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Superman
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Superman (1978) More at IMDbPro »

Photos (See all 73 | slideshow) Videos (see all 6)
Superman -- Trailer for Superman: The Movie
Superman -- 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.

Overview

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7.3/10   86,393 votes »
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MOVIEmeter: ?
Up 122% in popularity this week. See why on IMDbPro.
Director:
Richard Donner
Writers:
Jerry Siegel (creator: Superman) &
Joe Shuster (creator: Superman) ...
(more)
Contact:
View company contact information for Superman on IMDbPro.
Release Date:
15 December 1978 (USA) See more »
Genre:
Action | Adventure | Sci-Fi See more »
Tagline:
You'll believe a man can fly. See more »
Plot:
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. Full summary » | Full synopsis »
Plot Keywords:
See more »
Awards:
Nominated for 3 Oscars. Another 12 wins & 15 nominations See more »
NewsDesk:
(2482 articles)
Win: Man Of Steel: Inside The Legendary World Of Superman Hardcover & Film Novelisation
 (From Obsessed with Film. 19 June 2013, 3:14 AM, PDT)
Movie Review - Man of Steel (2013)
 (From Flickeringmyth. 19 June 2013, 2:47 AM, PDT)
Russell Crowe to make 'The Water Diviner' his directorial debut?
 (From Digital Spy - Movie News. 19 June 2013, 1:02 AM, PDT)
User Reviews:
You'll still believe a man can fly See more (437 total) »

Cast

  (in credits order) (verified as complete)

Marlon Brando ... Jor-El

Gene Hackman ... Lex Luthor

Christopher Reeve ... Superman / Clark Kent

Ned Beatty ... Otis

Jackie Cooper ... Perry White

Glenn Ford ... Pa Kent

Trevor Howard ... 1st Elder

Margot Kidder ... Lois Lane

Jack O'Halloran ... Non

Valerie Perrine ... Eve Teschmacher

Maria Schell ... Vond-Ah

Terence Stamp ... General Zod

Phyllis Thaxter ... Ma Kent

Susannah York ... Lara
Jeff East ... Young Clark Kent

Marc McClure ... Jimmy Olsen

Sarah Douglas ... Ursa

Harry Andrews ... 2nd Elder
Vass Anderson ... 3rd Elder
John Hollis ... 4th Elder
James Garbutt ... 5th Elder
Michael Gover ... 6th Elder
David Neal ... 7th Elder
William Russell ... 8th Elder
Penelope Lee ... 9th Elder
John Stuart ... 10th Elder
Alan Cullen ... 11th Elder
Lee Quigley ... Baby Kal-El
Aaron Smolinski ... Baby Clark Kent
Diane Sherry ... Lana Lang
Jeff Atcheson ... Coach
Brad Flock ... Brad
David Petrou ... Team Manager
Billy J. Mitchell ... 1st Editor
Robert Henderson ... 2nd Editor

Larry Lamb ... 1st Reporter
James Brockington ... 2nd Reporter
John Cassady ... 3rd Reporter
John F. Parker ... 4th Reporter
Antony Scott ... 5th Reporter
Ray Evans ... 6th Reporter
Sue Shifrin ... 7th Reporter (as Su Shifrin)
Miquel Brown ... 8th Reporter
Vincent Marzello ... 1st Copy Boy

Benjamin Feitelson ... 2nd Copy Boy
Lise Hilboldt ... 1st Secretary
Leueen Willoughby ... 2nd Secretary
Jill Ingham ... Perry's Secretary
Pieter Stuyck ... Window Cleaner
Rex Reed ... Rex Reed
Weston Gavin ... Mugger
Steve Kahan ... Officer 1 (as Stephen Kahan)
Ray Hassett ... Officer 2
Randy Jurgensen ... Officer 3 (as Randy Jurgenson)
Matt Russo ... News Vendor
Colin Skeaping ... Pilot
Bo Rucker ... Pimp
Paul Avery ... TV Cameraman
David Baxt ... Burglar
George Harris II ... Patrolman Mooney
Michael Harrigan ... 1st Hood
John Cording ... 2nd Hood
Raymond Thompson ... 3rd Hood
Oz Clarke ... 4th Hood

Rex Everhart ... Desk Sergeant (as Rex Everhardt)
Jayne Tottman ... Little Girl
Frank Lazarus ... Air Force One Pilot
Brian Protheroe ... Co Pilot
Lawrence Trimble ... 1st Crewman
Robert Whelan ... 2nd Crewman

