The Adventures of Superman (1 Viewer)

[The 1960's]

In Memory of Phyllis Coates (January 15, 1927-October 11, 2023)​

Last October, 2023, we lost the beautiful Phyllis Coates. This past January 15th, 2024 would have been her 97th Birthday. Considering she only appeared in 24 of the 104 episodes of Adventures Of Superman, Ms. Coates certainly made her mark as the first Lois Lane opposite George Reeves. Besides being gorgeous as was the Lois Lane of the comic books, her presence was strong, independent and liberated, especially for the 1950’s. She brought believability to a role that had to be difficult to do so. Originally posted at Tributes. (Please note: Due to the terribly inconsistent video quality of this release images in this photo commentary have been heavily modified and inserted at the Thumb-Size to facilitate the best possible appearance.)

Adventures of Superman (1952-1958)

S01E25 The Unknown People: Part I (Jul.10.1954)
S01E26 The Unknown People: Part II (Jul.17.1954)

Opening Theme

One of my very favorite episodes of Adventures Of Superman and clearly one of the most popular was the 25th and 26th Episodes of the First Season, a Two-Part fantasy adventure entitled The Unknown People (1954). Three years earlier it first appeared in movie theaters as the feature film entitled, Superman and the Mole-Men (1951). It contained a science fiction element that was common in the Superrman comic books but somewhat rare for the television series. This production was fresh, brand new, being the very first time George Reeves and Phylis Coates made history portraying their roles as Superman (Clark Kent) and Lois Lane respectively. It was also the final appearance for Phylis Coates in the television series.

Directed by
Lee Sholem
Writing Credits
Whitney Ellsworth Teleplay
Robert Maxwell Teleplay

Stars
George Reeves … Superman / Clark Kent
Phyllis Coates .. Lois Lane
Jeff Corey … Luke Benson
Walter Reed … Bill Corrigan
J. Farrell MacDonald … Pop Shannon
Jack Narz … Narrator
Stanley Andrews … The Sheriff
John T. Bambury … Mole-Man #2
Stephen Carr … Eddie
Billy Curtis … Mole-Man #1
Hal K. Dawson … Chuck Weber
Margia Dean … Mother
Byron Foulger … Jeff Reagan
Harry Harvey … Doc Saunders
Bill Kennedy … Announcer
Jerry Maren … Mole-Man #3
Irene Martin … Mrs. Pomfrey
John Phillips … Matt
Johnny Roventini … Mole-Man #4
Ray Walker … John Craig
Beverly Washburn … Little Girl
Phil Warren … Deputy Jim

Produced by
Whitney Ellsworth Associate Producer
Bernard Luber Producer
Robert Maxwell Producer
Barney A. Sarecky Associate Producer
Cinematography by
Clark Ramsey
Editing by
Albrecht Joseph
Casting By
Harold Chiles
Art Direction by
Ernst Fegté
Makeup Department
Harry Thomas Makeup Artist
Production Management
Barney A. Sarecky Production Manager
Second Unit Director or Assistant Director
Arthur Hammond Assistant Director
Art Department
George Bahr Props
Sound Department
Barton Hayes
Harry Smith
Special Effects by
Daniel Hays
Visual Effects by
Ray Mercer
Jack Rabin
Stunts
George Fisher
Camera and Electrical Department
Clark Ramsey
Costume and Wardrobe Department
Izzy Berne
Music Department
Leon Klatzkin
Script and Continuity Department
Winnie Rich
Stephen Carr
Mary Chaffee
Whitney Ellsworth
Robert Maxwell
Additional Crew
Stephen Carr
Mort Weisinger
Whitney Ellsworth
Robert Maxwell

Clark Kent (George Reeves) and Lois Lane (Phyllis Coates) arrive in Silsby to do a feature story on the world’s deepest oil well however Pop Shannon informs them that Bill Corrigan gave the order to shut the well down. “That’s just ducky” says Lois. Clark still thinks there’s a story. Corrigan is tight-lipped as to why.

