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Superman (1978)

PG 143 min  -  Action | Adventure | Sci-Fi  -   15 December 1978 (USA)
7.3
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Ratings: 7.3/10 from 69,596 users   Metascore: 88/100 
Reviews: 413 user | 119 critic | 12 from Metacritic.com

An alien orphan is sent from his dying planet to Earth, where he grows up to become his adoptive home's first and greatest super-hero.

Director:

Richard Donner

Writers:

Jerry Siegel (creator: Superman), Joe Shuster (creator: Superman), and 6 more credits »
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Nominated for 3 Oscars. Another 12 wins & 15 nominations See more awards »
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Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Marlon Brando ...
Gene Hackman ...
Christopher Reeve ...
Ned Beatty ...
Jackie Cooper ...
Glenn Ford ...
Trevor Howard ...
1st Elder
Margot Kidder ...
Jack O'Halloran ...
Non
Valerie Perrine ...
Maria Schell Maria Schell ...
Terence Stamp ...
Phyllis Thaxter Phyllis Thaxter ...
Susannah York ...
Jeff East ...
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Storyline

Unable to convince the ruling council of Krypton that their world will destroy itself soon, scientist Jor-El takes drastic measures to preserve the Kryptonian race: He sends his infant son Kal-El to Earth. There, gaining great powers under Earth's yellow sun, he will become a champion of truth and justice. Raised by the Kents, an elderly farm couple, Clark Kent learns that his abilities must be used for good. The adult Clark travels to Metropolis, where he becomes a mild-mannered reporter for the Daily Planet...and a caped wonder whose amazing feats stun the city: Superman! Meanwhile, Lex Luthor, the world's greatest criminal mind, is plotting the greatest real estate swindle of all time. Can't even the Man of Steel stop this nefarious scheme? Written by Gregory A. Sheets <m-sheets2@onu.edu>  

Plot Summary | Plot Synopsis

Plot Keywords:

Planet | Newspaper | Reporter | Criminal | Galaxy  | See more »

Taglines:

You'll Believe a Man Can Fly! See more »

Genres:

Action | Adventure | Sci-Fi

Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated PG for peril, some mild sensuality and language (original rating) (Approved No. 25403) See all certifications »

Parents Guide:

View content advisory »
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Details

Country:

UK | USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

(USA) See more »

Also Known As:

Superman: The Movie See more »

Box Office

Budget:

$55,000,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend:

$7,465,343 (USA) (17 December 1978) (508 Screens)

Gross:

$300,218,018 (Worldwide)
See more »

Company Credits

Show detailed company contact information on IMDbPro »

Technical Specs

Runtime:

 | USA: (1980 video release)  | USA: (2000 restoration)

Sound Mix:

70 mm 6-Track (70 mm prints) | Dolby (35 mm prints) | Mono

Color:

Color (Technicolor)

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1
See full technical specs »
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Did You Know?

Trivia

Bruce Jenner turned down the role of Clark Kent to appear in the Village People musical Can't Stop the Music. Valerie Perrine appears in both films. See more »

Goofs

Continuity: After the earthquake, the gap in the railroad tracks is wider than the length of Superman's body. When he is in place, the gap is much smaller. See more »

Quotes

[first lines]
Boy: In the decade of the 1930s, even the great city of Metropolis was not spared the ravages of the worldwide depression. In times of fear and confusion, the job of informing the public was the responsibility of the Daily Planet, a great metropolitan newspaper whose reputation for clarity and truth had become the symbol for hope in the city of Metropolis...
See more »

Crazy Credits

Cheerios by General Mills See more »

Connections

Referenced in "Saturday Night Live: Madonna/Simple Minds (#11.1)" (1985) See more »

Soundtracks

"Rock Around the Clock"
(uncredited)
Performed by Bill Haley and the Comets
(Theatrical version only) See more »