Superman (1978). Donner Stop Me Now.

#Superman Stam Fine Looks at Richard Donner's 1978 film, Superman- the first big budget superhero movie (which is either a good thing or a bad thing, depending on your point of view). Christopher Reeve made a huge impact as Superman and Clark Kent. Also stars Margot Kidder, Marlon Brando, Gene Hackman, Marc McClure, Jackie Cooper, Valerie Perrine and Ned Beatty. You will believe a man can fly. Probably. If not, no biggie.
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0:00 Introduction
0:28 Superman's Origins
1:25 Enter Salkind
7:15 The Movie
9:50 Cast
12:37 Legacy

[@Ralph64]

Glenn Ford played the character of "Pa" Kent to perfection. I assume Richard Donner placed him in the role of the solid, midwestern farmer, who can't finish a sentence, for a reason. Listen carefully--It's hard to think of him as an actor delivering lines. When he says: "There is one thing I do know, son, and that is you are here for a reason." It stands out. I love this movie. God bless you, Glenn Ford.

[@carlrood4457]

So much better than a Jonathan Kent who'd say "maybe" to the question of whether young Clark should have let children die.

[@shirleeeldridge1053]

No, no listen to me . When you first came to us we thought people would come take you away, because, you know when they found out the things you can do. And that worried us alot. But then a man gets older and he starts thinking differently. And things get really clear. And the one thing, son I do know is that you are here for a reason. I don't know what reason or who's reason whatever. But I do know one thing son, it's not to score touchdowns. . That two minutes scene says more than anything in Snyder's world. That was the whole basis for who the Kent's we're and who Superman would become. It's beautiful and is just one of the many reasons I love this movie.

[@holydiver73]

There are two Hollywood actors who are the epitome of every thing I love about classic Hollywood the 1st is James Cagney and the 2nd is Glenn Ford. I’ve seen everything that both have ever done and they were truly brilliant and Ford’s brief, yet brilliant performance in Superman defines so much about character so quickly than anyone else could in the entire movie.

[@nardpuncher]

I am 48 and for me too this movie was bigger than Star Wars.

[@JustinLodes]

Christopher Reeve was and still “IS” the one and ONLY REAL Superman! Cavil is good but doesn’t compare to Reeve. They will never have another actor portray Superman the way Reeve did just like nobody will ever pull off Rambo as good as me ☺️

[@brendancaldwell7755]

Well said John J.

[@pleasantvalleypickerca7681]

Christopher Reeve will always be the definitive "Superman" to me. I saw it when it came out back then about 3 times as it was so good I had to see it a few times. Probably the most true interpretation of Superman on film. Not a perfect film, but dam good. I think the first third is brilliant introducing the character and introducing the Kent's. The second part where he romances Lois is also great fun. It's only in the third part that the effects start to suffer due to the budget. Still when Superman saves Lois by reversing the earths rotation and turning back time it is breath taking. It makes no sense on a rational level of course, but on an emotional level it is bang on. I love this film.

[@RighteousBrother]

Christopher Reeve trained with not just any body builder it was on other than Darth Vader himself, Dave Prowse!

[@pertuk]

He was the Green Cross Code man too!

[@jaysonraphaelmurdock8812]

I was hoping someone would mention that.

[@djpookie2000]

I just bought this on 4k. I have great memories of this movie as a kid. The scenes on Krypton hold up and Christopher Reeve will always be my man of steel.

[@antsheeran1515]

I went to see this about 40 times .I've read pretty much every superman comic ever and seen every movie and TV show .this man Christopher reeve was and always be the definitive superman ...never bettered

[@auntiewewe972]

