picturing being a Superman fan and having problem sitting through Superman The Movie at any age.

[stewart48]

LOL. How could you have trouble sitting through Superman The Movie? I really have a problem picturing being a Superman fan and having problem sitting through Superman The Movie at any age.

Just time goes on and probably the insane amount of times I watched it.

I still get goosebumps at the theme, but its one of those things where sometimes I've got to walk out of the room and make a sandwhich without the need to pause it.

[Lexrules]

Just time goes on and probably the insane amount of times I watched it.

I still get goosebumps at the theme, but its one of those things where sometimes I've got to walk out of the room and make a sandwhich without the need to pause it.

OK. I could watch that Over and Over and Over again. lol

[DebkoX]

Mr Reeves was certainly the best.

[pops gustav]

Richard Donner did not direct DIE HARD, John McTeirnan did. Not sure where that error came from.

[nightwing1982]

Richard Donner did not direct DIE HARD, John McTeirnan did. Not sure where that error came from.

I was going to post that!

Anyway, anyone that played Superman on scene or voice over was casted just right for that time period. Of course Reeves is at the top of my list.

[Nightwing83]

Most likely, they were thinking of Lethal Weapon, which Donner did direct, albiet almost a decade later. They should probably have said The Omen in that it was his biggest claim to fame BEFORE the Superman movie.

[neowrites]

I only saw the serials for the first time a very few years ago. Alyn's Superman was okay, but I say his Clark Kent is the best of all potrayals. His Clark was pleasant but competent and had a sense of humor. Reeve was Superman, but Alyn was definitely Clark Kent.

[Last Son]

Most likely, they were thinking of Lethal Weapon, which Donner did direct, albiet almost a decade later. They should probably have said The Omen in that it was his biggest claim to fame BEFORE the Superman movie.

Lethal Weapon came out about a year before Die Hard.. unless you mean he made Lethal Weapon a decade after Superman.

[rZi]

looks like a great article, sneak peak at work so can't wait to get home and read in full

nobodies really hit the mark for me yet, who knows, maybe cavhill will be the one

[Mat001]

"Lethal Weapon" was shot in 1986 and came out in 87. "Superman" and "Superman II" began production in 1977 and came out in 78. "Die Hard was shot in 87 and came out in 88. So Nightwing83 is right, he just needed to be a bit clearer.

[Crusader K]

I always liked George Reeves' portrayal of Clark. His Clark wasn't necessarily a wimp. He kinda seemed more of a crusading reporter. Kinda more ballsy. I know it's necessary to the character, but I never was too thrilled with a milquetoast Clark. As for Christoper Reeve? I cannot heap enough admiration and respect on his performance. For the shy, nerdy, bullied kid that I was, Chris Reeve made me believe in heroism and the fact that just because one was strong, that strength could be used for good. For me, he's STILL the standard by which all others are measured. Might not be fair, but that's the way it is.

[Mr. Holmes]

The Nu Superman doesn't look bad, but he isn't going to connect visually. Emotional memories and nostalgia play a huge part in what made the classic superman work and thats something the nu design will not benefit from

This is the kind of backwards thinking that's kept the character from being successful for the last two decades.