David Calder ... 3rd Crewman
Norwich Duff ... Newscaster (as Norwick Duff)
Keith Alexander ... Newscaster

Michael Ensign ... Newscaster

Larry Hagman ... Major
Paul Tuerpe ... Sgt. Hayley
Graham McPherson ... Lieutenant
David Yorston ... Petty Officer
Robert O'Neill ... Admiral
Robert MacLeod ... General

John Ratzenberger ... 1st Controller
Alan Tilvern ... 2nd Controller
Phil Brown ... State Senator
Bill Bailey ... 2nd Senator
Burnell Tucker ... Agent
Chief Tug Smith ... Indian Chief
Norman Warwick ... Superchief Driver
Chuck Julian ... Assistant
Colin Etherington ... Power Co. Driver
Mark Wynter ... Mate
Roy Stevens ... Warden
rest of cast listed alphabetically:
Kirk Alyn ... General Sam Lane (uncredited)
Bruce Boa ... General (extended version) (uncredited)
Robert Dahdah ... Newspaper Customer (uncredited)
David de Keyser ... Warden (voice) (uncredited)

Richard Donner ... Man in Street (extended version (uncredited)
Harry Fielder ... Policeman (uncredited)
Edward Finneran ... Special Football Player (uncredited)

Noel Neill ... Ella Lane (uncredited)
Pam Rose ... Reporter (uncredited)
Tony Selby ... Hood (uncredited)
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Directed by
Richard Donner 
 
Writing credits
Jerry Siegel (creator: Superman) &
Joe Shuster (creator: Superman)

Mario Puzo (story)

Mario Puzo (screenplay) and
David Newman (screenplay) and
Leslie Newman (screenplay) &
Robert Benton (screenplay)

Tom Mankiewicz  uncredited

Produced by
Charles F. Greenlaw .... associate producer
Ilya Salkind .... executive producer
Pierre Spengler .... producer
Richard Lester .... producer (uncredited)
 
Original Music by
John Williams 
 
Cinematography by
Geoffrey Unsworth (photographed by)
 
Film Editing by
Stuart Baird 
Michael Ellis 
 
Casting by
Lynn Stalmaster 
 
Production Design by
John Barry 
 
Art Direction by
Ernest Archer 
Philip Bennet 
Stuart Craig 
Leslie Dilley  (as Les Dilley)
Norman Dorme 
Tony Reading 
Norman Reynolds 
 
Set Decoration by
Peter Howitt 
 
Costume Design by
Yvonne Blake 
 
Makeup Department
Jamie Brown .... makeup artist: Canada
Sylvia Croft .... makeup artist
Iloe Elliott .... hairdresser: Canada
Graham Freeborn .... makeup artist
Kay Freeborn .... makeup artist
Stuart Freeborn .... creative supervisor of makeup & special visuals
Darby Halpin .... hairdresser: USA
Cathy Kevany .... hairdresser
Louis Lane .... makeup artist: USA
Nick Maley .... makeup artist
Patricia McDermott .... hairdresser (as Pat McDermott)
Basil Newall .... makeup artist
Connie Reeve .... makeup artist
Phil Rhodes .... makeup artist (as Philip Rhodes)
Stella Rivers .... hairdresser
Joan White .... hairdresser
 
Production Management
Timothy Burrill .... production supervisor: North America
Tim Hampton .... production supervisor: New Mexico
Austen Jewell .... production manager: New Mexico
Les Kimber .... production manager: Alberta
Peter A. Runfolo .... production manager: New York
Robert Simmonds .... production supervisor
Dusty Symonds .... production manager
 
Second Unit Director or Assistant Director
John Barry .... second unit director
Peter L. Bergquist .... second assistant director: USA (as Peter Bergquist)
Roy Button .... second assistant director
Patrick Cadell .... second assistant director
Michael Dryhurst .... assistant director
Dominic Fulford .... assistant director
John Glen .... second unit director
Bud Grace .... assistant director: USA
Jerry Grandey .... assistant director: USA
Michael Green .... second assistant director
Michael Hook .... second assistant director
Peter Jacobs .... second assistant director
Allan James .... assistant director
David Lane .... second unit director
Steve Lanning .... second assistant director
Keith Lund .... second assistant director
Robert Lynn .... second unit director
Charles Marriott .... second assistant director
Simon Milton .... second assistant director
Michael Murray .... second assistant director
Kieron Phipps .... second assistant director
Michael Rauch .... assistant director: USA
Vic Smith .... second assistant director
Candace Suerstedt .... second assistant director: USA
Gareth Tandy .... assistant director
David Tomblin .... assistant director
David Tomblin .... second unit director
Vincent Winter .... assistant director
André De Toth .... second unit director (uncredited)
Peter Duffell .... second unit director (uncredited)
Gerry Gavigan .... second assistant director (uncredited)
 
