Superman – The Movie – Starring Christopher Reeve – December 13th 1978 – Press Photograph

Publisher: Not stated (Warner Bros.)
Price: £150.00
Date: 13th December, 1978
Photograph Size: 20.9cm x 26.1cm including margins
Format: Original Press Photograph
Condition: Very good
Edition: Not stated.

Details:

Dated to the reverse one day before the UK release on December 14th and two days before the US release. The earliest dated Superman movie ephemera that we have handled. Slightly creased and marked but in very good condition overall. Very scarce.

Superman: The Movie: A Brief Description

Superman: The Movie (1978) is a landmark superhero film that redefined the genre and laid the foundation for many of the superhero blockbusters that followed. Directed by Richard Donner and written by Mario Puzo (best known for The Godfather), the film stars Christopher Reeve in the iconic role of Superman/Clark Kent, alongside a talented cast that includes Margot Kidder, Gene Hackman, Marlon Brando, and Ned Beatty.

Plot Overview:

The film begins with a dramatic, sweeping prologue set on the doomed planet Krypton, where the infant Kal-El (Superman) is sent to Earth by his father, Jor-El (played by Marlon Brando), just before Krypton is destroyed in a cataclysmic explosion. The spaceship carrying the child lands in rural Kansas, where he is adopted by the Kent family, who name him Clark Kent.

As Clark grows up, he discovers his extraordinary abilities, including super strength, the power of flight, and x-ray vision. Struggling to understand his identity, he leaves Kansas and travels to Metropolis, where he assumes the secret identity of the mild-mannered reporter, Clark Kent, working for the Daily Planet.

It is in Metropolis that Clark begins his career as Superman, saving the city from various dangers and coming into contact with Lois Lane (Margot Kidder), a determined and resourceful reporter who, despite her scepticism, becomes captivated by Superman. Meanwhile, Lex Luthor (Gene Hackman), a brilliant but egotistical villain, hatches a nefarious plan to destroy the West Coast of the United States in order to profit from real estate schemes.

The film reaches its climax with Superman’s ultimate showdown with Luthor, as he races against time to save Lois and prevent disaster. The movie ends with Superman making a self-sacrificial decision that tests his powers and his moral code.

Key Themes:

Superman: The Movie explores themes of heroism, identity, and destiny, while also delving into the human side of its protagonist. Clark Kent is presented as someone struggling to reconcile his god-like powers with his humble, human upbringing. His alter-ego, Superman, is the perfect hero — strong, compassionate, and unselfish — yet, he is also portrayed as vulnerable and emotionally conflicted. The film balances Superman’s supernatural abilities with his very human concerns about love, loneliness, and his responsibility to protect the world.

Key Characters:

• Superman/Clark Kent (Christopher Reeve): Reeve’s portrayal of Superman is widely regarded as iconic. His charm, sincerity, and physicality perfectly embody the character’s duality. As Superman, Reeve presents an idealised figure of strength and justice, but as Clark Kent, he becomes a bumbling, nerdy reporter whose awkwardness contrasts with his heroic alter ego. The film captures the essence of Superman’s character — a near-perfect being who is also deeply human in his emotions and struggles.
• Lois Lane (Margot Kidder): Lois is a smart, independent, and courageous reporter at the Daily Planet. She quickly develops a romantic interest in Superman, though she remains oblivious to his secret identity as Clark Kent. Kidder brings a feisty energy to the role, providing a strong counterpoint to Superman’s stoic nature, and her chemistry with Reeve is one of the film’s highlights.
• Lex Luthor (Gene Hackman): Luthor is portrayed as a mad genius with a desire for power and wealth, driven by an intense dislike for Superman. Hackman’s portrayal is both menacing and comically over-the-top, adding an element of camp to the character. Luthor’s plans involve both scientific ingenuity and a profound disdain for the Man of Steel, making him a formidable and memorable villain.
• Jor-El (Marlon Brando): Jor-El, Superman’s biological father, appears in a series of holographic messages that offer guidance and wisdom to his son. Brando’s performance, though limited in screen time, gives the film a gravitas and a sense of cosmic importance, underlining the grand, almost mythological scope of the story.
• Martha and Jonathan Kent (Phyllis Thaxter and Glenn Ford): The Kent family provides the emotional foundation for Clark Kent’s character. Their love and moral teachings help Clark become the hero he is destined to be.

Visual Style and Effects:

The visual effects in Superman: The Movie were ground-breaking for their time. The film used a combination of practical effects, miniatures, and optical illusions to bring Superman’s extraordinary abilities to life. Notably, the flying scenes, achieved using wire work and front-projection technology, are still considered iconic and remain a highlight of the film.

The film’s cinematography, by Gilbert Taylor, is notable for its sweeping shots of both the majestic alien landscapes of Krypton and the bustling urban landscape of Metropolis. The scenes set on Krypton, in particular, are visually stunning, with grand, otherworldly architecture and special effects that convey a sense of futuristic splendour.

The special effects were complemented by John Williams’ unforgettable score, which became as iconic as the film itself. The “Superman March” is instantly recognisable and has since become synonymous with the character of Superman, evoking feelings of hope, grandeur, and heroism.

Cultural Impact:

Upon its release, Superman: The Movie became a massive commercial success and is often credited with popularising the superhero genre in cinema. The film’s success paved the way for sequels, as well as other superhero films, both in the 1980s and beyond. Christopher Reeve’s portrayal of Superman set the standard for future incarnations of the character, influencing not only films but also television and comics.

At the time, superhero films had not yet achieved the same level of commercial and critical success they would later enjoy, particularly in the 21st century. The success of Superman made it clear that audiences could accept superhero films with real dramatic stakes and emotional depth, rather than just campy or light-hearted fare.

Legacy:

Superman: The Movie is considered one of the greatest superhero films of all time. Its influence is seen in later films like Batman (1989), Spider-Man (2002), and The Dark Knight trilogy, all of which owe something to Superman‘s blend of serious drama, heartfelt emotion, and heroic action. The film not only established Superman as a cinematic icon but also demonstrated that superhero films could be both entertaining and meaningful.

In addition, the film remains an important cultural artefact, representing the optimism and idealism of the late 1970s, particularly in its portrayal of Superman as a figure of hope and virtue during a time of social and political uncertainty.

Conclusion:

Superman: The Movie remains a classic, a film that successfully captured the essence of one of the most beloved comic book characters in history. With its remarkable performances, visionary direction, and unforgettable musical score, the film set a high standard for superhero films that followed, and it continues to be celebrated by fans old and new.

Location: Map drawer C: Folder: 6001: 6001U 002491

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