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Superman – The Origin Of Superman, 4 Audition Shows. 1939
Something a little different. After the comic book became popular, the next step was to create a radio series, and of course to sell the idea, an audition was needed. In these four auditions that were produced, you’ll notice the story line that kicked off the series for real. With some change ups in the actors, and minor script changes, the first two shows became the first appearances of Superman over the airwaves. The other two auditions, to my knowledge were never used in the series, but I could very well be mistaken.
The Origin of Superman, Audition Part 1
Attention boys and girls, introducing a new kind of hero, a superhero. Superman, the size of an ordinary man, but possessing powers beyond any normal man. Sworn to devote his existence on earth to help mankind.
Journey now to a planet, millions of miles from earth to a planet of supermen. the Planet Krypton. Jorel, Kryptons leading man of science addresses a gathering of government officials to warn of the impending doom of the planet. The officials refuse to believe the scientific calculations. With time, the entire population might be transported to earth in the new rocket ship that is being developed. Laugh if you must, but Jorel is prepared to launch himself, wife, and infant son when the time comes. Jorel teaches his wife all about how to launch the miniature spaceship. The earthquakes become worse, the danger grows too great, and the rocket that was to be built to transport the family isn’t ready. Baby Kalel is placed in the rocket. In their last act, the ship is launched. Will it find its mark? I think you know.
The Origin of Superman, Audition Part 2
Previously we saw how the baby was placed into the rocket and launched. As the ship traveled, the baby has grown to a man.
Superman is somewhere in rural Indiana, flying over the countryside. Unseen below him are a man and his son, who are suddenly locked into a run away trolley car. It starts rolling, but suddenly the strange man flys from the sky, grabbing them and flying them to safety, just before the train car crashes. There is nothing strange to the man about flying through the sky. He does ask the man and boy to keep his presence secret. The man and son agree, and send the stranger to get a job at a news paper so he can learn the ways of men on this planet.
Elsewhere, Perry White is sitting on the biggest story of his life, but he’s short handed. Clark Kent enters to ask to become a reporter. All he asks is the chance to prove himself. Clark promises he can deliver on the big story that has just broke. Perry gives Clark the chance to get the job, but he has to get to the West coast, 2000 miles away, and he has to be there now. Planes are grounded, but Clark can’t wait, so when no one is watching, he flies out the window. Will he be in time? At the least his aledged fall from the 20 story building creates a stir in the newspaper office.
390000 ep0 The Shark, Audition Part 1
Superman, helper of the weak and helpless. In the offices of the Daily Planet, Perry White talks to Clark Kent. The man whose identity is unknown to anybody except the radio listening audience. Perry tells about a missing reporter who was getting a story with the Navy. There is to be secret Y-boats, American submarines to be built, but the evil mastermind, the Shark stands in the way.
The story turns into a dramatization of the last moments of the missing reporter at the Y-boat secret area. Who is that mysterious figure lurking around? Could it be the Shark? It’s up to Clark Kent to find that report, and stop the Shark.
Sure enough, Superman is on the way, and dives under the water to spy on the activities. Will Superman arrive in time to prevent disaster at the Y-boat launching?
The Shark, Audition Part 2
Yesterday Superman was in dire straits. He had just rescued the Navy Commander, and they are flying to the site of the launch. Superman shares his plan with the Commander how he will defeat the evil plans. They land and swim to their target.
What is the Shark up to, what is his plan? Will Superman be too late to stop the explosion? It will take the superpowers of Superman to manage to do the job. Will he be able to save the day? The show ends in a suspensful cliffhanger with the promise of continuing.
Bonus Tracks:
None today.
