IMDb >
Superman (1978)
Watch It
Buy it at Amazon
Rent it at Blockbuster.com
Discuss in Boards More at IMDb Pro Add to My Movies Update Data
BETA
Discuss in Boards More at IMDb Pro Add to My Movies Update Data
Quicklinks
Top Links
trailers and videosfull cast and crewtriviaofficial sitesmemorable quotesOverview
main detailscombined detailsfull cast and crewcompany creditstv scheduleAwards & Reviews
user commentsexternal reviewsnewsgroup reviewsawardsuser ratingsparents guiderecommendationsmessage boardPlot & Quotes
plot summarysynopsisplot keywordsAmazon.com summarymemorable quotesFun Stuff
triviagoofssoundtrack listingcrazy creditsalternate versionsmovie connectionsFAQOther Info
merchandising linksbox office/businessrelease datesfilming locationstechnical specslaserdisc detailsDVD detailsliterature listingsNewsDeskPromotional
taglines trailers and videos posters photo galleryExternal Links
showtimesofficial sitesmiscellaneousphotographssound clipsvideo clipsSuperman (1978) More at IMDbPro »
| Photos (see all 70 | slideshow) | Videos (see all 5 NEW) |
          |
|
Overview
User Rating:
Release Date:
15 December 1978 (USA) moreTagline:
You'll Believe a Man Can Fly! morePlot:
An alien orphan is sent from his dying planet to Earth, where he grows up to become his adoptive home's first and greatest super-hero. full summary | full synopsisAwards:
Nominated for 3 Oscars. Another 10 wins & 14 nominations moreNewsDesk:
(296 articles)
The Reincarnation Of David Fincher (From EmpireOnline. 8 November 2009, 11:04 PM, PST)
DVD Playhouse--November 2009
(From The Hollywood Interview. 8 November 2009, 10:26 PM, PST)
User Comments:
You'll still believe a man can fly more (393 total)Cast
(in credits order) (verified as complete) | Marlon Brando | ... | Jor-El |
 | Gene Hackman | ... | Lex Luthor |
 | Christopher Reeve | ... | Superman / Clark Kent |
 | Ned Beatty | ... | Otis |
 | Jackie Cooper | ... | Perry White |
 | Glenn Ford | ... | Jonathan Kent |
| Trevor Howard | ... | 1st Elder |
 | Margot Kidder | ... | Lois Lane |
 | Jack O'Halloran | ... | Non |
 | Valerie Perrine | ... | Eve Teschmacher |
| Maria Schell | ... | Vond-Ah |
 | Terence Stamp | ... | General Zod |
| Phyllis Thaxter | ... | Martha Kent |
| Susannah York | ... | Lara |
 | Jeff East | ... | Young Clark Kent |
 | Marc McClure | ... | Jimmy Olsen |
| Sarah Douglas | ... | Ursa |
| Harry Andrews | ... | 2nd Elder |
| Vass Anderson | ... | 3rd Elder |
| John Hollis | ... | 4th Elder |
| James Garbutt | ... | 5th Elder |
| Michael Gover | ... | 6th Elder |
| David Neal | ... | 7th Elder |
| William Russell | ... | 8th Elder |
| Penelope Lee | ... | 9th Elder |
| John Stuart | ... | 10th Elder |
| Alan Cullen | ... | 11th Elder |
| Lee Quigley | ... | Baby Kal-El (placed in capsule) |
| Aaron Smolinski | ... | Baby Clark Kent |
| Diane Sherry | ... | Lana Lang |
| Jeff Atcheson | ... | Coach |
| Brad Flock | ... | Football Player |
| David Petrou | ... | Team Manager |
| Billy J. Mitchell | ... | Editor #1 |
| Robert Henderson | ... | Editor #2 |
| Larry Lamb | ... | Reporter #1 |
| James Brockington | ... | Reporter #2 |
| John Cassady | ... | Reporter #3 |
| John F. Parker | ... | Reporter #4 |
| Antony Scott | ... | Reporter #5 |
| Ray Evans | ... | Reporter #6 |
| Sue Shifrin | ... | Reporter #7 (as Su Shifrin) |
| Miquel Brown | ... | Reporter #8 |
| Vincent Marzello | ... | Copy Boy #1 |
 | Benjamin Feitelson | ... | Copy Boy #2 |
| Lise Hilboldt | ... | Secretary #1 |
| Leueen Willoughby | ... | Secretary #2 |
| Jill Ingham | ... | Perry's Secretary |
