Rating:  -
Beautifully restored with terrific Technicolor color contrasts, and superbly detailed, imaginative animation, this collection includes the last 2 Superman cartoons made by the Fleischer Studios, who made 9 episodes between 1941-1942, and the first 6 by the Famous Studios, who took over between 1942-1943 and made 8 episodes. All of them feature the voice of Clayton "Bud" Collyer as Superman, and Joan Alexander as Lois, and music by Sammy Timberg (with occasional additional music by Winston Sharples). All have the Paramount Pictures "It's a bird! It's a plane!" intro. There are a lot of WWII themes in the episodes, some racial stereotyping, and total playing time is 67 minutes. For those who admire early animation, this collection is a must-have. Episode list:
1: "Volcano," 1942, directed by Dave Fleischer, animated by Willard Bowsky and Otto Feuer, and is the 8th episode by the Fleischer Studios. South Pacific volcano erupts! Lois steals Clark's press pass to scoop the story!
2: "Terror on the Midway," 1942, directed by Dave Fleischer, animated by Orestes Calpini and Jim Davis, the 9th and final episode for Fleischer Studios. The circus is in town! All is well until.....a gigantic ape escapes!
3: "Japoteurs," 1942, directed by Seymour Kneitel, animated by Myron Waldman and Nick Tafuri, and is the 1st episode by Famous Studios. The largest bomber ever made is stolen by spies...with Lois aboard!
4: "Showdown," 1942, directed by Isadore Sparber, animated by Steve Muffati and Graham Place, 2nd episode by Famous Studios. A thief impersonates Superman...which is a very bad idea!
5: "Eleventh Hour," 1942, directed by Dan Gordon, animated by Willard Bowsky and William Henning. The 3rd episode by Famous Studios. Clark and Lois have been captured! In Yokohama!
6: "Destruction, Inc.," 1942, directed by Isadore Sparber, animated by Dave Tendlar and Tom Moore. The 4th episode by Famous Studios. Spies get to the bombs in Metropolis! And they put Lois inside a torpedo!
7: "The Mummy Strikes," 1943, directed by Isadore Sparber, animated by Myron Waldman and Graham Place. The 5th episode by Famous Studios. "He who disturbs the eternal peace of King Tush shall perish!"
8: "Jungle Drums," 1943, directed by Dan Gordon, animated by Orestes Calpini and H.C. Ellison. The 6th episode by Famous Studios. Lois gets caught by Nazis in Africa...and the natives are led by a Nazi impersonating a "jungle god," who looks more like a horned Klan member!
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