**FINALLY WATCHING** Superman (1978) Reaction: FIRST TIME WATCHING

My Patreon (full reactions, polls, early access): / nick_reacts
My Instagram: / nick_reacts
My Music Reaction Channel: / @bite-sizereactions
*FINALLY WATCHING* Superman (1978) Reaction: FIRST TIME WATCHING
#moviereaction #superman
...
Music:
RYYZN:
/ ryyzn
/ ryyzn
/ ryyzn
/ weareryyzn
/ weareryyzn
spoti.fi/2U6jHcT
/ weareryyzn
creativecommons...
...
Music promoted by RFM:
• RYYZN - Misfits (...
*Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing. Non-profit, educational or personal use tips the balance in favor of fair use. NO COPYRIGHT INFRINGEMENT INTENDED. All rights belong to their respective owners.

[@dr.burtgummerfan439]

Not only was Christopher Reeve the best Superman, he was by far the best Clark Kent.

[@DarkSylvia]

You nailed it. That's where Henry Cavil fell short. He wasn't a convincing Clark Kent at all.

[@billolsen4360]

Reeve's comic sense was invaluable to this. Something that films based on Batman, etc. never could.

[@flaggerify]

Not sure about that. His Kent is a bit of a caricature.

[@acmcdesign]

I recently read that when he was Superman on the set all the woman would be ga-ga, but when he walked through as Clark Kent he got zero attention.

[@samuraiwarriorsunite]

Christopher Reeve is still the only Clark Kent who make me even remotely believe he wasn't Superman. He was, and is, the best.

[@EKS511]

R.I.P Christopher Reeve. He will always be Superman to me.

[@jooei2810]

He is the only Superman for me!

[@fynnthefox9078]

Reeve IS Superman. Definitive.

[@shawnpatrick1877]

Superman II is definitely worth a watch. It's still one of my favorite comic-book movies to this day.

[@brockbaby]

The action kicks up and it was my fav as a child.

[@jenniferri7735]

ABSOLUTELY

[@bfdidc6604]

Superman II. And Megamind if they haven't seen it yet. And also Deathtrap (1982) if anyone wants to see more of Christopher Reeve.

[@rafaelrosario5331]

The Donner cut please?

[@weepingscorpion8739]

@@rafaelrosario5331 The Donner Cut is nice but I always think it's worth watching the theatrical release first.

[@davidmarsden192]

"It's too good to be true! He's 6'4", has black hair, blue eyes, doesn't smoke, doesn't drink and tells the truth!" Her line delivery of this was PERFECT!!

[@ScooterBond1970]

"That's Clark, nice!" -Lois

[@kevinnelson66]

This is the film which started the big screen superhero film genre. Without Superman the Movie, there would be no DCEU or MCU.

[@krdragon6950]

Superman the movie was the first big budget superhero movie, at a time when NO ONE would put a superhero on the movie screen.

[@trhansen3244]

True, though they did put Spider-Man in a few made for tv movies. Some believe it was the success of those tv movies that finally encouraged a big screen Superman.

[@bfdidc6604]

@@trhansen3244 And there's Batman (1966), to which very few people have reacted.

[@jessquinn6106]

The first Superman movie was in 1948, Batman 1939, The Phantom 1943, And these were during WW2 when food and products were scarce

[@deathmetal271]

jessquinn6106 those were serials

[@jessquinn6106]

@@deathmetal271 Still, they were movies.

[@JCG52577]

The difference between Clark and Superman is an absolute brilliant performance by Christopher Reeve.

[@Syntherus]

Christopher Reeve is phenomenal in this role. The scene where he takes off the glasses and considers telling Lois his identity is the perfect explanation of why the glasses work. You can see him transform from Clark Kent into Superman. His posture changes, he looks more confident, and his voice gets deeper. It's more than just the glasses, he's a different person. Aside from that, there's the psychology of it. Superman has all this power and doesn't wear a mask. People don't expect to see him in everyday mundane life. They probably just assume he's Superman all the time. When they look at Clark they don't even consider that he could be Superman. He hides in plain sight and Christopher Reeve's acting sells that. He's playing two different characters in his performance.

[@alangarde2928]

That scene was the first time I appreciated how much physicality actors put into their roles, not just voice and facial expressions. He totally sold it and transformed.

[@SciTrekMan]

Clark and Superman also part their hair on the opposite side of each other

[@hectorlanzo8295]

Believe it or not, the cristal was never a green color. In the Teather version of the movie,the cristal is Sky blue in color. But when the format of movie was changed to VHS somehow the color changed to a green. And it stayed that way even when the format of the movie was changed to DVD.

[@hectorlanzo8295]

Also, the scene of the helicopter falling, and all the scenes of destructions & cars crashes on the San Francisco briged and the destruction of the Dam were all done with miniatures.

[@fgrillo29]

Superman at his core is a symbol of hope. This film captures that beautifully.

[@radicalreactions1633]

That's why it's the ONLY CINEMATIC SUPERMAN.

