Divide and Conquer (17 Feb. 1958)

Superman stretches the laws of physics to the breaking, or rather splitting, point to prevent a coup in a Latin American country.

Director:

Philip Ford

Writers:

Robert Leslie Bellem, Whitney Ellsworth

Stars:

George Reeves, Noel Neill, Jack Larson

Cast

Episode credited cast:
George Reeves	...	Superman / Clark Kent
Noel Neill	...	Lois Lane
Jack Larson	...	Jimmy Olsen
John Hamilton	...	Perry White
Robert Shayne	...	Inspector Henderson
Rest of cast listed alphabetically:
Everett Glass	...	Prof. La Serne
Donald Lawton	...	Prof. Bateo
Jack Littlefield	...	Jail Guard
Jack Reitzen	...	Philippe Gonzalez
Robert Tafur	...	Vice-President Oberon

Storyline

Clark, Lois and Perry are visiting a Latin American country and meet with the President who is a benevolent man who uses his country's vast resource to help his people. But there are people in his cabinet who want gain control of them and keep the money for themselves. One of whom is the Vice President. When an attempt is made on the President but Clark senses it and changes into Superman and stops it. But the Vice President orders Superman arrested which the President objects to. But upon learning the President could be impeached, Superman agrees to it. He then sends for a scientist cause he has to find a way to help the President without breaking out of custody. The scientist postulates that because of molecular make up he could split himself into two. But being split means he won't be as strong as he is and not as invulnerable. And if he does split himself he might not be able to get back together. But he decides to do it and while one remains in custody the other goes back to ...

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Plot Keywords:

cave in | assassination attempt | x ray vision | mine | some scenes animated | 

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Genres:

Action | Adventure | Crime | Family | Sci-Fi

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Details

Language:

English

Release Date:

17 February 1958 (USA)

Filming Locations:

Backlot, Desilu Studios - 9336 W. Washington Blvd., Culver City, California, USA

Company Credits

Technical Specs

Runtime:

30 min

Sound Mix:

Mono

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.33 : 1

User Reviews

Two For The Pirce Of One!

This adventure takes place south of the border in some unnamed Latin American country. Perry White, along with Clark and Lois (no Jimmy) , are down there working with this country's President, attempting to publish a Latin American-edition of The Daily Planet.

Trouble is brewer, however, as the President knows that enemies close to him are ready to assassinate him, take over the country and its riches, and make the people poor. The current President shares all wealth of the country's mines with the people.

Sure enough, an attempt is made - foiled by Clark Kent seeing a bomb with his X-ray vision, and then later when Perry, Lois and the Prez are down in a mine shaft (with no security above them!) and it explodes from above, cutting off their air supply.

The big story, however, in this episode is Superman willing himself in half, becoming two Supermans at the same time (but with half the power)! The how, what and why he does this all make for an interesting show, albeit one with a million holes in it, of course. In another unfamiliar sight, we see Superman in jail!