Top 5 reasons Superman the movie is the greatest Superman movie and one of the greatest Superhero movies of all time 1. It was the 1st. This movie laid the foundation of how to make a comic book hero movie and be taken seriously, that grownups, as much as kids could enjoy the film. If it failed to connect with the audience who knows what the future would have been. This movie along with Batman 89 and Spiderman 2002 are the founding fathers of the genre and have the blueprint on comic type movies. 2. The special effects. For 1978 the effects were ground breaking, and much still holds up to this day some of the best flying scenes ever are in this movie. And practical effects bring you into the movie so much more than CGI 3. The score. John Williams is a legend obviously. He's probably the greatest movie soundtrack conductor in history, certainly the most well known. Once again the entire score is amazing and timeless. Ranging from science fiction to love lorn melodies. The introduction to Krypton is magical and awe inducing. And the Superman March is literally Supermans theme song. Still today 44 yrs later it's the most indentiful superhero theme for a character. 3. The cast. What can you say beyond iconic. From Kidder to Brando, Cooper, McClure, Perrine, Beatty, Ford, Stamp. Hackman . Even the small roles had actors who were phenomenal and defined the roles they played. And of course Mr. Christopher Reeve. Who not only made us believe a man could fly, but made us believe in Superman himself. He embodied the role . Perfectly. Both roles. You legitimately could believe that these were two different people. His ability to go from Clark to Superman, back to Clark in 20 seconds is some if the most amazing acting in film. He not only defined Superman for a generation, but for all time. Some people may pick Cavill as their FAVORITE version, but the greatest is undeniably Reeve. 5 Donner , Verisamilitude. Donner understood Superman's role in pop culture. And deeply cared about the character. He gave us a hero in 1978 that was even in that age old fashioned. A silver age Superman. The 70s were a time of much upheaval, Vietnam, racial profiling, women's rights , civil rights, energy and gas shortage, high inflation, and Watergate. We needed a hero . And Donner gave us one. When Superman said he was here to fight for truth , justice, and the American way we believed him. Even the most cynical were inspired. Donner didn't try to update Superman, who in 1978 in the comics was no longer a reporter at the Daily planet but a news broadcaster at WGBS. Clark Kent was no longer to shy timid, geek type but a more confident person. Donner gave us a hero from his childhood. And made it work. Because he stayed true to who Superman really is. This movie is one of the greatest of all time. And my personal favorite

[@daveb1930]

This is still one of my favourite superhero movies. This, Spider-Man 2 and The Dark Knight set a stupidly high bar for the genre.

[@Mattfromthepast]

I first saw this movie when I was 18 and on a portable DVD player while waiting for a bus. I was a big fan of other superhero movies and was expecting something campy like 66 Batman, I wasn't expecting to like it. What I got instead was something a little camp but also one of the purest expression of heroism I have ever seen on film. Unlike more recent versions this gives kids a Superman to aspire to be like. This has become my third favorite film of all time after Citizen Kane and The Adventures of Robin Hood, I find something new to love every time I watch it.

[@Pocketrocket-pj1us]

I can't argue with those choices. Cheers from Canada

[@listentothenightfilms]

'78 Superman just kicks ass. It's in the same group as Jaws, Close Encounters and Star Wars. The greatest and most important superhero film ever imo. Reeve was so perfect, they've been unable to resurrect the film franchise properly.

[@paulpolpiboon9535]

The greatest adaptation of a comic book of ALL fuking time.

[@bernadmanny]

I was not expecting a ''compare the meerkat'' gag. 😅

[@StonyDilithium]

It is only fitting that the superhero movie genre was started by the first superhero. And to make beautiful, timeless, iconic Americana with such perfect casting, there is no wonder this is a bedrock of cinematic history. It's in the Library of Congress for a reason.

[@TheEdorizo]

Christopher Reeve will always be my Superman back in the day I see in the movie theater I was 3 years old

[@jeffnettleton3858]

I was a huge Superman fan, going back to the Filmation cartoon and the DC comics of the 70s. I couldn't wait to see this. We were on our Christmas holiday and went to see it on December 26 and stood in a longa damn line and took forever to get into the theater, to the point that my brother, sister and I had to split up to get seats. It seemed like the film was already running, as this wild looking city was on the screen and it must be Krypton. Turns out, it was the trailer for The Whiz and I was looking at the Emerald City. Then, the film started, after what seemed like 20 minutes of credits. From then on, I was entranced and loving the finished product and still do. Reeve looked like he was drawn by Curt Swan, the artist of the comics and he made you believe him, as both Clark and Superman and never looked self-conscious in the suit. No padding, either. As soon as he flew to the camera, and then banked, I knew we were not in George Reeves territory. The helicopter rescue led to a huge cheer, in the theater, when Reeve emerges as the hero and takes to the air, just like you would expect. So f@#$ Quentin Tarantino and his bulls@#$ theories about Superman and Clark Kent. He doesn't get it.