[@kerry-j4m]

In Man of Steel,Zor-El wanted Superman to be the bridge between the Kryptonian race and the human race,his father told him this in the film.He said humanity would join him in the air,they'd fumble,but,one day....

[@JoeThornhill]

This movie *did* state that the 'S' isn't for Superman, It's his families coat of arms, right? Thus explaining all the other members of the council having different symbols?

[@kerry-j4m]

@@JoeThornhill You are absolutely correct,amigo. And the Superman comics followed suit also by including this nice touch into the Superman mythos.

[@davidgradwell8830]

@@kerry-j4m All the incarnations of Superman have cross-pollinated with each other over the decades. Legend holds that Kryptonite was created for the 1940s radio show as a way to give Bud Collyer (Superman/Clark) a vacation. On the show, Superman was laid low for a few weeks at the mercy of crooks who imprisoned him with a chunk of Kryptonite. It fell to his best friends--Batman and Robin--to solve the mystery of Superman's disappearance and rescue him. The Superman show became the Batman show for a little while. Then, Bud Collyer returned from vacation. Batman saved Superman, returned to Gotham City and all was well. Then, kryptonite began to appear in the comics--and the mythology.

[@JC-rb3hj]

A big thumbs up not only for a great film but for watching it correctly, with a child's eyes. You didn't compare it to another film or anything from Disney. Neither of you complained that the special effects were dated. I saw this in a theater in 1978 and the idea of seeing Superman was thrilling and the film delivered, it never forgot that the source material was a comic. Kudos on your reactions. The sequal answers some of your questions. As a side note Superman's step father was the great actor Glen Ford who starred in so many great films. The woman on the train with the daughter is the original Lois Lane from the 1952-1958 TV show.

[@SJHFoto]

She actually was Lois Lane even before the TV show-she first portrayed the character in the 40s serials with Kirk Alyn. I grew up with a videostore that had ALL the old serials, so I rented the double VHS of them all the time. I actually like the Kirk Alyn stuff better than the George Reeves show since there were better villains (Lex Luthor and the Spiderlady)

[@gnericgnome4214]

some people might recognize Glenn Ford from "Gilda", the movie playing in "The Shawshank Redemption" 46 years later, for me, the most important line in this film was delivered by Marlon Brando: "...their capacity for good..." This movie was made at a time when the President was listening to the Club of Rome, and most science fiction movies were telling us that we sucked sh-t through a straw, and that was too good for us (Soylent Green, Planet of the Monkeymen, etc). This movie was nicely placed between Rocky and the Miracle on Ice. Personally, I think 2025 would be a much better year if more of us were acknowledging our capacity for good. After all, everybody loves this movie. Because Superman is _good_ , and we respond to that. Because we _can_ be good, if we choose to. Superman shows us the way.

[@wallyllama2926]

“That’s me when I find a dog”. She’s a keeper.

[@edwardsadler3348]

😅😂

[@toodlescae]

This is how I see Superman. Christopher Reeve was pretty much the comic book come to life in this movie. I was 17 when this came out and immediately had a crush on Christopher Reeve. Before this we only had the old b&w tv show with George Reeves as Superman where it was glaringly obvious he was *not* flying. There was also no difference between his persona as Superman and Clark Kent which was why no one could believe that people didn't realize they were the same person. Christopher Reeve absolutely made it believable that no one realized it. The little girl on the train is Lois Lane and the woman playing her mother is the actress who played Lois Lane in the old tv show. The trick with making it believable is Christopher Reeve presenting 2 men with distinctly different personalities, mannerisms, posture and even the pitch and tone of voice between Clark and Superman is different.

[@tonyclements1147]

Exactly. Reeve used his posture and voice along with the clumsiness quite well to sell the fact that CK and Kal’el are two different people.

[@jordanparker5949]

Not all of the George Reeves Superman was in black and white. Quite a bit in color.

[@toodlescae]

@@jordanparker5949 yeah I forgot that it eventually went to color. Been a lot of years since I watched it.

[@SJHFoto]

I actually always liked the Kirk Alyn serials of the 40s over the George Reeves TV show of the 50s. But you are corret-they didn't even try to make him fly-it switched to a cartoon for his flying scenes

[@SJHFoto]

@@jordanparker5949 Jordan, in a way you are correct. Only the first couple seasons were B & W. But in a way, you are wrong since back then only about 8% of televisions in the US were colour TVs (and even less in Canada) so the people actually watching then saw it in B & W

[@bigdream_dreambig]

15:46 A "dude ranch" is a tourist-focused cattle ranch (i.e. where the actual cattle business is second to tourists pretending to be cowboys). I believe the Billy Crystal film City Slickers (1991) takes place at one.

[@JohnnyMan316]

Very popular in the 70's. I visited one w/ my family as a child. It has since died down, but there are still some out there.

[@gunmetal2890]

Superman 2 is a great sequel and will fulfil your questions & concerns. I saw this at the cinema when I was a child... it was amazing for its time. The scene where superman gets upset at Louis's death gives me goose bumps to this day. Christopher was made for this role... so sad what happened to him.