Art Department
Ted Ambrose .... draughtsman
George Ball .... property master
Bill Beavis .... scenic artist
Ivor Beddoes .... illustrator
Dennis Bosher .... draughtsman
Reg Bream .... draughtsman
Bill Brodie .... supervising art director: Canada and New Mexico
Roy Carnon .... illustrator
Jack Carter .... construction manager
Alan Cassie .... draughtsman
John Chisholm .... prop man
Larry Cleary .... construction manager
Steve Cooper .... set designer
Roy Evans .... assistant construction manager
Maurice Fowler .... supervising art director: England and New York
Eddie Francis .... props
Ed Gimmel .... star ship
Norman Hart .... decor & lettering artist
Reg Hill .... illustrator
Stan Jolley .... art director: USA
Harry Kersey .... construction manager: USA
John Lanzer .... production buyer
Herman Lowers .... construction manager: USA
Peter Palmer .... production buyer
Michael Redding .... model construction manager
Tony Rimmington .... draughtsman
Gene Rudolf .... art director: USA
Danny Skundric .... property master
Ernest Smith .... scenic artist
Janet Stevens .... modeller (as Jan Stevens)
Paul Vale .... painter (as Wiggy Fruntwick)
Peter Voysey .... modeller
Frederic C. Weiler .... set decorator: USA (as Fred Weiler)
Gari Bacon .... props (uncredited)
Mick Chubbock .... plasterer (uncredited)
Peter Fern .... construction engineer (uncredited)
Robert Jackson .... carpenter (uncredited)
Paul James .... plasterer (uncredited)
David Ned Kelly .... carpenter (uncredited)
Peter Mann .... construction carpenter (uncredited)
Tony Musk .... carpenter (uncredited)
Italo Tomassi .... set designer (uncredited)
 
Sound Department
Max Bell .... stereo sound consultant: Dolby
Norman Bolland .... sound mixer
Pat Brennan .... assistant dubbing editor (as Patrick Brennan)
Geoff R. Brown .... assistant dubbing editor (as Geoff Brown)
Roy Charman .... sound mixer
Des Edwards .... assistant sound mixer
Stan Fiferman .... sound editor: footsteps and effects
David L. Fisher .... assistant dubbing editor (as David Fisher)
John Foster .... sound editor: footsteps and effects
Pat Foster .... dialogue editor
Leonard Green .... assistant dubbing editor
Chris Greenham .... supervising sound editor
Graham V. Hartstone .... assistant dubbing mixer (as Graham Hartstone)
Mike Hopkins .... dialogue editor (as Michael Hopkins)
Chris Large .... sound mixer: Canada
Nicolas Le Messurier .... assistant dubbing mixer (as Nicholas Le Messurier)
Brian Marshall .... sound mixer
Gordon K. McCallum .... sound mixer
Gordon K. McCallum .... sound re-recording mixer
Jay Nierenberg .... supervising sound editor (2000 Restoration)
Tony Orton .... assistant dubbing editor
Keith Pamplin .... assistant sound mixer
Peter Pennell .... sound effects editor
Richard Raguse .... sound mixer: USA (as Dick Ragusa)
George Rice .... assistant sound mixer
Charles Schmitz .... sound mixer: USA
Jupiter Sen .... assistant dubbing editor
Otto Snel .... assistant dubbing mixer
Mike Tucker .... boom operator
Bernard Weiser .... supervising sound editor: special edition re-release
Peter Desbois .... sound playback operator (uncredited)
Chris Gurney .... boom operator: day-play (uncredited)
 