| Pieter Stuyck | ... | Window Cleaner |
| Rex Reed | ... | Rex Reed |
| Weston Gavin | ... | Mugger |
| Steve Kahan | ... | Detective Armus (as Stephen Kahan) |
| Ray Hassett | ... | Officer #2 |
| Randy Jurgensen | ... | Officer #3 (as Randy Jurgenson) |
| Matt Russo | ... | News Vendor |
| Colin Skeaping | ... | Pilot |
| Bo Rucker | ... | Pimp |
| Paul Avery | ... | TV Cameraman |
| David Baxt | ... | Burglar |
| George Harris II | ... | Patrolman Mooney |
| Michael Harrigan | ... | Hood #1 |
| John Cording | ... | Hood #2 |
| Raymond Thompson | ... | Hood #3 |
| Oz Clarke | ... | Hood #4 |
| Rex Everhart | ... | Sergeant Dolan (as Rex Everhardt) |
| Jayne Tottman | ... | Little Girl |
| Frank Lazarus | ... | Air Force One Pilot |
| Brian Protheroe | ... | Air Force One Co-Pilot |
| Lawrence Trimble | ... | Crewman #1 |
| Robert Whelan | ... | Crewman #2 |
| David Calder | ... | Crewman #3 |
| Norwich Duff | ... | Newscaster #1 (as Norwick Duff) |
| Keith Alexander | ... | Newscaster #2 |
 | Michael Ensign | ... | Newscaster #3 |
 | Larry Hagman | ... | Major |
| Paul Tuerpe | ... | Sgt. Hayley |
| Graham McPherson | ... | Lieutenant |
| David Yorston | ... | Petty Officer |
| Robert O'Neill | ... | Admiral |
| Robert MacLeod | ... | General |
 | John Ratzenberger | ... | Controller #1 |
| Alan Tilvern | ... | Controller #2 |
| Phil Brown | ... | State Senator #1 |
| Bill Bailey | ... | State Senator #2 |
| Burnell Tucker | ... | Agent |
| Chief Tug Smith | ... | Indian Chief |
| Norman Warwick | ... | Superchief Driver |
| Chuck Julian | ... | Assistant |
| Colin Etherington | ... | Power Co. Driver |
| Mark Wynter | ... | Mate |
| Roy Stevens | ... | Warden |
| rest of cast listed alphabetically: | |||
| David de Keyser | ... | Warden (voice) |
| Kirk Alyn | ... | Young Lois Lane's Father on Train (uncredited) |
| Bruce Boa | ... | General (in extended version) (uncredited) |
 | Richard Donner | ... | Man in Street - extended version (uncredited) |
| Harry Fielder | ... | Policeman (uncredited) |
| Edward Finneran | ... | Special Football Player (uncredited) |
| Noel Neill | ... | Young Lois Lane's Mother on Train (uncredited) |
| Tony Selby | ... | Hood (uncredited) |
Directed by | |||
| Richard Donner | |||
Writing credits | ||
| Jerry Siegel | (creator: Superman) & | |
| Joe Shuster | (creator: Superman) | |
| Mario Puzo | (story) | |
| Mario Puzo | (screenplay) and | |
| David Newman | (screenplay) and | |
| Leslie Newman | (screenplay) & | |
| Robert Benton | (screenplay) | |
| Tom Mankiewicz | uncredited | |
Produced by | |||
| Charles F. Greenlaw | .... | associate producer | |
| Alexander Salkind | .... | producer | |
| Ilya Salkind | .... | executive producer | |
| Pierre Spengler | .... | producer | |
| Michael Thau | .... | producer (2000 restoration) | |
| Richard Lester | .... | producer (uncredited) | |
Original Music by | |||
| John Williams | |||
Cinematography by | |||
| Geoffrey Unsworth | (photographed by) | ||
Film Editing by | |||
| Stuart Baird | |||
| Michael Ellis | |||
| Michael Thau | (2001 director's cut) | ||
Casting by | |||
| Lynn Stalmaster | |||
Production Design by | |||
| John Barry | |||
Art Direction by | |||
| Ernest Archer | |||
| Philip Bennet | |||
| Stuart Craig | |||
| Leslie Dilley | (as Les Dilley) | ||
| Norman Dorme | |||
| Tony Reading | |||
| Norman Reynolds | |||
Set Decoration by | |||
| Peter Howitt | |||
Costume Design by | |||
| Yvonne Blake | |||
Makeup Department | |||
| Jamie Brown | .... | makeup artist: Canada | |