[@SJHFoto]

I saw the last 3 Christopher Reeve movies in the theatre too! I actually never got the hate for III, although IV is a tough one to praise

[@TANKTREAD]

The power house of John Williams and The London Symphony Orchestra.

[@JustWasted3HoursHere]

John Williams' incredible and iconic score really elevates this movie to where it needed to be. My 11 year old self was completely blown away by this, and by Star Wars the previous year!

[@DanGamingFan2406]

I love this movie, The effects may be dated nowadays, but it's still one of the best superhero movies. And it really captured what makes the Caped Crusader so beloved. Christopher Reeves is the definitive Superman in my opinion.

[@wampa25]

The Caped Crusader is Batman

[@TayannaStudios]

@@jlhanlon1980 Agreed.

[@clairemendoza8082]

@DanGamingFan2846 Smallville is one of my favorite TV shows and Christopher praised Tom’s portrayal of CK. ❤️❤️

[@trhansen3244]

@@wampa25 I think you are right. I think they called Superman the Big Blue Cheese.

[@wampa25]

@trhansen3244 Supernan has been called the Man of Steel, the Man of Tomorrow and the Last Son of Krypton

[@3DJapan]

The Superman symbol isn't an S, It's his family crest. On Krypton we see everyone wearing their own family crest.

[@Lethgar_Smith]

retcon

[@Falcun21]

@@Lethgar_Smith It was a Kryptonian symbol all the way back in the Silver Age, but this movie was the first time it was shown as a Family Crest.

[@davewhitmore1958]

@@Lethgar_Smith New to comics?

[@jsharp3165]

@@Lethgar_Smith This movie is the retcon.

[@bobbuethe1477]

This was the first time it was shown as a Kryptonian symbol. In the comics, from Superman's first appearance in 1938 up until his reboot in the 1980s, it was only meant to be an S.

[@heidiroush5448]

I love that you are watching some older movies! I just watched your reactions to Wizard of Oz and as always, it was really fun to watch. I'm looking forward to this reaction as well.

[@nickreacts6394]

Yeah we really enjoy checking out older movies, the vibe/ pace is different in a special way. Hope you enjoy!

[@kag7352]

Christopher Reeve was also good in Somewhere In Time (sad but good movie)

[@Stogie2112]

Jor-El warned his son to not interfere with history (time), as such great power can be seductive. With great power comes great responsibility. Kal-El may have averted being corrupted this time, but the next time may not be as good.

[@majkus]

The ad slogan for the film was "You'll believe a man can fly." But the real feat of this film, and Reeve's portrayal, is "You'll believe Superman can disguise himself as Clark Kent."

[@gallendugall8913]

Explains why Batman is that world's greatest detective - everyone else is oblivious!

[@trhansen3244]

@@gallendugall8913 What? Nonsense. Lieutenant Columbo is the world's greatest detective. Then Sherlock Holmes. Then Barnaby Jones. Thomas Magnum. And the very underappreciated Spenser!

[@LeonardoG1981]

People keep saying that about how people didn't noticed that Clark Kent was Superman, but there have been many famous people who have lost look alike contests when they went as themselves: Dolly Parton Robert Downy jr. Charles Chaplin Just to name a few.

[@toodlescae]

That scene in Lois' apartment is extraordinary acting.

[@TheSsjJoker]

@@trhansen3244sorry bud, rules are rules Worlds greatest Detective is one of many Titles for The Batman

[@rytterl]

The thing with the glasses and stuff. It's not just the glasses, it's the whole act. Clark Kent is so clumsy and awkward and nerdy. Superman is strong, confident, composed. Also, Henry Cavill played Superman. He stood under a batman v superman billboard with his face on it in NYC, in a superman t-shirt and glasses. Not a single person realised it was him.

[@Logan_Baron]

And I always notice how hardly anyone looks Clark in the face more than briefly. Mostly from the persona he puts on to be uninteresting to them.

[@radicalreactions1633]

Cavill DID NOT play Superman, he played Bizarro/Ultraman, learn the difference.

[@ShuffleUpandDeal32]

@@radicalreactions1633 Last I checked it was Superman

[@treetopjones737]

A phone booth to change clothes - a glass walled box in public. SMH

[@eq1373]

​@@ShuffleUpandDeal32that character was NOT Superman

[@courtneywallace871]

None of today’s superhero movies would be possible without this film. Remember, no CGI. Christopher Reeve is the penultimate Superman. Story, writing and direction are all superb. Yes, watch Superman II. Fun sequel.

[@winedarkemperor]

I'm curious, if Christopher Reeve is in second place for you, who's your top Superman?

[@dggydddy59]

​@@winedarkemperorThat's what I was going to say. Who's the ultimate Superman then?

[@courtneywallace871]

@@winedarkemperor Showing my ignorance of the definition. Sorry.

[@billolsen4360]

I hate most CGI, especially the films like the lame "300." They're just cartoons for "adults?" on the cheap.

[@brandonflorida1092]

George Reeves is the ultimate Superman.