Special Effects by
Peter Biggs .... special effects technician
Derek Botell .... flying effects
Ron Burton .... special effects technician
Colin Chilvers .... creative supervisor & director of special effects
Michael Dunleavy .... special effects technician
Joe Fitt .... special effects technician
Dominic Fulford .... flying unit coordinator
Rodney Fuller .... special effects technician
Robert Harman .... flying effects (as Bob Harman)
Jimmy Harris .... special effects technician
Norman Kerss .... special effects technician
Robert MacDonald .... special effects: New Mexico (as Bob MacDonald)
Robert Nugent .... special effects technician (as Bob Nugent)
Peter Pickering .... special effects technician
Frank Richardson .... special effects technician
John Richardson .... special effects: Canada and New York
Terry Schubert .... special effects technician
Roy Spencer .... special effects technician
Brian Warner .... special effects technician
Lawrie Ayres .... special effects crew (uncredited)
Neil Corbould .... special effects runner (uncredited)
Michael Dawson .... flying unit assistant (uncredited)
John Inglis .... flying unit assistant special effects supervisor (uncredited)
Bob Keen .... model maker (uncredited)
Robert Schofield .... wire effects (uncredited)
John Thomas .... special effects (uncredited)
Michael White .... special effects assistant (uncredited)
 
Visual Effects by
Darrell A. Anderson .... additional model photography: USA (as Darrell Anderson)
James Aspinall .... zoptic operator
Dennis Bartlett .... travelling matte supervisor
Les Bowie .... creative supervisor of mattes & composites
Ray Caple .... matte artist
Denys N. Coop .... creative director of process photography (as Denys Coop)
Chris Crowell .... digital compositor: Pacific Title & Art Studio (2000 restoration)
Ken Dackermann .... digital compositor: Pacific Title & Art Studio (2000 restoration)
Leslie Dear .... additional model photography
Mike Drew .... zoptic operator
Tony Dunsterville .... model maker
Sheldon Elbourne .... title & special optical sequences photographer
Doug Ferris .... matte artist
Roy Field .... creative supervisor of optical visual effects
Cyril Forster .... model maker
Mark Freund .... visual effects supervisor: Pacific Title & Art Studio (2000 restoration)
George Gervan .... digital roto artist: Pacific Title & Art Studio (2000 restoration)
Richard Gervan .... digital roto artist: Pacific Title & Art Studio (2000 restoration)
George Gibbs .... additional model effects
Martin Hall .... digital paint artist: Pacific Title & Art Studio (2000 restoration)
Peter Hammond .... matte camera operator
Peter Harman .... matte camera operator
Maureen Healy .... digital paint artist: Pacific Title & Art Studio (2000 restoration)
Veronica Hernandez .... digital paint artist: Pacific Title & Art Studio (2000 restoration)
Heather Hoyland .... lead digital compositor: Pacific Title & Art Studio (2000 restoration)
Andrew Kelly .... model maker
Bob Kindred .... additional model photography
Tad Krzanowski .... model maker (as Tadeusz Krzanowski)
Liz Lettman .... assistant matte artist
Jeff Luff .... model maker
Darin McCormick-Millett .... digital producer (2000 restoration)
Derek Meddings .... model effects director & creator
Sean Morris .... optical sequences
Harry Oakes .... additional model photography
Roy Pace .... title & special optical sequences photographer
Peter Parks .... optical sequences
Zoran Perisic .... zoptic special effects
Terry Reed .... model maker
Denis Rich .... special visual effects designer
Martin Shortall .... optical liaison (as Martin Shorthall)
Brian Smithies .... additional model effects
David Speed .... zoptic operator
Charles Staffell .... process systems
Lynn Tigar .... digital paint artist: Pacific Title & Art Studio (2000 restoration)
Wally Veevers .... flying systems & process projection
Peter Watson .... supervising editor of optical & special effects
Paul Wilson .... model photography
Russ Woolnough .... assistant editor of optical & special effects (as Russell Woolnough)
Andy Aitken .... model maker (uncredited)
Keith Holland .... visual effects camera operator (uncredited)
John Inglis .... visual effects supervisor (uncredited)
Gary Pearlman .... titles & optical effects (uncredited)
Philip Sharpe .... model maker (uncredited)
David Smith .... optical cameraman: Camera Effects Ltd (uncredited)
 