[@HMcQ7891]

A genuine masterpiece with a wealth of smart nuance & creative choices that gets better with age. A marvel of tone, the film goes from cod-Shakespearen space opera with Brando to Sci-Fi disaster movie to John Ford-esque domestic drama to Screwball Comedy to Romantic Drama to Action movie, back to Disaster movie to tragedy. Donner & Mank understood that Superman needs human connection & the world as much as the world needs a Superman - he's the one superhero who acts solely out of love for the shared humanity in which he is a part.

[@SeanNewhouse-mv9ez]

I love you so much 🇺🇸

[@retrodealer6495]

Great childhood memory👍. I was so excited when part 2 came out. Sad as the continued. Christopher was a great guy and he was a Superman.

[@RahduDrahkqul75]

There is something so distinguishingly and genuinely Evil in Gene Hackmans'// Lex Luthors' exposition when he explains to Superman that he's going to launch a missile into the San Andreas fault line

[@CaminoAir]

Composer Jerry Goldsmith was twice hired to score 'Superman: The Movie'. Due to production delays and commitments to score other films, Goldsmith was replaced by John Williams, who in turn (for the same reasons) was replaced by Goldsmith, who then (for the same reasons) was replaced by John Williams again (and this time for good). If anyone is wondering what a Jerry Goldsmith 'Superman' score would have been like......Goldsmith was going through an incredible run of music (just like Williams) at that time. Goldsmith's 'Patton' march, main theme from 'The Wind And The Lion' and Rambo theme will give you some idea of why he was actually the most obvious composer to score the film.

[@ThePogmathoin]

When [this movie came out] I was seven years old, and my father said to me ["GET OUT"] ... hehe... no, before that... he said to me 'I think Margot Kidder is foxy'. I didn't get it then... but I get it now. Keep up the entertaining reviews, SF, I'll keep watching. Cheers.

[@TheMrTraynor]

David Prowse helped Christopher Reeve bulk up for the film. So, Darth Vader trained Superman.

[@robertleeluben]

Those Musketeer movies are the only ones to really capture the spirit of the books, all the rest are cartoony or overly serious.

[@marcwaters2600]

christopher reeve is the james bond of superman

[@andylikesstuffchannel]

Greatest superhero film ever made

[@carlrood4457]

The movie added things to the mythos that eventually made their way to comics. The idea of they insignia being a Kryptonian symbol came from this movie. In comics, it was just and S for Superman and would remain so until a late 90's or early 2000's soft reboot.

[@Tigerke1986]

Actually that was in 1985 after crisis on infinite earths they implemented the story behind the crest i the comics but yes the idea originated in this film. Also what not a lot of young comic book fans today know is that the style of fortress used in this film also originated in this film. Comics took that style over as well. As well as most iterations using superman. Man I love this film.

[@Pocketrocket-pj1us]

@@Tigerke1986 where did Superman live in the comics? Legit question. Cheers from Canada

[@StamFine]

Yes, my grasp of mathematics is fairly poor. This film came out 40 years after Superman first appeared, not 50. My bad.

[@johnmc3862]

This comment saved my life.

[@ScottIngram]

You're a creative type, I don't expect good maths ;)

[@integrity101]

I'll never be able to forgive this error!

[@jimcirile]

"Like a quick-changing bipolar polar bear." Well done, sir. Well done.

[@johnashley327]

Still the best Superman movie.

[@Retro-Fez]

Reeve will always be the perfect superman ❤️

[@christopherbatista4598]

One of the greatest special FX in this movie was Christopher Reeve himself....one look was all you needed to know he was Superman

[@robertgriffiths1724]

The are you being served reference was perfect

[@BryonLape]

That trainer was Darth Vader.

[@LILTONY1961]

Love❤chris❤forever❤

[@xx3868]

Hi, are you going to make a Space 1999 review? Loved that show and most of the english sci fi.

[@MortonGoldthwait]

What I love about people like you and Redlettermedia is you dig into the financial and political aspects of film making. It makes your reviews far more engaging as theories and stories about how a film is made are just as fascinating as the cinematic fiction itself.

[@theessentials450]

redlettermedia are full of liars and fakes. Pay them no credence.

[@Idazmi7]

Actually, Superman first appeared in 1936, and was picked up by National Comics Publications in 1938.

[@joshpinchuk7061]

What? I can't find anything to corroborate this. The term Superman or Supermen predated 1938, but I don't think the character did.