[@nickperkins8477]

The time ending was for the sequel, but they were over time for this movie, and needed an ending. So, he moved the end of the second movie to end the first movie. You all should watch the second film. It’s tremendous and addresses a lot of loose ends in the first movie.

[@joemaxwell3902]

While filming, Christopher Reeve walked into the studio cafeteria for lunch, in full Superman costume, hair etc. The eyes of every woman were glued onto him the entire time. Another time he walked into the cafeteria as Clark Kent. He was completely ignored.

[@shirw]

Well, to be fair, maybe it was the red underroos. 😂

[@trhansen3244]

@@shirw Superman just does not look right without the red briefs.

[@stevejoshua9536]

And who witnessed all of this ?

[@VolatileSupernova]

I'm not saying this didn't happen, but I've heard the same story about Viggo Mortensen, Christian Bale, and like three other actors, it's such a trope. That being said I love that moment when Reeves takes the glasses off and stands up taller and you can see the transition from bumbling reporter to Superman.

[@kenjisparks]

​@@stevejoshua9536 presumably the people who were there. You could probably look it up for specifics.

[@dzl8596]

I saw this in the theater when it premiered. Christopher Reeves is the OG. He made us believe that a man could fly.

[@dan1216]

Reeve

[@SJHFoto]

Does "OG" mean original? If so, there were 2 actors who portrayed Superman in live action before him-Kirk Alyn in the 40s, and George Reeves in the 50s (Actually Alyn, and Noel Neill (Lois Lane) had a cameo in this as the parents of the little girl (who was supposed to be Lois) who saw Clark running by the train)

[@dzl8596]

@@SJHFoto OG meaning he was the best.

[@brendag5263]

Superman II is just as good as this one. My brother and I grew up watching this movie and saw it in theaters when it first came out. It was a huge deal and a huge movie with lines around the block, waiting to buy tickets. This movie was the first of it's kind, the first major superhero movie to hit theaters. And at the time, the special effects were considered great. Christopher Reeve will always be Superman to me. His acting and his portrayal of Clark Kent was genius. I just don't feel that any of the other actors later on have been able to capture Superman and Clark Kent in the same way that Reeve did. RIP to the great Christopher Reeve.

[@StCerberusEngel]

The tagline for this movie was "You will believe a man can fly." Over 40 years later, thanks largely to Christopher Reeve's amazing portrayal of Kal-El, I still believe.

[@chrispittman8854]

An actor the level of Ned Beatty takes a small part and makes it classic. Instant character establishment. Not only does he try to steal from a blind man, but he fails as well 🤣 "Otis... burg...?"

[@trhansen3244]

This film is filled with Oscar caliber performances. Beatty, Hackman, Ford and of course Christopher Reeve.

[@chrispittman8854]

@@trhansen3244 "Little 'souvenir' from the 'old home town?'"

[@fiddiehacked]

Ned Beatty was amazing. Comedy, drama, leading man, villain, supporting cast - I'm amazed he never picked up an Oscar, Emmy, or Tony!

[@chrispittman8854]

@@fiddiehacked "Network." 😳 Amazing.

[@SJHFoto]

Sadly, he died fairly recently

[@ShuffleUpandDeal32]

Superman's first appearance always involves a plane/heli/spaceship and Lois is always the one that names him.

[@mikerhodes8454]

I consider Superman 2 one of the best sequels in exitence, so check that out when you get a chance.

[@r2d2rxr]

Christopher Reeve was a real life Superman too. He was a good person. Also, the scene where he and Louis fly is one of the most beautiful moments in cinema for me to this day. The music and imagery can make a grown man cry. They didn’t have to take the source material as seriously as they did, but they went all in! This film is a piece of art!

[@garretts874]

Yeah, you should see the sequel. It is a great continuation of the story and maybe they wrap up the Zod stuff from the beginning of this one.

[@keithgoodnight3463]

The key to understanding this movie is that when it was made, Superman as a character was more well-known from the 50s TV series than from the comics, and the movie is based mainly on the TV series continuity. I've seen articles from comics fandom that complain the movie makers seemed to have never even looked at a comic book, and that's pretty much right: they looked at the TV series instead. Though I love the comics, I don't actually consider this a flaw: the movie was serving what was at the time the larger fandom. On Superman breaking Jor-el's rule: he wasn't breaking a magical rule resulting in magical consequences, he was deciding which father he would follow: Jor-el or Jonathan Kent. By choosing Jonathan, he decided what sort of hero he'd be. (In the comics some years later, he would face this same choice and say "It may have been Krypton that gave me powers, but it was Earth that made me Superman.")

[@brandonflorida1092]

The 50s series was awesome.

[@RonnieG]

31:00 No Superman wasn't reading her mind. That was just her inner dialogue.

[@justwondering5651]

It's actually the lyrics to the song being played in the background. Can You Read My Mind (1979) by Maureen McGovern.

[@trekkiejunk]

He's largely forgotten by you young whippersnappers, but Clark Kent's Earth father was played by Glenn Ford, who was a pretty big actor back in the day. And you talk about Brando being famous...so was Gene Hackman. He's absolutely a huge name in the history of cinema.