Clark Kent: Mr. Corrigan would you mind answering just one question?
Corrigan: Oh what is it?
Clark Kent: How far down did you get before you stopped drilling?
Corrigan: Thirty-two thousand-seven-hundred and forty-two feet
Clark Kent: Thirty-two thousand, that’s more than 6 miles down.
Lois Lane: Good heavens practically to the center of the earth!
Corrigan: Uhh not quite but it’s deeper than man’s ever gone before.
Clark Kent: Do you mind if I get a few shots?
Corrigan: Naw go ahead.
Mr. Grey: I’m awfully sorry about this Mr. Kent but you see how it is. The right hand never knows what the left hand is doing.We’ll put you folks up at the hotel in Silsby for the night, company’s expense of course. I’m really sorry you came all this way without getting a story.
Clark Kent: I’m not so sure we won’t get a story.

Creatures, Molemen from beneath the Earth suddenly appear just as Lois and Clark continue snooping for a story. They discover Pop Shannon dead. “He was an old man he had a heart attack it’s as simple as that”, says Lois. “I don’t know?", says Clark.

While calling for help, Lois sees the creatures.

Lois Lane

​

Corrigan arrives and finally gives Kent the story he’d been waiting for.

Corrigan: Kent you’re a newspaperman. You want a story. Well I can give you one that’s so big, so fantastic that you wouldn’t dare print it!
Kent: Whatever you can prove I’ll print.

He explains why he shut down the well.

Corrigan: At 32,600 feet the drill broke through.
Kent: Broke through what?
Corrigan: Well it was hanging in mid air as though we’d gone through the last solid layer of the Earth and after that, nothing! Just empty space.
Kent: You mean the center of the Earth is hollow?
Corrigan: Is there any other explanation? Well anyway when I got the drill head up it had sort of a funny look to it.
Kent: What do you mean funny?
Corrigan: Well I don’t know it didn’t look right. So just for luck why I scrapped it and put the stuff in a microscope. Here take a look.
Kent: What are they?
Corrigan: Well I don’t know, but whatever they are, they’re alive!
Kent: I thought that all life ceased below the first rock level.
Corrigan: Yeah so did evderyone else, but these things were alive six miles down.
Kent: Then it’s possible there could be other forms of life down there more highly developed.
Corrigan: Maybe another civilization, but here’s the point. We drilled a hole right down to the hollow center of the Earth so whatever is down the could come up.
Kent: And you think something came out of that hole tonight?
Corrigan: Well I don’t know but those creatures that Miss Lane said she saw and Pop being scared to death, well I put a metal cap on the drill case.
Kent: The cap was off when I got there.

Knowing that anything coming from that deep down in the Earth is radioactive, Corrigan and Kent realize there’s no time to waste. The creatures encounter a child. Curious, they begin playing a game by rolling a ball to her.

Despite Kent’s warnings local town thug Luke Benson (Jeff Corey) decides to take things into his own hands and assembles a mob intent on exterminating the creatures.

Benson: Pop Shannon maybe don’t mean nothing and Jeff Reagon is old enough to take care of himself, but when these creatures come after a little kid I aim to do something about it!

This is a job for Superman!

There’s Only One Person Who Can Handle This …

At the damn on the railroad tressle Benson’s thugs shoots down one of the creatures. Superman catches it before plummiting into the water and contaminating the reservoir.

​

Once again Benson’s gang has the other creature trapped in an old wooden shed which they set ablaze but it’s able to escape. At the Sheriff’s office, after discovering Superman’s rescue, Benson threatens to “string up” the creature who is being operated on at the hospital.

Inside the hospital Lois suspects Clark.

Clark Kent: There goes a young man with Courage.
Lois Lane: WelI wish I could say the same thing for you.
Clark Kent: You know Lois one of these fine days …
Lois Lane: One of these fine days what?
Clark Kent: Nevermind. C’mon I’ve gotta find Corey.
Lois Lane: You always do that, start to say something then abruptly change your mind.
Clark Kent: I do?
Lois Lane: What are you afraid of? What are you hiding?
Clark Kent: Hiding?
Lois Lane: Well you give the impression you’re leading a, a double life.
Clark Kent: Really?
Lois Lane: Yes and I’m not the only one who thinks so.

Outside the hospital a showdown between Superman (and Lois) vs. Benson’s mob!

Superman vs. Benson’s Mob

​

The two molemen return with a deadly weapon that appears to look like a Hoover Vacuum Cleaner.