Stunts
Vic Armstrong .... stunt coordinator
Richard E. Butler .... additional stunts: Canada (as Dick Butler)
George Lane Cooper .... additional stunts (as George Cooper)
Stuart Fell .... additional stunts
Richard Hackman .... additional stunts: Canada
Alf Joint .... stunt coordinator
Wendy Leech .... additional stunts
Alex Stevens .... stunt coordinator: New York
Bill Weston .... additional stunts
Paul Weston .... additional stunts
Vic Armstrong .... stunt double: Christopher Reeve (uncredited)
Marc Boyle .... stunts (uncredited)
Ellen Bry .... stunts (uncredited)
Cyd Child .... stunts (uncredited)
Tim Condren .... stunts (uncredited)
Sue Crosland .... stunts (uncredited)
Billy Dean .... stunts (uncredited)
Jim Dowdall .... stunts (uncredited)
George Fisher .... stunts (uncredited)
John Gallant .... stunts (uncredited)
Romo Gorrara .... stunts (uncredited)
Martin Grace .... stunts (uncredited)
Reg Harding .... stunts (uncredited)
Terry Hill .... stunts (uncredited)
Nick Hobbs .... stunts (uncredited)
Billy Horrigan .... stunts (uncredited)
Arthur Howell .... stunts (uncredited)
Alf Joint .... stunts (uncredited)
George Leech .... stunts: Man in burglar's office (uncredited)
Wendy Leech .... stunt double: Margot Kidder (uncredited)
Scott Leva .... stunts (uncredited)
Mark McBride .... stunts (uncredited)
Bronco McLoughlin .... stunts (uncredited)
Peter Munt .... stunts (uncredited)
Peter Pocock .... stunts (uncredited)
Greg Powell .... stunts (uncredited)
Nosher Powell .... stunts (uncredited)
Doug Robinson .... stunts (uncredited)
Kiran Shah .... stunts (uncredited)
Tony Smart .... stunts (uncredited)
Roy Street .... stunts (uncredited)
Rocky Taylor .... stunts (uncredited)
Johan Thorén .... stunts (uncredited)
Terry Walsh .... stunts (uncredited)
Malcolm Weaver .... stunts (uncredited)
Chris Webb .... stunts (uncredited)
 
Camera and Electrical Department
Peter Allwork .... aerial photographer
Howard A. Anderson III .... camera operator: USA (as Howard Anderson III)
Jack Atcheler .... additional photographer
Bob Bailin .... process plate photographer: New York
Lou Barlia .... camera operator: USA
Bert Bosher .... electrician: Pinewood
John Campbell .... assistant camera
Mike Chevalier .... camera operator: USA (as Michael Chevalier)
Ken Coles .... camera operator
Robert E. Collins .... additional photographer: New Mexico
James A. Contner .... camera operator: USA (as Jim Contner)
Trevor Coop .... assistant camera
Jack Courtland .... camera operator: USA
John Deaton .... assistant camera
James Devis .... camera operator (as Jimmy Devis)
Ray Evans .... electrician: Lee Electric
Roy Ford .... camera operator
Mike Fox .... camera operator: co-first unit
Alan Gatward .... assistant camera
Ginger Gemmel .... camera operator
Maurice Gillett .... chief electrician: Lee Electric
Geoff Glover .... camera operator
Ron Goodman .... Wesscam photographer (as Ronald Goodman)
John Harris .... camera operator
Gordon Hayman .... camera operator
Brian King .... video operator
David Lenham .... assistant camera
Jack Lowen .... camera operator
Douglas Luke .... still photographer
Peter MacDonald .... camera operator
Domenic Mastrippolito .... assistant camera: USA
John May .... electrician: Pinewood
Stan McClain .... assistant camera: second unit and aerial USA
Ray Meehan .... electrician: Lee Electric
John Morgan .... camera operator
Reginald H. Morris .... additional photographer: Alberta (as Reginald Morris)
Sol Negrin .... additional photographer: New York
Rod Parkhurst .... camera operator: Canada
Bob Penn .... still photographer
George Pink .... camera operator
Cervin Robinson .... process stills: New York
Ronnie Fox Rogers .... camera operator
Thom Ryan .... assistant camera: Canada (as Tom Ryan)
Nick Schlesinger .... assistant camera
Jonathan Taylor .... assistant camera
Jack Thetford .... electrician: Pinewood
Alex Thomson .... additional photographer
John Tythe .... chief electrician: Pinewood
Peter Versey .... assistant camera
Chris Warren .... video operator
Freddie Webster .... electrician: Pinewood (as Fred Webster)
Micky Wilson .... best boy
Harry Woodley .... electrician: Pinewood
David Wynn-Jones .... first assistant camera
Steve Barron .... clapper loader (uncredited)
Dennis Borrow .... second assistant camera (uncredited)
Bob Bridges .... video assist operator (uncredited)
Tony Brown .... assistant camera (uncredited)
Peter Clarson .... gaffer: special effects, UK (uncredited)
Wick Finch .... electrician (uncredited)
Dave Friedman .... still photographer: action unit (uncredited)
Michael Ginsburg .... still photographer (uncredited)
Phillip Grosvenor .... assistant camera (uncredited)
Geoff Mulligan .... aerial camera operator (uncredited)
John R. Shannon .... still photographer (uncredited)
Owen Stephens .... electrician: Lee Electric (uncredited)
 