| Sylvia Croft | .... | makeup artist | |
| Iloe Elliott | .... | hair stylist: Canada | |
| Graham Freeborn | .... | makeup artist | |
| Kay Freeborn | .... | makeup artist | |
| Stuart Freeborn | .... | creative supervisor of makeup & special visuals | |
| Darby Halpin | .... | hair stylist: USA | |
| Cathy Kevany | .... | hair stylist | |
| Louis Lane | .... | makeup artist: USA | |
| Nick Maley | .... | makeup artist | |
| Patricia McDermott | .... | hair stylist (as Pat McDermott) | |
| Basil Newall | .... | makeup artist | |
| Connie Reeve | .... | makeup artist | |
| Phil Rhodes | .... | makeup artist (as Philip Rhodes) | |
| Stella Rivers | .... | hair stylist | |
| Joan White | .... | hair stylist | |
Sound Department | |||
| Bob Beher | .... | foley supervisor: 2000 restoration | |
| Max Bell | .... | stereo sound consultant: Dolby | |
| Brian Best | .... | sound editor (2000 restoration) (as Brian T. Best) | |
| Norman Bolland | .... | sound mixer | |
| Pat Brennan | .... | assistant dubbing editor (as Patrick Brennan) | |
| Geoff R. Brown | .... | assistant dubbing editor (as Geoff Brown) | |
| Lance Brown | .... | sound editor: 2000 restoration | |
| William Cawley | .... | assistant sound editor (2000 restoration) (as Bill Cawley) | |
| Roy Charman | .... | sound mixer | |
| Bradley Clouse | .... | first assistant sound editor: 2000 restoration | |
| Charles Deenen | .... | sound designer: 2000 restoration | |
| Des Edwards | .... | assistant sound mixer | |
| John Michael Fanaris | .... | sound effects coordinator: 2000 restoration | |
| Stan Fiferman | .... | sound editor: footsteps and effects | |
| David L. Fisher | .... | assistant dubbing editor (as David Fisher) | |
| J. Aloysius Flanagan III | .... | assistant sound editor: 2000 restoration | |
| John Foster | .... | sound editor: footsteps and effects | |
| Pat Foster | .... | dialogue editor | |
| Tim Gedemer | .... | sound design: 2000 restoration | |
| Chris Greenham | .... | supervising sound editor | |
| Leonard Green | .... | assistant dubbing editor | |
| Graham V. Hartstone | .... | assistant dubbing mixer (as Graham Hartstone) | |
| Mike Hopkins | .... | dialogue editor (as Michael Hopkins) | |
| Chris Large | .... | sound mixer: Canada | |
| Daniel J. Leahy | .... | sound re-recording mixer (2000 restoration) (as Daniel Leahy) | |
| Nicolas Le Messurier | .... | assistant dubbing mixer (as Nicholas Le Messurier) | |
| Steve Mann | .... | sound editor: 2000 restoration | |
| Brian Marshall | .... | sound mixer | |
| Gordon K. McCallum | .... | sound mixer | |
| Gordon K. McCallum | .... | sound re-recording mixer | |
| Kathy McCart | .... | digital playback: 2000 restoration | |
| Anthony Milch | .... | sound editor (2000 restoration) (as Anthony R. Milch) | |
| Jay Nierenberg | .... | supervising sound editor (2000 Restoration) | |
| Tony Orton | .... | assistant dubbing editor | |
| Keith Pamplin | .... | assistant sound mixer | |
| Steve Pederson | .... | sound re-recording mixer: 2000 restoration | |
| Peter Pennell | .... | sound effects editor | |
| Richard Raguse | .... | sound mixer: USA (as Dick Ragusa) | |
| George Rice | .... | assistant sound mixer | |
| Gary Ritchie | .... | digital playback: 2000 restoration | |
| Terry Rodman | .... | sound editor: 2000 restoration | |
| Charles Schmitz | .... | sound mixer: USA | |
| Jupiter Sen | .... | assistant dubbing editor | |
| Otto Snel | .... | assistant dubbing mixer | |
| Roland N. Thai | .... | sound editor: 2000 restoration | |