[@torontomame]

Glenn Ford was in so many amazing films, but if I had to choose one favourite of his it would definitely be 1946's "Gilda".

[@ronnyb5890]

superman is a great movie, i have almost seen all movies from the 70s and 80s, and even oldies, try the oldie FORBIDDEN PLANET with Leslie Nielsen, you wont be dissapointed and you will be surprised what they could achieve in that era

[@space1999]

He didn't change like magic, he just did it so fast we didn't see it ..

[@gerstelb]

2:05 More on this: The producers getting Marlon Brando and Gene Hackman for this movie was the selling point for getting studio backing. Notice that they were the ones who were listed before the title; Christopher Reeve was an unknown Juilliard graduate with a few TV roles when this came out. 2:19 Richard Donner said in an interview that when he first saw the opening credits, the music was so perfect he practically heard the title “Superman” when it appeared. 22:46 I always say that this is the biggest giveaway that Superman is Clark Kent. They’re both huge nerds. 32:11 You didn’t show the actual transition from Clark to Superman, but you can see the whole change in his face, his body, his attitude. “That’s ACTING!” (And if you don’t get that reference, Google “SNL Master Thespian.”) 37:54 The tech in the foreground who does everything in this scene is John Ratzenberger, who’s been a character in just about every Pixar movie (notably Hamm in “Toy Story” and Mack in “Cars”), though you’re probably too young to know him as Cliff Clavin from “Cheers.”

[@nickperkins8477]

“Priorities, lady!!” 😂 Funny, but she is proving she is selfish, too, by giving him the kiss before even taking the kryptonite chain off.

[@jsharp3165]

Yeah she’s with Lex for a reason.

[@deborahwilkerson5044]

Taking not giving a kiss

[@l.piloto7964]

I am so glad I watched your reaction to Superman. I saw it in theaters when it came out, then tv, VHS, laser disk, dvd, blue ray as well as digital on streaming service. Watching you two, if I might be excused for saying, are an adorable couple, seeing your glee and sincere appreciation for this movie has taken me back in time. I felt like a 10 year old watching it in theater again with you two as fellow movie goers sharing the emotions of, before CGI, believing a man could fly. Thank you so much for letting me tag along in this very special journey for me at least. May you live long, happy and successful lives.

[@nickreacts6394]

Thank you so much! This is such a nice comment, and we wish you nothing but the best :)

[@KrazyKat007]

You two looked like you had so much fun watching this! That’s the charm of this groundbreaking classic.

[@darklordsnuggles6159]

something this movie got right that the new ones didn't was Johnathan Kent dying from a heart attack, something that Clark couldn't save him from to teach him that he couldn't save everyone

[@nickperkins8477]

I love when Perry White says “You got bags of humility.” 😂😂😅

[@trhansen3244]

Humility is Joe Biden 's one fault.

[@SaulofTarsis]

FYI, each symbol represented a different family "House" Superman's stood for "Hope"

[@bobbuethe1477]

The idea that it means "hope" was first introduced in 2003, in "Superman: Birthright" by Mark Waid.

[@vilefly]

@@bobbuethe1477 However, it was Marlon Brando's idea that each house crest be shown on the other scientists' suits, along with him. At that point, it was not simply, an "S" anymore. Then he ran off into the sunset, naked, happy and rich.

[@bobbuethe1477]

@@vilefly That's true. It was several years later when that idea finally made it into the comics.

[@SaulofTarsis]

yes, but not the idea of each house having its separate symbol. the explanation later is now canon. i believe its definition 'expanded' through the years@@bobbuethe1477

[@wendywoodruff2871]

That famous theme music? By the great John Williams who did Star Wars and so many others. My favorite is his score for the 1979 Dracula with Frank Langella. 🦇 ❤

[@trhansen3244]

Yes, he was on a roll. I always go and forth between Williams and Goldsmith as my favorite film composer.

[@mimiwiz1]

One of my favorites, always loved Christopher Reeve's performance. ❤

[@jamesm654]

When he changed time, he decided who's son he really is. He chose his earth father.

[@CathleenMJennings80]

It's nice to know that younger people love Christopher Reeve's performance, too. He's my favorite super hero - so wholesome, just like the comics originated. "I fight for truth, justice, and the American way." And he's the only Superman that actually makes a genuinely DIFFERENT character between Clark/Superman. All the others just have the glasses on and then off - CHRISTOPHER really wanted to lean hard on making a character that would make it be believable how people couldn't tell the difference between the two. Christopher was a classically trained actor at Julliard where he roomed with Robin Williams. After Christopher was paralyzed years later, Robin visited him in the hospital and helped Christopher believe he can go on living. One thing I know Christopher did to create Clark was study Cary Grant's character in Bringing Up Baby. That is a GREAT movie for you two to watch... have you heard of the movie genre called 'Screwball?' Well, it defines the genre.

[@TayannaStudios]

The reason he's not recognised is because they don't know that it's a disguise. WE do, they don't. They don't know that throughout the day he dresses as a news reporter. They'd just see him as someone else altogether.

