Customer Reviews

Superman & Mole Men [VHS]

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Sorry, but this has to be a dissenting opinion. As some of the other reviewers have noted, "Superman and the Mole Men" was later edited into a two-part episode for the George Reeves TV program, now rechristened as "The Unknown People." Sorry, folks, but in this case the "edited for TV" version is a distinct improvement and for one reason: THE MUSIC! The score used in the original movie is a pallid, third-rate job that does nothing to advance the action or to support the eerie, "film noir" feel of the camera work. But when the film was mixed down for presentation on TV, the show's producers had the genius to replace the film's soundtrack with some of the scariest, most vivid background scores then available. (As a matter of fact, this weird and wonderful music - used over and over again as background music throughout the first, black-and -white season of the 1950's "Adventures of Superman" TV show - has been helpfully collected on CD by the Varese-Sarabande label. You can order it right here, at Amazon.com!) I only wish the edited TV version was made commercially available; anyone who gets to know "Superman and the Mole Men" only through this original theatrical release will have no idea of how good it really is, or understand how the effective use of great background music can turn a third-rate movie into a very good film.

George Reeves does a great job in his first appearance as the man of steel. The Mole Men are not the bad guys in this film. The people that live in the small town that the Mole People surface from are the true bad guys due to fear. Superman tries to make the towns people understand that The Mole Men are not bad. But like in most films the people don't listen and they try to kill the Mole People.This film was the only George Reeves Superman that was shown in theaters. It's very low budget but it's great fun, like most Superman movies and TV shows. Superman and The Mole Men also apeared as a two part episode when the show was on TV. But was edited down due to time. If you want to see this film buy or rent this full length version. It's worth the time if your a fan of Superman.

This 1951 feature served as the pilot for the series that lives on today in syndication. Shot in just eleven days in July of 1951, this low budget film introduced George Reeves as the Man of Steel, fighting small town intolerance when Mole Men from the center of the Earth arrive in Silsby through an oil well drilled to the core of the planet. Fans of the series will enjoy the different music used to cue the flying sequences, and the standing take off Superman employs in one scene. (It was one of two times wire take offs were used, and both times Superman wound up on his Superrump on the cutting room floor. Later Reeves would use a spring board to achieve the effect.) This 58 minute feature was later cut into a two part episode called The Unknown People. The no nonsense approach by George Reeves in the title role will fascinate fans of the series, watching to see how the character would later evole in the TV format. The film noir tone serves as a time capsule of 1951. A must see for the diehard Superman fan.

This Motion Picture represents the first Feature Film Starring the "Man of Steel" : SuperMan. Two Serials and 27 Animated Shorts Had been viewed by the "Public at Large" but "SuperMan and the Mole Men" introduces us to the Cast of the TV Series...which began filming soon after the release of this feature....if you are part of the Baby Boom then the Image of George Reeves as the "Strange Visitor from another Planet who came to Earth with Powers and Abilities far beyond those of Mortal Man..." is already implanted firmly in your mind and viewing this remarkable film will bring you back to those days of youth and innocence...when Life was simple and men could fly!

Nice movie with extra footage not on the TV re-broadcast. It also contains a different music soundtrack, but that's OK. No offence to Noel Neill, but Phyllis Coates is my favorite Lois Lane. I wish the Phyllis Coates episodes came out on DVD. They are much more serious and contain lots of suspense. Don't worry about the no show of Jimmy Olsen, he isn't missed. This is a classic film all Superman fans must have in their collection.

I was really disappointed in this but I didn't realize why until I read the review that pointed out the music shift when they recut it for TV. I own the Music CD from the series (also available on Amazon), and when I compared the music on the movie- sure enough- that is definately the missing element. If you are interested in the CD, search "popular music" for the title: "The Adventures of Superman: Original Television Soundtrack (1950s TV Series)"

I strongly suggest anyone wanting this to first take a look at a copy from a video rental house.

I much prefer Phyllis Coates as Lois. She was ok in this, a little snippy and bitchy, but my opinion is that the more classic scenes of her were in the tv episodes, not this movie.

George Reeves and Phyllis Coates at their best! Superman at his most assertive, seldom smiling as he to often did in later episodes.Clark Kent proving he is as good a detective as he is a reporter. Lois Lane at her very best...Phyllis Coates projecting her fear and wonder very convincingly. And the Mole Men...you`ll feel compassion for them. With an excellent supporting cast and the ooh so beautiful automobiles....Superman and the Mole Men is a must see !!! Highly entertaining!!!!

i have this video in my video library collection it's superman's best and greatest venture into the realm of science fiction. George Reeves gives an outstanding performance in his debut as 'the man of steel',showing why any actor who plays 'superman' on tv now or in the future will have a very hard time filling Reeves'red boots.

The first feature-length Superman movie was a 1951 science-fiction drama that served as the pilot for the classic TV series. Remarkably provocative in its depiction of mob violence and racial tolerance, "Superman and the Mole Men" rises above its low-budget shortcomings due to Robert Maxwell's timely script and Lee Sholem's no-nonsense direction. Best of all, the film marks George Reeves' debut as Superman/Clark Kent - an iconic portrayal that would dominate the remainder of his career. Co-star Phyllis Coates plays a refreshingly independent Lois Lane (a role she defined in the show's first season) while famed acting teacher Jeff Corey stands out as a gun-toting bigot. Extra Trivia: One of the subterranean "Mole Men" is an uncredited Billy Curtis.

Being 24 years old, I'm not a part of the baby boomer generation. I didn't see this film when it was brand new, but I am a fan of Superman. George Reeves plays the part of Clark Kent perfect, especially looking really good as Superman. The real stars of this movie are the little people who played the mole men. They never say anything in the movie, but a lot of expression is used and it is easy to feel sorry for them when they are treated wrong.

The story starts off a little slow, but eventually gains a lot of momentum and stays that way to the end. I was sucked in to the story, when the mole man is stuck in the burning house, inside I was screaming "Where are you Superman?! Help this guy out!" It is that good and you don't have to be from the previous generation to enjoy the film. It can be enjoyed by anyone, just as long as you are ready to have fun. The only reason I gave it four stars is because the beginning is kind of slow, other than that-up, up and away!!