| Michael Tucker | .... | assistant sound mixer | |
| Tim Walston | .... | sound designer: 2000 restoration | |
| Bernard Weiser | .... | supervising sound editor: special edition re-release | |
| Peter Desbois | .... | sound playback operator (uncredited) | |
| Chris Gurney | .... | boom operator: day-play (uncredited) | |
Visual Effects by | |||
| Darrell Anderson | .... | additional model photography: USA | |
| James Aspinall | .... | zoptic operator | |
| Bob Bailin | .... | process plate photography: New York | |
| Dennis Bartlett | .... | travelling matte supervisor | |
| Les Bowie | .... | creative supervisor of mattes & composites | |
| Michael Campbell | .... | visual coordinator | |
| Ray Caple | .... | matte artist | |
| Denys N. Coop | .... | creative director of process photography (as Denys Coop) | |
| Chris Crowell | .... | digital compositor: Pacific Title & Art Studio (2000 restoration) | |
| Ken Dackermann | .... | digital compositor: Pacific Title & Art Studio (2000 restoration) | |
| Leslie Dear | .... | additional model photography | |
| Mike Drew | .... | zoptic operator | |
| Tony Dunsterville | .... | model maker | |
| Sheldon Elbourne | .... | title & special optical sequences photographer | |
| Doug Ferris | .... | matte artist | |
| Roy Field | .... | creative supervisor of optical visual effects | |
| Cyril Forster | .... | model maker | |
| Mark Freund | .... | visual effects supervisor: Pacific Title & Art Studio (2000 restoration) | |
| George Gervan | .... | digital roto artist: Pacific Title & Art Studio (2000 restoration) | |
| Richard Gervan | .... | digital roto artist: Pacific Title & Art Studio (2000 restoration) | |
| George Gibbs | .... | additional model effects | |
| Martin Hall | .... | digital paint artist: Pacific Title & Art Studio (2000 restoration) | |
| Peter Hammond | .... | matte camera operator | |
| Peter Harman | .... | matte camera operator | |
| Maureen Healy | .... | digital paint artist: Pacific Title & Art Studio (2000 restoration) | |
| Veronica Hernandez | .... | digital paint artist: Pacific Title & Art Studio (2000 restoration) | |
| Heather Hoyland | .... | lead digital compositor: Pacific Title & Art Studio (2000 restoration) | |
| Andrew Kelly | .... | model maker | |
| Bob Kindred | .... | additional model photography | |
| Tad Krzanowski | .... | model maker (as Tadeusz Krzanowski) | |
| David Lane | .... | visual coordinator | |
| Liz Lettman | .... | assistant matte artist | |
| Jeff Luff | .... | model maker | |
| Darin McCormick-Millett | .... | digital producer (2000 restoration) | |
| Derek Meddings | .... | model effects director & creator | |
| Sean Morris | .... | optical sequences | |
| Harry Oakes | .... | additional model photography | |
| Roy Pace | .... | title & special optical sequences photographer | |
| Peter Parks | .... | optical sequences | |
| Zoran Perisic | .... | zoptic special effects | |
| Terry Reed | .... | model maker | |
| Denis Rich | .... | special visual effects designer | |
| Cervin Robinson | .... | process stills: New York | |
| Martin Shortall | .... | optical liaison | |
| Brian Smithies | .... | additional model effects | |
| David Speed | .... | zoptic operator | |
| Charles Staffell | .... | process systems | |
| Lynn Tigar | .... | digital paint artist: Pacific Title & Art Studio (2000 restoration) | |
| Wally Veevers | .... | flying systems & process projection | |
| Ernest Walter | .... | visual coordinator | |
| Peter Watson | .... | supervising editor of optical & special effects | |
