Customer Reviews

Superman: Serial to Cereal

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It is unlikely that any fan of the Superman saga would find a more comprehensive summary than is presented in this book. It covers the early Superman serials from the 1940's through the classic TV series starring George Reeves. Each episode is discussed, along with background information and numerous anecdotes. The history of each of the actors is reviewed (did you know George Reeves was in Gone With the Wind?), along with the complete cast and credits for each show. There are also lots of behind-the-scenes photos of the cast and crew. This is required reading for Superman afficianados.

For years the most notable book about the great "Adventures of Superman" tv show and writer Gary H. Grossman has done a truly super job. The author, like many of us weaned on 50's television, clearly loved this show and had seemingly tracked down all actors or crew members alive in the 1970's for a complete retrospective. For the first time we get to relive the trials and tribulations of bringing Superman to the small screen and are given key insights on why the show has weaved a sort of magic for generations of viewers (with just a shoe-string budget). Best of all, Grossman paints a wonderful memory of George Reeves- still in my book the definite Man of Steel. Although the actor felt the role was beneath his talent, the man's kindness and charisma can be felt on every page.

Grossman also briefly covers the 1940's Superman serials starring Kirk Allyn. These serials have their fans but act here as sort of a dry run before the tv show takes center stage. With the "Adventures of Superman" now getting their due on DVD, this book, if you can find it, will be the perfect companion.

Now that the Fleischer cartoons, the Kirk Alyn serials and the George Reeves series are all available on DVD, this book takes on a second life as a fun companion for those with the time (and suspension of adult, aesthetic judgment!) who watch them and still enjoy them.

Prices are, however, all over the place--anywhere from $1.99 to over $150.00. One reason appears to be that there are two formats-- the trade publication called "oversized," and the other, a small paperback (about 6 by 4 inches). The latter probably has cheaper paper, possibly some cuts in the material, but my copy has stood up to time pretty well. Fans should make sure which one they are getting. The author, Gary Grosssman, has apparently made the trade version available again at another site (Google the title) for $29.99. Either version should be faster than a speeding bullet.