[@Idazmi7]

@@joshpinchuk7061 Superman first appeared in newspaper strips in 1936. DC comics _does not_ archive the old newspaper strips, so good luck finding them. If you search around the internet, you'll eventually find them.

[@henryglennon3864]

Fun fact: Alexander Salkind also invented the restocking fee.

[@maxusboostus]

I'ts not all bad then!

[@DevlinDomini]

That applause you added in after Brando spoke his line was hilarious.

[@dasparado]

I always thought Superman 2 was the best of the lot. Zod was just a terrific villain. Best to Last 2-1-3-4. 4 was comically bad of course.

[@johnberry5296]

Your videos are always a highlight of my week. Always well narrated but crucially for me really well researched unlike many KZbin vids.

[@Althea-M]

Sure hoping to see the review on Superman II soon. I could never figure out which one I liked better

[@jasonpwilson01XFORCE]

Please do a video on Superman 2 The Richard Donner cut.

[@mikejankowski6321]

What a great review! Not only seeing choice bits of the film, but hearing about all that went into it and getting a feel for what an accomplishment it was, really set this experience apart from typical presentations. This is one of my all-time favorite movies (and the sequel is too). Great tribute to this masterful storytelling.

[@briansands9957]

This review made me want you to tackle 'The Greatest American Hero'. Plenty of snarky humor opportunities, right there. Good luck mate.

[@MyKill71]

I enjoyed this! I salute you! 🤔,😉

[@mpbltd1]

Another wonderful video from a superb KZbinr. Thanks sooooo much! 🙏🏻

[@DarinRWagner]

Superman turned 50 in 1988, not 1978 when the Donner film was released.

[@StamFine]

Yikes, you're correct! Once I run out of fingers, the numbers get all fuzzy

[@ryancraig2795]

Good review, some good lols. It stands the test of time, I think. Chris Reeve was great in it and the SFX are good enough to allow you to suspend disbelief.

[@w00master]

Still the greatest superhero film.

[@louisbuzzi869]

Don Vito as The Father of Superman is appropriate.

[@jaysonraphaelmurdock8812]

And Superman was trained by Darth Vader.

[@dmc5302]

My Sister took me to see this at the drive-in when it came out, unfortunately the discovery of hand driers at the toilet block and my five year old brain ruined it for my future brother in-law. I am constantly reminded of this, makes me love this movie even more.

[@Pocketrocket-pj1us]

I don't get it? Please explain.

[@dmc5302]

@@Pocketrocket-pj1us Being only 5 at the time, I was more interested in the hand driers than watching the movie.

[@joshpinchuk7061]

My future brother in law took me to back to the Future. I was 9.

[@THEOUTCASTSCREATIVE]

Slam Fine that air balloon shot in your review was used in V The Final Battle

[@dennismason3740]

John Williams borrows the Universal Pictures theme from the late thirties? The sparkly rotating planet Universal theme IS the Superman theme. John Williams changed one bloody note. He moved the root to the major seventh, one note, one key, one note. That's strike one.

[@deanrussell2224]

Another quality review with some good humour - always an enjoyable experience

[@SJKPJR007]

Splendid review that concisely explains the political and financial machinations at work behind the scenes whilst giving due credit to the creative magic achieved by its contributors both in front and behind the camera. My dad took me to see this film and Superman II back on their release. Decades later I would take my dad to see 'Superman - Man Of Steel'. That movie had nothing like the uplifting magic of its predecessors. Fortunately, being able to share the experience with my lovely dad still did though.

[@yorkemar]

Although 1..and 2 are great..Man of Steel had its moments. Costner was especially good in it.

[@monotonehell]

I didn't think Supermensch would be of interest to me, but you made it interesting.

[@onastick2411]

Well apparently you've got no choices, you get a beefcake, lantern jawed superman, who looks oh so good in his Superman suit, and have to sit politely through the cringe worthy scenes when superman is pretending to be Clarke Kent. The only exception being Christopher Reeve, who apparently is the only actor with the acting chops to inhabit both characters credibly. How they could miss this in the auditions I don't know, perhaps they are obsessed with flashy spectacle? What ever it is, it's not acting. As Christopher commented, when playing both characters simultaneously, "I can give as good as I get". Guess the the rest just have nothing else to give.