| Paul Wilson | .... | model photography | |
| Russ Woolnough | .... | assistant editor of optical & special effects (as Russell Woolnough) | |
| Andy Aitken | .... | model maker (uncredited) | |
| Keith Holland | .... | visual effects camera operator (uncredited) | |
| John Inglis | .... | visual effects supervisor (uncredited) | |
| Bob Keen | .... | model maker (uncredited) | |
| Gary Pearlman | .... | titles & optical effects (uncredited) | |
| Philip Sharpe | .... | model maker (uncredited) | |
Stunts | |||
| Vic Armstrong | .... | stunt coordinator | |
| Richard E. Butler | .... | additional stunts: Canada (as Dick Butler) | |
| George Lane Cooper | .... | additional stunts (as George Cooper) | |
| Stuart Fell | .... | additional stunts | |
| Richard Hackman | .... | additional stunts: Canada | |
| Alf Joint | .... | stunt coordinator | |
| Wendy Leech | .... | additional stunts | |
| Alex Stevens | .... | stunt coordinator: New York | |
| Bill Weston | .... | additional stunts | |
| Paul Weston | .... | additional stunts | |
| Vic Armstrong | .... | stunt double: Christopher Reeve (uncredited) | |
| Marc Boyle | .... | stunts (uncredited) | |
| Ellen Bry | .... | stunts (uncredited) | |
| Cyd Child | .... | stunts (uncredited) | |
| Tim Condren | .... | stunts (uncredited) | |
| Sue Crosland | .... | stunts (uncredited) | |
| Billy Dean | .... | stunts (uncredited) | |
| Jim Dowdall | .... | stunts (uncredited) | |
| George Fisher | .... | stunts (uncredited) | |
| Romo Gorrara | .... | stunts (uncredited) | |
| Martin Grace | .... | stunts (uncredited) | |
| Reg Harding | .... | stunts (uncredited) | |
| Terry Hill | .... | stunts (uncredited) | |
| Nick Hobbs | .... | stunts (uncredited) | |
| Billy Horrigan | .... | stunts (uncredited) | |
| Arthur Howell | .... | stunts (uncredited) | |
| Alf Joint | .... | stunts (uncredited) | |
| George Leech | .... | stunts: Man in burglar's office (uncredited) | |
| Wendy Leech | .... | stunt double: Margot Kidder (uncredited) | |
| Scott Leva | .... | stunts (uncredited) | |
| Mark McBride | .... | stunts (uncredited) | |
| Bronco McLoughlin | .... | stunts (uncredited) | |
| Peter Munt | .... | stunts (uncredited) | |
| Peter Pocock | .... | stunts (uncredited) | |
| Greg Powell | .... | stunts (uncredited) | |
| Nosher Powell | .... | stunts (uncredited) | |
| Doug Robinson | .... | stunts (uncredited) | |
| Kiran Shah | .... | stunts (uncredited) | |
| Tony Smart | .... | stunts (uncredited) | |
| Roy Street | .... | stunts (uncredited) | |
| Rocky Taylor | .... | stunts (uncredited) | |
| Johan Thorén | .... | stunts (uncredited) | |
| Terry Walsh | .... | stunts (uncredited) | |
| Malcolm Weaver | .... | stunts (uncredited) | |
| Chris Webb | .... | stunts (uncredited) | |
Casting Department | |||
| Mary Selway | .... | casting: English | |
Costume and Wardrobe Department | |||
| Betty Adamson | .... | wardrobe supervisor & additional design | |
| Elvira Angelinetta | .... | wardrobe assistant | |
| Austin Cooper | .... | wardrobe assistant | |
| Barbara Gillett | .... | wardrobe assistant | |
| Helen Gill | .... | wardrobe assistant | |
| Ruth Morley | .... | additional costumes | |
| Eddie Silva | .... | wardrobe assistant | |
| Janet Tebrooke | .... | wardrobe assistant | |
| Colin Wilson | .... | wardrobe assistant | |
Editorial Department | |||
| George Akers | .... | assistant editor | |
| Elaine C. Andrianos | .... | first assistant editor: special edition 2000 | |
| Olivier Assayas | .... | editorial intern | |
| David Beesley | .... | assistant editor | |
