The Mind Machine (7 Nov. 1952)

A mobster kidnaps a scientist and takes possession of his invention. The crook uses the device to damage the minds of people testifying before an investigative committee. The victims die a ... See full summary »

Director:

Lee Sholem

Writers:

Lee Backman, Dennis J. Cooper

Stars:

George Reeves, Phyllis Coates, John Hamilton

Cast

Episode cast overview:
George Reeves	...	Superman / Clark Kent
Phyllis Coates	...	Lois Lane
John Hamilton	...	Perry White
Griff Barnett	...	Dr. Edward Stanton
Dan Seymour	...	Lou Cranek
Ben Welden	...	Curley
James Seay	...	Sen. Taylor
Harry Hayden	...	Carl Wagoner
Lester Dorr	...	Bus Driver

Storyline

A mobster kidnaps a scientist and takes possession of his invention. The crook uses the device to damage the minds of people testifying before an investigative committee. The victims die a short time later. Superman races to find the mobster before Lois Lane testifies before the committee.

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Genres:

Action | Adventure | Crime | Family | Sci-Fi

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Details

Language:

English

Release Date:

7 November 1952 (USA)

Filming Locations:

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

Company Credits

Technical Specs

Runtime:

30 min

Sound Mix:

Mono (RCA Sound System)

Color:

Black and White

Aspect Ratio:

1.33 : 1

User Reviews

Puts the SUPER in Superman

I give it an 8 because it is an episode that sticks in my mind, even 50 years after I first saw it - not counting innumerable re-runs. Still, what stands out in this episode? At least 3 times, Superman FLIES off screen. I fast forwarded to the scene where Superman is chasing a runaway school bus and told my 19 year old to "watch this". His comment

• "WOW". Presumably, George Reeves was in a flying rig, but you can see

his feet leave the ground as he moves off in the air. Ever after, Superman just runs off screen and is followed by the standard swishing sound and a blast of air. Whether it was too hard on the actor, or just too expensive to set up, the effect was rarely, if ever, used again in the series. Coupled with catching a falling airplane, this is the most "super" I can recall seeing the George Reeves TV Superman. (As I go thru the DVD's after so many years, I may have to correct that comment.)