[@thedanielstraight]

Now we know what the "S" on his chest stands for... Stam, of course. Great picture, in your costume, sir! Having grown up with the X-Men and Spider-man films, these Superman movies always felt quite a bit cheesy to me. I enjoyed this review even more than the movie!

[@scottclark3139]

When his dad has a heart attack. Oooof

[@technosandwich]

There was no Superman 5

[@ryancraig2795]

Thankfully...

[@christopherlacher3544]

I think he was counting SUPERGIRL

[@joshpinchuk7061]

Superman started by Donner only had 4 movies plus a Supergirl Spin-off, right? What could the fifth be?

[@jimhoade9265]

Excellent video, thank you! Any danger of reviewing the others?

[@StamFine]

very dangerous. yes.

[@jeffnettleton3858]

Re: intro: 1978 - 1938 = 40 years.

[@marcwaters2600]

reeve rules

[@fredkelly6953]

As a kid I'd been into comics both dc and marvel and I'd always loved sf so when Superman came out I didn't go to "see a man fly" I wanted to see how super they could make him and quite frankly it was pretty much a non-event. I mean being a piece of rail track, lifting a bus, Really, is that it? Apparently so, and I don't count the animation at the end where he broke the game. Inexcusable that Superman changed time without any repercussions. The thing with Superman is that it set the standard of what a superhero can do and it was so underpowered it was Watchmen with no hint of Dr. Manhatten. We were not going to see anything approaching actual superhero powers until the MCU some 30-40yrs later and still to this day nobody has taken it to the next level, where's Galactus?

[@zvimur]

I guess nobody on the production of "Three Musketeers", have read the book. Movie ended right in the middle of book.

[@carlrood4457]

No, they split the production into two films without telling the cast. It was supposed to be all one really long movie. The Four Musketeers was the first movie I ever saw on cable back in the 70's.

[@Tolstoy111]

Superman II is a wonderful film. The original film is on the bland side. And that ""turning back time" ending is inexcusable.

[@paulhunter1525]

This film was exceptional good. But seems cursed as major cast members, director and producers seem have bad luck. Chris Reeves and Margot Kidder never found successful picture afterwards. Reeves was paralyzed horse riding accident. Kidder eventually suffered mental issues. Eck!

[@joshpinchuk7061]

But Donner did a lot of great films.

[@monsterguyx6322]

I can't think of any other movie good enough that it could get away with such an insane, nonsensical, mind-bogglingly stupid ending and STILL become a beloved classic.

[@IanEckert1977]

Fucking Mint...I was fucking 3...Wow...OMFG...Etc Etc Etc...

[@probablynotmyname8521]

Its a shame supes never made the leap to nic cage.

[@davidzapen8974]

#OtisFeedTheBaby

[@TheNameisPlissken1981]

Not having director Richard Donner return to finish Superman II is one of the great disappointments in filmmaking. Imagine a Superman sequel without all that cringe humor that Richard Lester is responsible for. Thankfully, Donner had finished 75% of Supe 2 and we got a director's cut, years later, that included more of his footage. It is because of that that some fans were able to edit their own versions of Superman 2. Luckily for us, a couple of their edits are really good. I think Donner would be proud.

[@robertszvetics210]

i cant hear you

[@doctorlolchicken7478]

I found the first film fairly boring because I was spoiled by Star Wars. The second film seemed much better because there were more credible opponents. In general I don’t like Superman because he’s too perfect and too powerful.

[@TheDukeofMadness]

By the third film, Clark macked on his mother.

[@zvimur]

Pretty sure pronounced "Saulkeend"

[@mainstreetsaint36]

"Superman had been around for 50 years the time he appeared in his big screen adventure." Incorrect, I'm afraid. It was 40 years when Superman The Movie made its way to theaters. His 50th anniversary was in 1988. This was the same year that the Ruby/Spears Superman cartoon was shown on CBS on Saturday mornings. There was also a 50th anniversary special that aired on prime time TV on CBS (aired 05 June 1988).

[@louisbuzzi869]

Earth is FLAT.

[@lebojay]

🧈 😂

[@theessentials450]

Adventures of SUperman made 104 episodes.

[@CoCotheTurtle]

No new info in this video, lots of unsubstantiated accusations about the Salkinds, and then we're taken through the plot. All under a cascade of non-witty witticisms. But I loved seeing the video clips!