| Neil Farrell | .... | assistant editor | |
| Tim Jordan | .... | assistant editor | |
| Christopher Morris | .... | assistant editor | |
| Bob Mullen | .... | first assistant editor | |
| Mike Round | .... | assistant editor | |
| Gary Shepherd | .... | assistant editor | |
| Colin Wilson | .... | assistant editor | |
| Steve Pickard | .... | assistant plate editor (uncredited) | |
Music Department | |||
| Robert Garrett | .... | music editor: 2000 restoration | |
| Robert Hathaway | .... | music editor (as Bob Hathaway) | |
| Arthur Morton | .... | orchestrator | |
| Ken Ross | .... | assistant music editor | |
| Herbert W. Spencer | .... | orchestrator (as Herbert Spencer) | |
| Eric Tomlinson | .... | music mixer | |
| Eric Tomlinson | .... | music recordist | |
| Angela Morley | .... | additional orchestrator (uncredited) | |
Thanks | |||
| John Bodimeade | .... | in memory of | |
| Terry Hill | .... | in memory of | |
| Geoffrey Unsworth | .... | dedicated with love and respect to (as Geoffrey Unsworth, O.B.E.) | |
Production CompaniesDistributors
- Warner Bros. Pictures (1978) (USA) (theatrical)
- Columbia-EMI-Warner (1978) (UK) (theatrical)
- Adams Filmi (1979) (Finland) (theatrical)
- American Broadcasting Company (ABC) (1981) (USA) (TV) (broadcast premiere)
- Warner Home Video (1986) (USA) (VHS)
- Mainostelevisio (MTV3) (1986) (Finland) (TV)
- Warner Home Video (1991) (USA) (video) (laserdisc)
- Bridge Entertainment Group (2000) (Netherlands) (VHS)
- Warner Home Video (2001) (UK) (DVD)
- Warner Home Video (2001) (USA) (DVD)
- Warner Home Video (2001) (USA) (VHS) (Special Edition)
- Warner Home Video (2002) (Netherlands) (DVD)
- Creative Design (2003) (USA) (DVD)
- Warner Home Video (2006) (Netherlands) (DVD) (4-disc special edition)
- Warner Home Video (2007) (Netherlands) (DVD) (Blu-Ray Disc)
- Warner-Columbia Filmverleih (1979) (West Germany) (theatrical)
- Warner-Columbia (1979) (Austria) (theatrical)
- Argentina Video Home (1986) (Argentina) (VHS)
- Argentina Video Home (2005) (Argentina) (DVD) (special edition)
- Argentina Video Home (2009) (Argentina) (DVD) (Blu-ray)
- Obshchestvennoye Rossijskoye Televideniye (ORT) Video (19??) (Russia) (VHS)
- Camera Effects titles and special optical sequences
- Howard A. Anderson Company special sequences
- Continental Camera Systems special sequences
- Oxford Scientific Films optical sequences
- National Screen Service contribution: optical sequences (as National Screen Services Ltd.)
- Gillie Potter Productions Ltd. contribution: optical sequences
- Delecluse Realisations contribution: optical sequences
- Cinema Research contribution: optical sequences (as Cinema Research Corporation)
- Van der Veer Photo Effects contribution: optical sequences
- Rank Post Productions Ltd. contribution: optical sequences
- Cinefex Ltd. contribution: optical sequences
- Vee Films contribution: optical sequences
- General Screen Enterprises contribution: optical sequences
- Anvil Studios music mixed and recorded at
- London Symphony Orchestra, The (LSO) music played by
- Pinewood Studios sound mixed and re-recorded at
- Steve Frankfurt Communications main title credits by
- R/Greenberg Associates main title credits by
- Wesscam Camera Systems (Europe) aerial camera sequences (as Wesscam)
- TVC Laboratories chemtone sequences by (as TVC Laboratory Inc.)
- Samuelson Film Service camera equipment supplied by
- Lee Lighting lighting equipment by (as Lee Electric Lighting Ltd.)
- Berman's and Nathan's costumes by (as Bermans & Nathans Ltd.)
