Superman and the Mole-Men (1951)

 

Superman and the Mole-Men marked the very first feature length Superman movie (it was also the first feature film based on a DC Comics character and possibly the first feature length superhero movie ever). However, it was not the first time the superhero was seen on movie screens. He appeared in a series of animated cartoons produced by Max Fleisher (best known for the Popeye and Betty Boop cartoons) and in two movie serials (one in 1948 and another in 1950). For this movie it is planned to have Kirk Alyn (who played the character in the serials) to return to the role here. However, he wanted too much money and George Reeves was hired to play the character instead. This of course gives the film a greater historical importance to Superman fans, as George Reeves would play the character on the beloved TV show Adventures of Superman, and many consider him to be the definitive Superman. This feature film was actually a trial for the TV series and would later be edited into a two-part episode of the series called The Unknown People. As well as having George Reeves as Superman the film also featured Phyllis Coates as Lois Lane. She would also play this character the TV series. 

This movie was a quickly made cheap budgeted film that was shot in only 12 days and ran only 58 minutes. 

In this film a group of oil men dig into the center of the earth, which causes some strange looking mole-men to enter the surface world. When most people see these mole-men they get very scared and even try to harm the creatures. Because of this they feel that they must defend themselves from the surface world. However, since reporter Clark Kent is on town working on a story, he (and his alter ego Superman) does all he can to protect these misunderstood creatures.

This movie could not differ more from the superhero films of today. Not only was it made quickly and cheaply but it is a slower paced film, whose focus was not on super-heroics. In fact, we saw much more of our hero as Clark Kent than as Superman. This movie has much more in common with the sci-fi films of the 1950's than the superhero movies today. However, as 50's B-movies go this one was above average. There is a lot to love here. Of course, the acting is top notch. George Reeves is perfect as Superman/Clark Kent, even in his first appearance as the character. He completely disappears into the role, and he becomes the character from the comic books. For anyone who has read the Superman comics of the 1940's and 50's, this is that version of Superman come to life. Yet even the supporting players are truly excellent in their roles. This movie also boosts a surprisingly intelligent script that offers commentary on such issues as racism, gun control and oil drilling. Yet it handles these subjects in a way that feels clever and smart without ever feeling preachy. The way this movie blends this serious commentary with good old fashioned sci-fi fun is surprisingly very good. At times this even feels like it could have been an episode of The Twilight Zone. Though there aren't a lot of action sequences here, the ones that are here are pretty good. The scene with the mole-man running away from the hunting dogs was quite exciting and still holds a good sense of suspense to this day. 

However, this film's low-budget and quick shooting schedule are quite obvious. The effects don't only look dated today, but they weren't even good for 1951. The special effects and the costumes can be off-putting and can take you out of the movie at times. Though they are well acted most of the supporting characters are rather bland and one-note. 

However, even with its flaws this was a solid start to Superman's career in feature length movies and possibly even a strong start to feature length superhero movies as a whole.