Casting Department
Mary Selway .... casting: English
 
Costume and Wardrobe Department
Betty Adamson .... wardrobe supervisor & additional design
Elvira Angelinetta .... wardrobe assistant
Austin Cooper .... wardrobe assistant
Helen Gill .... wardrobe assistant
Barbara Gillett .... wardrobe assistant
Ruth Morley .... additional costumes
Eddie Silva .... wardrobe assistant
Janet Tebrooke .... wardrobe assistant
Colin Wilson .... wardrobe assistant
 
Editorial Department
George Akers .... assistant editor
Elaine C. Andrianos .... first assistant editor: special edition 2000
Olivier Assayas .... editorial intern
David Beesley .... assistant editor
Neil Farrell .... assistant editor
Tim Jordan .... assistant editor
Christopher Morris .... assistant editor
Bob Mullen .... first assistant editor
Mike Round .... assistant editor
Gary Shepherd .... assistant editor
Colin Wilson .... assistant editor
Steve Pickard .... assistant plate editor (uncredited)
 
Music Department
Robert Hathaway .... music editor (as Bob Hathaway)
Arthur Morton .... orchestrator
Ken Ross .... assistant music editor
Herbert W. Spencer .... orchestrator (as Herbert Spencer)
Eric Tomlinson .... music mixer
Eric Tomlinson .... music recordist
Angela Morley .... additional orchestrator (uncredited)
 
Other crew
Patti Allen .... production assistant: Canada
Diane Appleby .... production assistant
Gordon Arnell .... publicist
Trudy Balen .... secretary to producer
Sally Ball .... production assistant
Joy Bayley .... production assistant
June Broom .... publicity assistant
Mike Campbell .... visual coordinator (as Michael Campbell)
Patricia Carr .... production assistant (as Pat Carr)
Al Cerullo .... helicopter pilot: New York
Chris Coles .... location manager: New York
Jane Cox .... special unit secretary
Rita Davison .... additional continuity
Jane Dixie .... special unit secretary
Michael J. Duthie .... production coordinator (as Michael Duthie)
Sue Edwards .... special unit secretary
Norman Enfield .... additional script material
Jeanne Ferber .... executive assistant to Richard Donner
Josie Fulford .... additional continuity
Norma Garment .... production assistant
Yves Gaumont .... trainee assistant
Ann Green .... production assistant
Liz Green .... production assistant
Jean Hall .... production assistant
Sue Hausner .... secretary to the executive producer
Norma Hazelden .... production assistant
Geoffrey Helman .... production executive
Graham Henderson .... assistant accountant
Katya Kolpaktchy .... assistant continuity
David Lane .... visual coordinator
Adeline Leonard Seakwood .... production assistant: USA (as Adeline Leonard)
Richard Liebegott .... production assistant: USA (as Dick Liebegott)
Tom Mankiewicz .... creative consultant
Angela Martelli .... additional continuity
Doris Martin .... continuity
Jennie McClean .... special unit secretary
Maria Monreal .... executive assistant to producers
Douglas Noakes .... production accountant
Betsy Norton .... continuity: USA
Patricia O'Reilly .... publicity assistant (as Pat O'Reilly)
Kay Rawlings .... continuity
Denis Rich .... title designer: main titles
Waldo Roeg .... trainee assistant
Armand Rubin .... sales consultant
Bill Rudgard .... trainee assistant
Alexander Salkind .... presenter
Elaine Schreyeck .... continuity supervisor
Jeannie Stone .... production assistant
Paul Storey .... trainee assistant
Ernest Walter .... visual coordinator
Marc Wolff .... helicopter pilot: New Mexico
Stanley Bielecki .... publicity and marketing (uncredited)
David Prowse .... physical trainer: Christopher Reeve (uncredited)
 
Thanks
John Bodimeade .... in memory of
Terry Hill .... in memory of
Geoffrey Unsworth .... dedicated with love and respect to (as Geoffrey Unsworth O.B.E.)
 