[@celticson]

We all assume the disguise wouldn't work, because we all over-estimate peoples' face recognition skills.

[@dr.burtgummerfan439]

"They'd just see him as someone else." (Airplane! joke)

[@pauld6967]

In the clouds he heard the arguments of BOTH of his fathers: Jor-El and Jonathan. The "advanced civilization" Jor-El thought his forbidding his son would be sufficient. However, his earthly father had taught him to do what is right and Jonathan won out during that debate.

[@peterkelley4346]

The mother of the girl on the train was Lois Lane from the original Superman series....

[@fiddiehacked]

Don't forget Jimmy too!

[@moshabraf]

And the little girl is present day Lois👍

[@nrkgalt]

The girl’s father was played by Kirk Allyn, who played Superman in a couple of movies in the 40s and 50s.

[@sftrick]

Watch part 2 and then stop for your own good. Part 2 is good.

[@JustWasted3HoursHere]

A funny story about getting Gene Hackman (Lex Luthor) to shave off his mustache, which he was well known for up to that point. Richard Donner the director said, "I'll tell you what. If you shave off yours, I will shave off mine" and so he agreed. On the first day of shooting, Gene shows up with the mustache gone but he sees that Richard still has one, so he mentions it to him. Richard says, "Oh, right" and peals off his fake mustache...

[@jenniferri7735]

i first saw this when i was 6 or 7 years old, and it wasn't until i was a teenager that i realized my fear of being buried alive comes from the scene with lois during the earthquake. so traumatizing.

[@ThePonderer]

I love this comic called American Alien, where one of Clark’s friends says “you must never take your glasses off when you’re in ‘Clark mode!’” His response: “I do all the time. People say ‘hey, you look just like Superman!’”

[@jsharp3165]

Exactly. The context keeps them from jumping to the conclusion that he IS Superman. I have a friend who looks just like Chris Noth. But since everyone around my friend assumes there’s no way Chris Noth would just be working a desk job and hanging out with them, they will never jump to the conclusion that he’s really Chris Noth. Even if he is!

[@sharkdentures3247]

"They can be a Great people Kal-El. They wish to be. They only lack the light to show the way. For this reason above all, their capacity for Good, I have sent them you. My only son." Such a wonderful, inspiring & profound line! (with a fair degree of Christian undertones IMO.) I absolutely LOVE it! That scene around the 32-minute mark shows how Christopher Reeves performance makes it ENTIRELY believable that people don't recognize that Clark IS Superman.

[@seaprince36]

The woman on the train with the kid that he runs by played Lois Lane on the original B&W TV Superman series .

[@Falcun21]

Not just that, the man on the train, Lois' father was played by Kirk Alyn, the first Superman to ever be on screen.

[@RossM3838]

Don’t forget Margo kidder. She is as great and funny as everyone else in the movie. Her chemistry with Reeve is classic. The glowing costumes is not a special effect. They had lights in them. In fact no computer were used in the movie except to control camera movements in some scenes.

[@billallen1307]

This is really a 2 part movie. You need to watch Superman 2.

[@robertrouse4503]

Christopher Reeve was able to fly without CGI. Of course, there was no CGI then.

[@alittlebitgone]

There was CGI in movies when Superman came out, just not much of it. (Westworld & Star Wars both feature computer generated shots)

[@GeddiSadie]

Nick and Quynh (i hope that is spelled right) reacting to classic Superman? Yes please!!! Can't believe you in particular had never seen this before, oh Nick! Still, better late than never, right!?!😅 This movie really was groundbreaking for the time, and was responsible for a resurgence of interest in superhero films and shows in the late 70s and 80s. Will always have very fond memories of this movie and the first sequel. The other two...meh. 3 wasnt bad, just not quite the same, and 4 was a total hot mess and bit of a joke. At any rate, can't wait to watch this. Cheers!!!😁 Edit, in regards to your question about the different symbols on the Kryptonian clothes in the beginning: What we know as the Superman symbol isn't really that, or even an S. It is the Kryptonian symbol for "hope", and was used by the El family line as their crest, basically coat of arms. That is what all the different symbols represent, the crests of different prominent family lines. Hope that helps. Cheers again!!

[@nickreacts6394]

Thank you for explaining! And yes you spelled correctly :)

[@Redd21481]

Hands down, this movie here has the best SUPERMAN ROAR ever in all SUPERMAN movies. We all know which part I'm talking bout. Yall keep up the GREAT WORK. I'm really glad yall gave this one a look. 💯🇺🇲😎

[@brendag5263]

Yeah, that scene where he cries out after losing Lois Lane is chilling. Very good acting by Reeve.

[@Redd21481]

@brendag5263 Right on ma'am that'll be the scene💯😎 if you got the surround sound all the bells and whistles crank it up on that scene.