- Barneys Clark Kent's wardrobe furnished by
- Cartier jewellery by
- J.V.C. TV and audio by
- General Mills Cheerios by
- Timex watches by
- Mayor's Office for Motion Pictures & Television the producers wish to thank (as The Mayor's Office for Motion Pictures & Television, New York)
- New Mexico Film Commission the producers wish to thank
- Alberta Government Film Industry Development Board the producers wish to thank
- Canadian Pacific Railway the producers wish to thank (as Canadian Pacific Railways)
- National Satellite Visual Survey Space Council for Space Photography the producers wish to thank
- DC Comics based upon the character "Superman" appearing in comics and magazines published by
- Flying Pictures helicopter pilot provided by
- NovaStar Digital dialogue restoration (2000 restoration) (as Novastar Digital Sound Services)
- Pacific Title Digital digital compositing and restoration (2000 restoration)
- Pinewood Studios sound re-recorded at
Additional Details
MPAA:
Rated PG for peril, some mild sensuality and language.Parents Guide:
View content advisory for parentsRuntime:
143 min | USA:127 min (1980 video release) | USA:151 min (2000 restoration)Language:
EnglishColor:
Color (Technicolor)Aspect Ratio:
2.35 : 1 moreCertification:
Iceland:L | USA:PG-13 (2001 expanded edition) | South Korea:All | Brazil:Livre | New Zealand:PG | Portugal:M/12 | Argentina:Atp | Australia:PG | Canada:PG | Chile:TE | Finland:K-12 | France:U | Norway:11 | Norway:12 (1978) | Peru:PT | Singapore:PG | Sweden:11 | UK:PG | USA:PG | West Germany:12Filming Locations:
Albert R. Broccoli 007 Stage, Pinewood Studios, Iver Heath, Buckinghamshire, England, UK moreFun Stuff
Trivia:
Donner was not asked to return to complete Superman II (1980) because he had publicly criticized the Salkinds. A similar fate largely befell Margot Kidder who openly supported Donner; Kidder found her role as Lois Lane reduced to a mere cameo in Superman III (1983). moreGoofs:
Continuity: After the earthquake the Hoover Dam in several scenes is breaking up, but when Superman is flying towards the Hoover Dam to save Lois, the dam is in one piece. moreQuotes:
[first lines]Jor-El: This is no fantasy - no careless product of wild imagination. No, my friends. These indictments that I have brought to you today, specific charges herein against the individuals. Their acts of treason, their ultimate aim of sedition. These... are matters of undeniable fact. I ask you now to pronounce judgement on those accused.
more
Soundtrack:
ONLY YOU moreFAQ
Even if he appeared for only ten minutes, how much money did Marlon Brando earn?If Superman turned back time at the end of the film, wouldn't the earthquake and everything else that has already happened surely happen again? Wouldn't all the people he had already saved be put at risk once more? Can someone please explain to me what Superman actually did to correct things?
How is young Clark Kent running so fast against the train?
more
more (393 total)
Message Boards
Discuss this movie with other users on IMDb message board for Superman (1978) moreRecommendations
If you enjoyed this title, our database also recommends:
Show more recommendations
|
|
|
|
|
| Superman Returns | Superman II | Transformers | Batman | Batman Begins |
|
IMDb User Rating:
|
IMDb User Rating:
|
IMDb User Rating:
|
IMDb User Rating:
|
IMDb User Rating:
|
Related Links
| Full cast and crew | Company credits | External reviews |
| News articles | IMDb Action section | IMDb Canada section |
| Add this title to MyMovies |
Home
| Search
| Site Index
| Now Playing
| Top Movies
| My Movies
| Top 250 |
TV
| News
| Video |
Message Boards
Register
| 
RSS
| Advertising
| Content Licensing
| Help
| Jobs
| IMDbPro
| IMDb Resume
| Box Office Mojo
| Withoutabox
| Follow us on Twitter
International Sites: IMDb Germany
| IMDb Italy
| IMDb Spain
Copyright © 1990-2009
IMDb.com, Inc.
Terms and Privacy Policy under which this service is provided to you.
An 
company.
Every once in a while you'll be flipping channels or meandering through the aisles of the local videorama, and you will stumble upon a film that takes you back to your childhood - and the child-like wonder that accompanied it. After 2 decades, as well as numerous (inferior) sequels and remakes, the original Superman is back.
Well, okay, maybe this wasn't the ORIGINAL one, but certainly no other version of the legend has had such a lasting impact as this one. Nor has any other telling of the tale been as thorough and ambitious as that put forth by Director Richard Donner and Story writer Mario Puzo. Add to that the utterly inspired (and inspiring) score by John Williams, and you have a dose of that good old movie magic. Even the opening credits manage to raise your adrenaline levels, as the Superman symbol soars through space across the screen and Williams' opening theme perfectly builds to a masterful crescendo. It will make you want to stand up from your couch and soar out of the nearest window, though I don't recommend it if you live on anything above the first floor.
The film begins on Superman's home world of Krypton, a dazzling planet dotted by crystalline cities which, combined again with William's incredible theme music, seem to present an image of heaven itself. A super-race of highly advanced beings, the Kryptonians' only weakness is their pride, as the infant Superman's father, Jor-el points out. It is that pride that leads them to ignore Jor-el's warnings that the planet is doomed by an impending supernova. In a last ditch effort to save his son, as well as some remnant of his race, he sends his infant son Kal-el to the planet Earth in a deep space probe. Marlon Brando, in the role of Jor-el, gives one of his best performances. His role is the stuff of Hollywood legend, since he was paid 4 million dollars for his role of about 10 minutes, but despite his exorbitant fee and minimal screen time, his performance is no less worthy.