Crew verified as complete


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Additional Details

Also Known As:
"Superman: The Movie" - International (English title) (promotional title), USA (promotional title)
See more »
MPAA:
Rated PG for peril, some mild sensuality and language (original rating) (Approved No. 25403)
Parents Guide:
View content advisory for parents
Runtime:
143 min | USA:127 min (1980 video release) | USA:151 min (2000 restoration)
Country:
UK
Language:
English
Color:
Color (Technicolor)
Aspect Ratio:
2.35 : 1 See more »
Sound Mix:
70 mm 6-Track (70 mm prints) | Dolby (35 mm prints) | Mono
Certification:
Argentina:Atp | Australia:PG | Canada:PG | Chile:TE | Finland:K-12 | France:U | Norway:11 | Norway:12 (1978) | Peru:PT | Singapore:PG | Sweden:11 | UK:PG | USA:PG (original rating) (Approved No. 25403) | West Germany:12 | Iceland:L | South Korea:All | Brazil:Livre | New Zealand:PG | Portugal:M/12
Filming Locations:
Albert R. Broccoli 007 Stage, Pinewood Studios, Iver Heath, Buckinghamshire, England, UKSee more »
Company:
Dovemead FilmsSee more »

Did You Know?

Trivia:
The film was originally meant to end with a cliffhanger - the nuclear missile that Superman deflects would career off into space where it would explode, releasing the three villains we see at the start of the film. Ultimately Donner decided that such an ending was too gimmicky, and that if audiences liked the first film, they'd come for the second regardless.See more »
Goofs:
Crew or equipment visible: When the planet Krypton explodes, you can clearly see folds in the cloth on the ceiling that makes up the black "space" surrounding the planet. Explosions that are supposed to take place in space are photographed from directly underneath so the sparks "fly" evenly in direction of the camera.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 »
Movie Connections:
Referenced in Wieners (2008)See more »
Soundtrack:
Can You Read My MindSee more »

FAQ

What are the differences between the Theatrical Version and the Director's Cut?
If Superman turned back time at the end of the film, wouldn't the earthquake, everyone he saved, as well as everything else that happened, happen again?
Why can't people see Clark Kent is Superman, only wearing glasses to disguise himself?
See more »

User Reviews

   (Review this title)
73 out of 92 people found the following review useful.
You'll still believe a man can fly, 12 May 2001
Author: y2mckay from Bay Area, CA

Every once in a while you'll be flipping channels or meandering through the aisles of the local videorama, and you will stumble upon a film that takes you back to your childhood - and the child-like wonder that accompanied it. After 2 decades, as well as numerous (inferior) sequels and remakes, the original Superman is back.

Well, okay, maybe this wasn't the ORIGINAL one, but certainly no other version of the legend has had such a lasting impact as this one. Nor has any other telling of the tale been as thorough and ambitious as that put forth by Director Richard Donner and Story writer Mario Puzo. Add to that the utterly inspired (and inspiring) score by John Williams, and you have a dose of that good old movie magic. Even the opening credits manage to raise your adrenaline levels, as the Superman symbol soars through space across the screen and Williams' opening theme perfectly builds to a masterful crescendo. It will make you want to stand up from your couch and soar out of the nearest window, though I don't recommend it if you live on anything above the first floor.

The film begins on Superman's home world of Krypton, a dazzling planet dotted by crystalline cities which, combined again with William's incredible theme music, seem to present an image of heaven itself. A super-race of highly advanced beings, the Kryptonians' only weakness is their pride, as the infant Superman's father, Jor-el points out. It is that pride that leads them to ignore Jor-el's warnings that the planet is doomed by an impending supernova. In a last ditch effort to save his son, as well as some remnant of his race, he sends his infant son Kal-el to the planet Earth in a deep space probe. Marlon Brando, in the role of Jor-el, gives one of his best performances. His role is the stuff of Hollywood legend, since he was paid 4 million dollars for his role of about 10 minutes, but despite his exorbitant fee and minimal screen time, his performance is no less worthy.

