George Reeves' Adventures of Superman for Beginners

[thunderbolt]

yeah start at season one. George Reeves was my Superman growing up, and he really did something with the dual role.

[PNGwynne]

Half-hours, yes--self-contained.

Something to mull In my mind (and I think T-bold has said this before), the Superman TV series is the golden-age Superman, and Reeves' movies are silver/bronze-age. For me, they don't conflict.

Also, if you're a Noell Neill fan, she's not Lois until season two.

[Hedji]

They are half hour episodes, correct? Do they have cliffhangers connecting them, or are they self contained?

[PNGwynne]

I have the whole series on dvd. I just cherry-pick. The cast is engaging. Season one is more adult and gritty (cf. Lost in Space). Reeves is just fine as Superman, his performance doesn't infringe in any way on my affection for Reeve. He's more avuncular, and his Kent more capable.

The episodes do feel dated, and under-budgeted at times. But I can can push past that and enjoy myself--after all, the Reeves films have some dated elements as well.

If I have one complaint about the show, it's that it's rather pedestrian in the way that the Wonder Woman series is in later seasons. I like good villains, and Batman '66 delivers those in a way that Superman and WW on TV do not. So I find the Superboy series a little more fun than Superman. But there's a lot more of Superman and Batman in their shows than WW (seasons 2-3).

I suggest you try season one and go from there. It's just my opinion, but I hope it helps.

[enyawd72]

I say go for it Andy!
I own most of the seasons....missing one I think, and I really enjoy them. I prefer the color seasons just because it's Superman and I love seeing that costume in all it's glory, but I admit the stories are better in the earlier B/W episodes.

You actually get to see a LOT more of Superman being super in the show. He's constantly smashing through brick walls, using his x-ray vision, etc. It's really cool. I think you'll love it.

[Hedji]

Confession...

I've never watched an entire episode of the classic George Reeves Superman.

Growing up a 70s/80s kid, Christopher Reeve was (and is) my Superman.

But I am tempted to dip my toe into these. To those familiar with the show, do you think a Chris Reeve fan would be able to enjoy them, or would they feel just before my time? I do of course enjoy Batman 66, but that's a completely different show. From what I see, I'm a bit turned off by a lack of fanciful villains.

Would anyone like to convince or encourage me? Or mentally prepare me?