[@roberthager7390]

Just so you know when he jumps out the window he doesn't magically change into the superman outfit he just changes clothes so fast it just looks that way, also, as to how effective the Clark/supes identity thing Roger Moore (James Bond wrote in his autobiography that one day he saw Chris at the craft services dressed as Clark no one bothered him, couple days later he saw Chris again dressed as Supes this time women were checking him out as he walked past oblivious to the whole thing

[@joycegibbs5267]

was always in love with Chris Reeve. Brilliant actor & this is a classic film. Chris is sadly missed 😢💔

[@cshubs]

I was 9 when this came out. It was perfect!!

[@nickperkins8477]

This movie has a tremendous script, one of my favorite scripts.

[@trhansen3244]

Thank Tom Mankeweicz for bringing humor to Superman the Movie.

[@blatherama]

"You've got me...Who's got you?" One of my favorite lines in movie history.

[@stevesheroan4131]

29:37 Lois “I need a sweater.” Superman “Nah, you’ll be warm enough.” Not even Superman is above man-splaining, lol.

[@belvagurr403]

Lex Luthor is Gene Hackman, the blind man in Young Frankenstein

[@tigerbread78]

No

[@dionkelly8420]

Those villains at the beginning of the movie show up in the sequel SUPERMAN 2.

[@mostvaluableproduction]

Christopher Reeve was a Julliard-trained actor and came up with the physical and vocal differences between the two characters on his own. Being an actor first, he had to develop the Superman physique after being chosen for the role. He didn't want to wear any padding in his costume, so he gained over 20lbs before production started. Reeve also continued to bulk up through the first two sequels.

[@timkeller2128]

I immediately wanted to point this out when I watched, but you beat me to it! 😊 So many people joke about how NO ONE would fall for Clark/Superman simply because of his glasses, but it isn’t that in this movie! Christopher Reeve was such a great actor that he could have pulled off the switcheroo WITHOUT using the glasses at all!

[@radicalreactions1633]

He gained THIRTY POUNDS, and the character isn't two characters, it's TWO PERSONAS IN ONE.

[@synthiamiller5990]

Also, fun fact: The Ultimate hero( Superman (Chris Reeve) was assisted in the gym by the Ultimate villain ( Darth Vader (David Prowse).

[@maxacorn]

i'm reminded of this comic from years ago. lex luthor once spent billions of dollars to create a super computer with only one purpose: find out superman's secret identity. after months of work and calculations, the computer eventually gave him the answer: clark kent. luthor promptly had the computer dismantled and destoryed. his reason: he refused to believe that a being as powerful and godlike as superman would ever debase himself by pretending to be a bumbling reporter from the country. its not just the glasses that fools people. its his whole personality.

[@kingdave31]

This is my favorite movie of all time. Glad it still holds up for the younger folks!

[@FrancisXLord]

The breaking of the rule, set forth by Jor-El, was actually originally supposed to happen at the end of Superman II. The two films were shot at the same time (Lord of the Rings style - in fact this was the first franchise to do that). It was ultimately decided that he would turn back time in the first film and the ending of Superman II was changed to include... Oh, I can't tell you that - spoilers. A version of Superman II, with the original ending, can be found in the Richard Donner Cut of Superman II. I strongly advise you however to watch the theatrical cut of Superman II first. While I respect the vision of Richard Donner for Superman II, and hate the fact that he was replaced to finish the second film by Richard Lester, the Richard Donner Cut was rough around the edges when it finally was realised, salvaging what they could to create it and using cheap digital compositing to put it together. Richard Lester's Superman II, while sometimes inappropriately humourous, is the more complete film. Much of the humour lands actually, and the Richard Donner Cut is almost too serious in tone because of that, from someone who grew up watching the Lester version anyway.

[@mylife-23]

This is the Superman i had a crush on.

[@Capohanf1]

The "prison" was called the "Phantom Zone" it was another dimension where Krypton imprisoned its most evil criminals. Once in it, the person would not age and could not be hurt BUT also could not get out until he was released. And the different symbols worn in the council's robes were Family Totems, the S not representing (S)UPERMAN on Superman's costume but his family's name.

[@HMAP792]

That “little girl” who sees Clark running beside the train you wouldn’t believe who that was- that was Lois Lane. Yes the Lois lane.

[@bobbuethe1477]

And the actors who played her parents were Noel Neill and Kirk Alyn, who played Lois and Superman in the 1948 movie serial. (Noel played Lois again in the 1950s "Adventures of Superman" TV series.)

[@MarVin-db2tu]

to go a slightly philosophical route, some have suggested that Superman's disguise as Clark Kent is Superman's commentary on how he perceives humans. I am not sure I agree with that as opposed to the best disguise a person can have is an unassuming, clark-kent-esque mannerism. If you saw Clark Kent in person would you rreeaalllyyy believe him to be Superman? lol

[@jooei2810]

This here is the definitive Superman movie made 47 years ago and it is real, no CGI!