The probe crashes in a farmer's field in the early 1950's, to be discovered by the Kents, with Glen Ford in the role of Pa Kent. Though he seems to have even less screen time than Brando, his role as the young Superman's moral example is no less pivotal to the story. Superman's childhood and most of his teen years are completely skipped over, however, Jeff East gives an excellent portrayal of the teen Clark Kent, who is only beginning to discover the real extent of his powers.

Most of the supporting cast equally distinguish themselves. Gene Hackman creates a charming and amusing villain in Lex Luthor, and while Margot Kidder's portrayal of Lois Lane is a bit forced and grating at times, she still shines with a kind of charm, and it is always fun to watch her slip from the tough-as-nails reporter to the flustered schoolgirl every time the Man of Steel hits the scene. If you still don't like her performance, watch the "Lois Lane screen tests" in the special features section of the DVD, which includes tryouts by various prominent actresses of the day. After watching them, I think you'll agree that the filmmakers made the right casting choice.

But of course, the person we will remember the most is Christopher Reeve as Superman, and this is the way he should be remembered. It was certainly his greatest role, and although he overplayed the nerdy and fumbling Clark Kent, and his Superman sometimes pauses to deliver silly platitudes, he does so with an air of wry amusement. He may act like a goody two-shoes, but mostly he just seems to be having a good time showing off, and damn it, why shouldn't he? He's Superman, after all. If I could fly, you could damn well bet I'd be showing off too. This is confirmed in a brief but enjoyable restored scene in which, after saving Lois Lane and the President, as well as foiling several crimes, Superman flies back to his Fortress of Solitude to discuss it with his "Father", or rather, the persona of Jor-el which has been preserved in memory crystals and sent to earth with the infant Kal-el, so that he could benefit from Jor-el's knowledge and wisdom. He admonishes his son that, while it is natural to enjoy being able to show off his powers, he must learn to be humble and keep his vanity in check.

It is surprising how little moments of restored footage such as this one seem to breathe much more life into the characters, giving them a depth not seen in their previous cinematic incarnation. And while the film is a tale of the power of good, it is ultimately a tribute to the power of love. It is love that makes Superman more vulnerable than even kryptonite, love that makes him betray his Kryptonian father's admonition to "never interfere with human history", and love that makes him truly human.

Though it is nearly an hour into the film before Superman finally makes his first heroic and world-stunning appearance, it is well worth the wait. The action gets more and more exciting, rivaling anything that today's action counterparts, like "The Mummy Returns" can dish out. The effects, though antiquated by today's overblown CGI standards, are still impressive and manage to maintain their looks and grace in their old age. As Lex Luthor launches a diabolical plan involving hijacked twin nuclear missiles, the subsequent chase, followed by Superman's efforts to save an Earthquake-ravaged California, are breathtaking even by today's standards.

Like the superhero of title, the film itself is not without its weaknesses. In trying to keep in touch with its vintage comic book roots, it can be a tad cornball at times, and occasionally gets bogged down by what I call the "golly gee-whiz" factor. Yet it does so in a very tongue-in-cheek manner, retaining enough adult sophistication and genuine drama to keep it from lapsing into a mere kiddy show or a parody of the source material. In fact, the film has several surprisingly mature nuances. If, like me, you hadn't seen this film since you were a kid, then you will be in a much better position to fully enjoy the subtleties of the film now. (i.e, Lois Lane, in her rooftop interview of Superman asks "How big are you . . . er, I mean . .. how TALL are you". I obviously missed that as a kid, because it had me rolling with laughter this time around.

But despite a few loose threads in the cape and tights, The Man of Steel remains quite intact and appropriately larger than life. It is therefore fitting that this film has been re-mastered and re-released in collector's two-sided DVD format. The sound and picture quality are excellent, wiping away the tarnish of age and making the film shine again. Some of the many features include the aforementioned restored footage (about 10-15 minutes worth), a few additional deleted scenes (which, I thought, should have been restored into the film as well), commentary by director Richard Donner, the Lois Lane screen tests, specials on the making and origins of the film, and a music-only track (well worth the price of the DVD alone).

If you haven't seen this movie since you were a kid, and you want to feel like a kid again, rent it now. If you've never seen it at all, then the release of this DVD has taken away your last excuse. You will believe a man can fly.

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