Superman on Film, Television, Radio and Broadway (Hardcover)

~ (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

First introduced in a 1938 comic book, Superman has since become an iconic character in American entertainment. This complete history covers Superman's appearances in film and television, from the 1941 introduction of the first Superman cartoon to the 2006 live-action film Superman Returns. The book includes several rarely seen photographs of the actors who have brought Superman to life for over seven decades, including Clayton "Bud" Collyer, Kirk Alyn, George Reeves and Christopher Reeve. Multiple appendices provide a complete listing of Superman-related books and websites, along with a comprehensive list of the cast and characters featured in Superman films, television shows, and radio programs since 1941.

About the Author

Film historian, documentary writer and producer Bruce Scivally lives in Wilmette, Illinois.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 248 pages
• Publisher: McFarland (October 3, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0786431660
• ISBN-13: 978-0786431663
• Product Dimensions: 10.1 x 7 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.3 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #943,094 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The human story behind the greatest superhero of them all!, October 11, 2007

By	John Cork (Los Angeles, CA USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Bruce Scivally has done a masterful job of linking almost 80 years of history into a gripping narrative. This book looks behind the hype and into the stories of Superman's origins and most movingly, into the lives of those who created the Superman myth. We discover how the Man of Steel challenged those who tried to bring him to life on the radio, in movies, on television and the stage--the very media where life was breathed into the simple character from the comics. What unfolds is an amazing story of Hollywood, egos, failures, creative triumphs and even delusional mental illness. There were points in this story where I literally wondered how the character survived in the hands of those who held the rights. I came away understanding quite a bit more about why Superman became and stayed popular even to those who never really read the comics. The book details the subtle and not-so-subtle changes in the character that have allowed him to succeed in numerous incarnations on television and film. This is a very revealing and illuminating look at a character who has survived and prospered for so long because of the way he has been translated to radio, film, television and Broadway. Great details on all the performers who have played Superman and all the key creative forces behind each incarnation. If you are interested in entertainment industry history, this book gives as grand of an overview as you could want by examining one character through virtually every facet of our media-obsessed culture.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars It's a bird, It's a plane, It's a great book!, November 19, 2007

By	R. J. Zaguli "supertexan" - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

As someone who owns Mr. Scivally's great James Bond: The Legacy, I was really looking forward to receiving my copy of his latest, Superman on Film, Television, Radio and Broadway.
The cover showcases the title exploding out from the Man of Steel's chest as he rips open his shirt - PERFECT!! I am a huge fan of that iconic image and couldn't think of a better choice for the cover.

The book itself is 240 pages long (of that about 50 pages at the end are appendices, chapter notes, a bibliography and an index). Unlike James Bond: The Legacy, this book is "normal" size at 7" x 10" with a thick - almost textbook thick - cover. There are unfortunately precious few pictures spread throughout the book - if I counted right there are only 12 and they are black and white. Now, sounds like I was dissappointed right? Wrong!

What Mr. Scivally seems to have aimed for is the definitive textbook on the history of the Man of Steel. It is thorough, well-written and a joy to read. I am concerned though that at a list price of US$49.95, it may not reach the widespread audience it should. I am somewhat confused about the price point I have to admit - I would have expected it to be closer to US$29.99. Anyway, on to the review...

From the dedication page which reads:


"To my dear wife, Sandra, and daughter, Amanda, who, every day, make this Clark Kent feel like a Superman"
the reader knows that the author is dedicated to the character and telling a fascinating story of the challenges which were faced in bringing every incarnation of Superman to life. He thoroughly covers the creation of our hero by Siegel and Shuster, his radio and cartoon appearances, the Kirk Alyn serials and the George Reeves era. Included are the "failed" attempts of Superboy and Superpup, the Broadway show It's a Bird... It's a Plane.... It's Superman, and of course the movies we have come to love and question beginning with Superman: The Movie and ending with Superman Returns. The TV incarnations of Lois & Clark and Smallville are extremely well covered and will no doubt surprise most readers with some tidbits even seasoned fans don't know. I consider myself a pretty knowledgable guy on the history of Superman but there were many things I didn't know and really enjoyed discovering. For those who want to relive the recent years including the efforts before Superman Returns made it to the screen they are very well handled - its a miracle Singer's film made it to theaters after all the trials and tribulations that proceeded it.
I would like to end this review with Mr. Scivally's afterword - I think it really encompasses all our hopes and dreams for the Man of Steel. His book will be a very worthwhile addition to any Superman fan's collection.


"Will there be another Superman movie? Of course there will. It's inevitable, because Superman is too much a part of our culture. He has been celebrated in song by Jim Croce, Barbra Streisand, The Kinks, REM, Five for Fighting, and 3 Doors Down. He has been a video game fixture since the dawn of the computer revolution.The comic books are still selling steadily, and the yearly Superman Celebration in Metropolis, Illinois continues to attract thousands of visitors each June.
From the pages of the comics to radio's theater of the imagination, from the intimacy of television to the majesty of the movies, there has always been and will perhaps always be a Superman for every medium and every generation."

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Really Super Book about Superman: A MUST READ!, July 23, 2008

By	Charles S. Levi "Life-long Superman Lover" (Deerfield, Illinois) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

"Superman on Film, Television, Radio and Broadway" is the finest book on the marketplace for superman lovers. Bruce Scivally writes succinctly and informatively about every aspect of the Man of Steel. The chapters include photos from authentic archives which highlight the content. The descriptions are captivating. Author Scivally has an amazing command of all the details of Superman's life and times. When one finishes this excellent work, the reader will have a fine understanding of how Superman appeared in the media throughout his 70 year career. One of the finest books I have ever read. I recommend it highly. Charley Levi, Deerfield,IL