[@dionysiacosmos]

Everyone misses it. Kal- El gets his strength and power on Earth from our sun. He's so he's strong enough to lift the Kents's truck after a his first very short exposure to it. Those opening credits were so innovative at the time they inspired many others. But after that era, shorter credits in front with major ones at the end began to be prevalent. Also, more closing credit provided the names of the cast and which parts they played. Before that you just took a guess. Except in very old movies that, many of which, provided the main cast and their roles up front. There are sequels. After two they get increasingly campy. At least you'll see how SM leads danger away from populated areas. There was an unfortunate release a couple of years back called Man of Steel, who shares a similar origin story to Superman's. It wasn't Superman at all. The Man of Steel never tries leading combat away from innocent people, and the way he kills his nemesis is disgusting. Superman was neither dark nor disingenuous. He was sent to Earth to be inspirational to it's people. His paradigm was hope.

[@emanymton713]

I wear glasses daily. People do not recognize me when I’m not wearing them. Even if I’m around them for hours at a time. It’s a real phenomenon.

[@dirdib69]

I always thought that Jor-El's warning was given for multiple reasons. He had to suspect that Clark would be able to time travel, but I think too that there was no way to be sure of the outcome. The warning was against the temptations of meddling with history, but also against the potential risks of the act itself. Clark had to fly faster than the speed of light to time travel, but that my energy could have torn the Earth to shreds as well. In the comics, time travel is described as being the hardest thing that Superman's powers allow him to do. It was interesting, seeing the tug-o-war between Jor-El and Jonathan Kent's respective lessons within Clark. Jonathan had the same role as Uncle Ben, to teach their son's the responsibility of power, and the fragility of human life.

[@3DJapan]

15:43 In cowboy terms a dude is like a fake cowboy who dresses really fancy. A dude ranch is like a fake ranch for tourists.

[@Falcun21]

Technically speaking, in cowboy terms, a dude was a tenderfoot, a greenhorn, a newcomer to the West. A "dude ranch" is a real, working ranch where city slickers can come and live the authentic cowboy life for a week.

[@MrBigPicture835]

Christoper Reeves was Robin Williams roommate at Julliard.

[@jayharvey7043]

The reason his parents stayed was because there wasn't enough time to build a big enough ship.

[@jayharvey7043]

@jlhanlon1980 out of curiosity, where'd that come from, I got my info years ago from a comic, but I know different sources has different origins.

[@nickreacts6394]

Ah ok that makes sense, only room for one and of course they saved their child

[@maverick4you]

Jor-El promised he and wife would not leave Krypton which would have caused massive riots ppl begging for them to be saved also

[@maverick4you]

Dude ranch is where animals are raised. The helpers/ranch workers live at the ranch

[@wickamo]

You are now watching the first of the legendary superhero movies. I saw this in the theater and it was amazing then. The movies tag line was "You will believe a man can fly". And we were amazed at how much it really looked like he was flying. So the emblem on his uniform isn't the Superman symbol...it's the family crest for the house of El. He is Jor-El and Superman's real name is Kal-El. The crystal created the Fortress of Solitude, his base and home away from home. So you definitely need to watch the next one, it's even better.

[@kirstanmcclelland6458]

There are 4 movies Superman 2 is amazing

[@williamshaw4943]

yous guy's need to watch superman 2 ❤from Scotland

[@dionkelly8420]

When young Clark was racing with the train, that little girl who was watching him through binoculars was a very young Lois Lane.

[@williambanks2223]

And her grandmother sitting next to her was Lois Lane from the 1950s series.

[@zig_zag____1265]

Superman II will answer your questions. I was 6 when this movie came out. I even had the superman big wheel. Christopher Reeve will always be my favorite superman.

[@seaprince36]

I noticed that the Mario Puzo name stuck out to you. He wrote The Godfather book and the screenplays for the movies, winning Oscars for the first 2 movies for adapted screenplay. He wrote the screenplay for the 1st 2 Superman movies

[@queengoddessb69]

You should check out Somewhere in Time with Christopher Reeves

[@annmariemills1554]

Yes, there is more for the second one. ❤❤❤

[@nickperkins8477]

I recommend watching both versions of the first sequel to this movie. There are two other movies, of varying quality. Superman III and Superman IV: The Quest For Peace. They are not essential at all, but still entertaining, if you all are series completists.

[@orlandoawilliams799]

"Superman is what I can do. Clark is who I am."

[@fiddiehacked]

Have you seen Pulp Fiction??

[@Falcun21]

That's not this Superman. That's Post-Crisis Superman. Golden, Silver and Bronze Age Superman were all Superman is the real being and Clark is the disguise.

[@Falcun21]

@@fiddiehacked Bill was talking about Golden, Silver and Bronze Age Superman seeing humanity as frail and weak, not Post-Crisis. Given Bill's age, he would not have likely been familiar with Post-Crisis Superman where Clark is the man and Superman is the disguise.

[@munchkinmoonstone]

That line was from Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman starring Dean Cain, another excellent Superman.

[@StephanieMaireFaith]

Their 4 superman movies and a super girl movie from the 1980's

[@mattx449]

I don’t mind old movies with “dated” effects. I always try to watch movies considering the context of the time they were made.

[@trhansen3244]

Exactly. I will take quality performances over effects every time. It's why so many of the recent superhero films have been so bad.

[@nickreacts6394]

Same!

[@rickardroach9075]

24:55 Ah, the good ol’ days when you could discipline your children. 😌