The Weapon

The greatest visual of this entire two-part episode is that of Superman as he helps carry the injured moleman, and walks side by side with the others as they return to the center of the Earth.

​

Lois Lane: It’s almost as if they were saying, you live your lives, and we’ll live ours.
Superman: [Nods yes.]

You can stream it here.



Phyllis Coates Related Media

Invasion U. S. A. (1952)
Stars Gerald Mohr Peggie Castle Dan O'Herlihy​

A group of people at a bar witness the unfolding events of a Soviet invasion of the USA.

Canyon Ambush (1952)
Stars Johnny Mack Brown Phyllis Coates Lee Roberts​

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A mysterious masked rider and his gang are murdering ranchers and robbing stages. Government Agent Johnny Mack Brown has been called in to help the Sheriff. Capturing a henchman he learns of everyone involved except the boss, the masked rider. He eventually suspects the Wells Fargo Agent and has a plan that will trick him into a confession.

Jungle Drums of Africa (1953)
Stars Clayton Moore Phyllis Coates Johnny Sands Phyllis Coates​

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The daughter of a medical missionary in Africa carries on her father's work after he dies. She befriends two adventurers prospecting for uranium, and before long she finds herself in danger from crooks trying to get the uranium for themselves and a local witch doctor who sees her as a threat to his power.

General Electric Theater (1953-1962)
Stars Ronald Reagan Don Herbert Nancy Reagan​

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An American anthology series, with a new episode and different actors and actresses each week. Hosted by Ronald Reagan, the series was sponsored by General Electric's Department of Public Relations.

S02E16 Here Comes Calvin (Feb.21.1954) Unsold Pillot
Directed by William Asher Writing Credits Marc Lachmann, Charles Stewart
Produced by Desi Arnaz, Lucille Ball
Stars Phyllis Coates Mabel Albertson Jack Carson Robert Carson Gabriel Curtiz Allen Jenkins Moroni Olsen Herb Vigran​

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Calvin is an unemployed comedian who tries to make some easy money in a gold mine venture, which leads to the usual sitcom complications One of the reasons Phyllis Coates turned down the second season of the Superman TV series as the feisty and beautiful reporter Lois Lane is partially due to this TV pilot. She was told that this pilot would sell. It didn’t, and it opened the way for Noel Neil to be Lois Lane in the classic Superman television show that lasted six seasons. This rare sit-com stars Jack Carson, Phyllis Coates, Allen Jenkins and Mabel Albertson. Transferred from 16mm b-w film. (Moviecraft Inc.)

Public Defender (1954-1955)
Stars Reed Hadley John Close Herschel Graham​

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Bart Matthews defends the poor and others who cannot afford an attorney. All episodes are based on actual cases from across the country.

S02E17 Moonshine (Dec.23.1954)
Stars Reed Hadley Michael Emmet Phyllis Coates​

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During a raid on the Carter family still, a warden is shot and killed. Jesse Carter, fresh home from the service, is arrested for the killing.

Professional Father (1955)
Stars Stephen Dunne Barbara Billingsley Ted Marc​

---

Whimsical situation comedy involving a child psychologist and his family.

S01E04 Episode #1.4 (Jan.29.1955)
Stars Stephen Dunne Barbara Billingsley Phyllis Coates Anne O'Neal Beverly Washburn Ted Marc Joseph Kearns Ralph Dumke Jimmy Moss​

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Dr. Wilson's plans to go fishing with Fred Allen are canceled when he's drafted to umpire his son's baseball game.

Four Star Playhouse (1952-1956)
Stars David Niven Dick Powell Charles Boyer​

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This show featured four rotating stars, Charles Boyer, David Niven, Ida Lupino, and Dick Powell in individual episodes consisting of everything from comedy to drama.

S04E20 Once To Every Woman (Mar.01.1956)
Stars Teresa Wright Arthur Franz Phyllis Coates​

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Episode of the popular 1950s anthology series. This episode stars Teresa Wright and is about a very lonely woman who meets a man. Aired 1 March 1956 on CBS at 9:30PM, aired against "Ford Television Theatre" on NBC and "Down You Go" on ABC (DuMont was barely broadcasting by this point. In NYC, its station showed wrestling during that slot). This copy uses the "Star Performance" opening titles. There were also repeats under the "Golden Playhouse" title.