The probe crashes in a farmer's field in the early 1950's, to be discovered by the Kents, with Glen Ford in the role of Pa Kent. Though he seems to have even less screen time than Brando, his role as the young Superman's moral example is no less pivotal to the story. Superman's childhood and most of his teen years are completely skipped over, however, Jeff East gives an excellent portrayal of the teen Clark Kent, who is only beginning to discover the real extent of his powers.
Most of the supporting cast equally distinguish themselves. Gene Hackman creates a charming and amusing villain in Lex Luthor, and while Margot Kidder's portrayal of Lois Lane is a bit forced and grating at times, she still shines with a kind of charm, and it is always fun to watch her slip from the tough-as-nails reporter to the flustered schoolgirl every time the Man of Steel hits the scene. If you still don't like her performance, watch the "Lois Lane screen tests" in the special features section of the DVD, which includes tryouts by various prominent actresses of the day. After watching them, I think you'll agree that the filmmakers made the right casting choice.
But of course, the person we will remember the most is Christopher Reeve as Superman, and this is the way he should be remembered. It was certainly his greatest role, and although he overplayed the nerdy and fumbling Clark Kent, and his Superman sometimes pauses to deliver silly platitudes, he does so with an air of wry amusement. He may act like a goody two-shoes, but mostly he just seems to be having a good time showing off, and damn it, why shouldn't he? He's Superman, after all. If I could fly, you could damn well bet I'd be showing off too. This is confirmed in a brief but enjoyable restored scene in which, after saving Lois Lane and the President, as well as foiling several crimes, Superman flies back to his Fortress of Solitude to discuss it with his "Father", or rather, the persona of Jor-el which has been preserved in memory crystals and sent to earth with the infant Kal-el, so that he could benefit from Jor-el's knowledge and wisdom. He admonishes his son that, while it is natural to enjoy being able to show off his powers, he must learn to be humble and keep his vanity in check.
It is surprising how little moments of restored footage such as this one seem to breathe much more life into the characters, giving them a depth not seen in their previous cinematic incarnation. And while the film is a tale of the power of good, it is ultimately a tribute to the power of love. It is love that makes Superman more vulnerable than even kryptonite, love that makes him betray his Kryptonian father's admonition to "never interfere with human history", and love that makes him truly human.
Though it is nearly an hour into the film before Superman finally makes his first heroic and world-stunning appearance, it is well worth the wait. The action gets more and more exciting, rivaling anything that today's action counterparts, like "The Mummy Returns" can dish out. The effects, though antiquated by today's overblown CGI standards, are still impressive and manage to maintain their looks and grace in their old age. As Lex Luthor launches a diabolical plan involving hijacked twin nuclear missiles, the subsequent chase, followed by Superman's efforts to save an Earthquake-ravaged California, are breathtaking even by today's standards.
Like the superhero of title, the film itself is not without its weaknesses. In trying to keep in touch with its vintage comic book roots, it can be a tad cornball at times, and occasionally gets bogged down by what I call the "golly gee-whiz" factor. Yet it does so in a very tongue-in-cheek manner, retaining enough adult sophistication and genuine drama to keep it from lapsing into a mere kiddy show or a parody of the source material. In fact, the film has several surprisingly mature nuances. If, like me, you hadn't seen this film since you were a kid, then you will be in a much better position to fully enjoy the subtleties of the film now. (i.e, Lois Lane, in her rooftop interview of Superman asks "How big are you . . . er, I mean . .. how TALL are you". I obviously missed that as a kid, because it had me rolling with laughter this time around.
But despite a few loose threads in the cape and tights, The Man of Steel remains quite intact and appropriately larger than life. It is therefore fitting that this film has been re-mastered and re-released in collector's two-sided DVD format. The sound and picture quality are excellent, wiping away the tarnish of age and making the film shine again. Some of the many features include the aforementioned restored footage (about 10-15 minutes worth), a few additional deleted scenes (which, I thought, should have been restored into the film as well), commentary by director Richard Donner, the Lois Lane screen tests, specials on the making and origins of the film, and a music-only track (well worth the price of the DVD alone).
If you haven't seen this movie since you were a kid, and you want to feel like a kid again, rent it now. If you've never seen it at all, then the release of this DVD has taken away your last excuse. You will believe a man can fly.