So from 1948 to 1987, three different studios released 8 different live-action Theatrical Superman movies, ranging from serials to a B-movie to 5 A-movies, plus the Christopher Reeve franchise spin-off Supergirl. So from this time frame, which one is the best live-action Superman?
Poll Superman 1948-1987
- Thread starter tomswift2002
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How does Supergirl work as the best Superman?
Me too, though there's really no question that Superman '78 is the cream of the crop.
“Supergirl” I included because it is part of the Salkind/Reeve series and while Christopher Reeve does not apppear, Jimmy Olsen does.
As for the time period, I had already created a 2006-2018 thread, as the nearly 20 year gap in theatrical releases provided a natural separation. Plus, when you look at the story, Superman Returns breaks from the Reeve movies at Superman 2, thereby apparently erasing Supergirl, & Superman 3 & 4.
I’ve never liked Richard Lester’s “Superman II”, as I found Zod really didn’t come across as an interesting. I found him rather 1-dimensional—-he’s a dictator/god with super powers.
Well, it has significance in that we wouldn't see another Superman film for almost 20 years. A not insignificant amount of time between movies. However, there were some Superman projects between 87 and 2006 that never saw the light of day. That proves there was interest in making more Superman films.
It's interesting that Superman went through a big change in 1987 and that coincides with the final film of the 80s. DC ended the long running Superman title and started over with # 1. John Byrne took over the newly rebooted Superman and also Action Comics (continued with original numbering) and re-imagined the character. In a lot of ways, it was a different character from the one shown to us by Chstopher Reeve. Changes were made to his origin. No longer was he so powerful as seen in previous years. It was part of DC revamping their comics line. They also ended Justice League, Wonder Woman, and The Flash and rebooted them with new directions and creative teams. These changes made these characters relevant and popular in ways they hadn't been for many years. It made them cool again.
Now, I have no idea if that was part of the reason another Superman movie didn't see the light of day until 2006. The failure of Quest For Peace might have had more to do with the decision to stop making more films.
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Actually, it breaks with the series before the end of Superman II as he apparently never returned the flag to the White House and gave his speech to the president.
We did see a lot of Superman on television during that period though: Superboy, Lois and Clark, and Smallville.
And the cartoon. The cartoon was great.
The poll is somewhat confusing … do you mean which actor gave the performance or which specific installment was best?
Kirk Alyn and George Reeves both gave a more consistent performance as I would suggest Christopher Reeve's third & fourth Superman films cancelled out the greatness of his first two adventures.
Overall, I would rate George Reeves as the greatest Superman to date, however, Christopher Reeve's "Superman: The Movie" (1978) the best installment. Kirk Alyn should not be dismissed though as both of his chapter-serials were excellent - only negative was the irksome animated flying sequences otherwise it was every bit as good as "The Adventures of Captain Marvel."
Also, is there a reason you drew the line at 1987? Why exclude the Dean Cain Superman (Lois & Clark)?
Kirk Alyn and George Reeves both gave a more consistent performance as I would suggest Christopher Reeve's third & fourth Superman films cancelled out the greatness of his first two adventures.
Overall, I would rate George Reeves as the greatest Superman to date, however, Christopher Reeve's "Superman: The Movie" (1978) the best installment. Kirk Alyn should not be dismissed though as both of his chapter-serials were excellent - only negative was the irksome animated flying sequences otherwise it was every bit as good as "The Adventures of Captain Marvel."
Also, is there a reason you drew the line at 1987? Why exclude the Dean Cain Superman (Lois & Clark)?
I presume, looking at the list, that this is for theatrical releases only.
I do believe you are right. Thank you.
Funny, the first time I read it I thought I saw an Adventures of Superman TV series option. I was mistaken.
One wore glasses and the other one didn’t.
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