So You Want to Play the Piano (1956)
Stars George O'Hanlon Phyllis Coates Lester Dorr Charlie Hall Jess Kirkpatrick Ralph Sanford Frank J. Scannell​

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Alice neglects her housework because she is enthralled with the long-haired piano player, Gregor Flatsorsharpsky, next door. Joe buys a piano, and the accompanying free lessons, and sets out to impress Alice. Alice is vastly unimpressed.

Frontier (1955-1956)
Stars Walter Coy Scott Forbes Dabbs Greer​

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An unglamorized look at the settling of the American West with pioneers dealing with the elements, beset with nefarious characters and other problems that test their fortitude.

King Of The Dakotas (Unknown Episode)
Stars Tom Tryon Phyllis Coates Alan Hale Jr.​

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King Of The Dakotas western TV series episode starring Tom Tryon, Phyllis Coates, Alan Hale Jr., Dabbs Greer, Raymond Bailey, Paul Langton and Dennis Moore. Directed by Worthington Miner. This is among the rarest of western TV show episodes. In this episode The Marquis de Mores along with his wife Medora and other rich business men plan to dominate the cattle industry and create an empire out of the Dakota Badlands in the late 1800s. (WesternsOnTheWeb)

Joe McDaokes Richard L. Bare Phyllis Coates Q&A At The Cinecon (2012)



Phyllis Coates (1927-2023) Memorial Video



Phyllis Coates ... In Memory ... Forever Remembered​

 

[Matt Hough]

No one connected with The Adventures of Superman thought it was going to be a hit; some thought it would never even make it to air. By the time the first season was telecast (almost two years after filming) and had become a television sensation, Phyllis Coates had moved on to other endeavors and couldn't get out of the contracts to film more episodes. Thus, Noel Neill, already familiar with playing the part, was cast instead.

 

[timk1041]

No one connected with The Adventures of Superman thought it was going to be a hit; some thought it would never even make it to air. By the time the first season was telecast (almost two years after filming) and had become a television sensation, Phyllis Coates had moved on to other endeavors and couldn't get out of the contracts to film more episodes. Thus, Noel Neill, already familiar with playing the part, was cast instead.

Coates was in more films and TV shows than I thought. Wonderful tribute.

 

[BobO'Link]

Coates was in more films and TV shows than I thought. Wonderful tribute.

I own copies of more than a few things Coates was in... a couple of of my favorites are the serials Panther Girl of the Jungle (1955) and Jungle Drums of Africa (1953) which also featured Clayton Moore (The Lone Ranger). It was *always* a pleasure to have her pop up in something. She played Lois' mother in S1E21 of Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman. That was neat but a shame that she didn't appear in that role going forward (Beverly Garland took it over).

She had a fun comment on the differences in costuming between *her* version of Lois and Hatcher's version:

I saw Teri in this beautiful dress with her boobs pushed up and I thought, "That's Lois Lane?!?!" I had a suit up to my collarbone. I felt like a horse with a bit in my mouth.

 

[The 1960's]

HAPPY EASTER FROM SUPERMAN

​

From Scott @ponset who won't be here today, asked me to post this. Happy Easter!!!

 

[ponset]

Foreign poster or lobby card.

 

[Desslar]

Foreign poster or lobby card.

View attachment 219930

I didn't know Superman had overseas adventures on the show (Africa?). Seemed like he was usually somewhere around Metropolis.

 

[Matt Hough]

I didn't know Superman had overseas adventures on the show (Africa?). Seemed like he was usually somewhere around Metropolis.

Of course he did! There were several set in Africa, both in the black and white and color seasons. They also went to Paris, London, and a couple of tropical islands.

 

[Desslar]

Of course he did! There were several set in Africa, both in the black and white and color seasons. They also went to Paris, London, and a couple of tropical islands.

Huh, I guess I didn't watch that many episodes then. Only saw B&W episodes, and as far as I can recall, they were focused on battling generic gangsters in and around Metropolis. Usually involving Lois or someone else getting kidnapped and needing rescue.