Superman 49/02/18 - The Mystery of the Voice Machine

Arguably the most iconic old radio show of all time, The Adventures of Superman is one of the longest running programs in the history of American radio.

This series spanned over 11 years from the time it was first syndicated as a radio show at WOR station in New York on February 12, 1940. Adapted from a DC comic book series created by Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster, Superman later became one of the most popular action heroes of the century.

Although it was originally positioned as a radio program that would target the teen and the juvenile sector, many of the show’s listeners were adults! What set this old-time radio show apart from others like it was that it merged reality and science fiction.

In fact, it was the first program to feature an alien hero fighting criminals in society for the sake of planet earth. A testament to its popularity is that it is one of the few shows during the golden age of radio to reach over a thousand episodes.

Add to that a stirring cast of characters brought to life by talented voice actors like Budd Collyer (Clark Kent/ Superman), Joan Alexander (Lois Lane), and Jackie Kelk (Jimmy Olsen) and a sure-fire hit was born. Enjoy the thrilling adventures of Superman as he pits wits against his nemesis Lex Luthor, and battles the forces of evil.

Beginning February 7, 1949, Superman underwent a few noticeable changes. It was now broadcast on ABC as a thrice-a-week presentation - except for late 1950, when the series was broadcast twice a week.

The 15-minute program expanded to a full 30 minutes. Although many of the half-hour episodes were originals, about half of them were abridged adaptations of the serial adventures previously performed over the airwaves. Example: Episode 6 is an abridged adaptation of the July 22, 1941, to August 29, 1941, adventure. Bud Collyer was still playing the role of the alien superhero until June 6, 1950, when the role was handed over to Michael Fitzmaurice. An interesting tidbit: Superman was popular overseas, and during the 1950's The Adventures of Superman was broadcast from Australia with Leonard Teale in the title role.