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Lot Essay
This extremely rare poster advertised the first ever live-action appearance of Superman on film. Based on the DC Comics character, the fifteen chapter serial revolved around Superman's struggles against criminal mastermind the Spider Lady. The film's star, Kirk Alyn, was credited only with playing Clark Kent as the studio claimed they had hired Superman himself to play the superhero. Filmed on a tight budget, the flight scenes were cut to animations.
The serial was screened before feature films on weekend matinées on fifteen consecutive weeks to appeal to the juvenile market. Every episode ended on a cliffhanger to encourage viewers to return each week. Superman is said to be the most financially successful serial ever made, playing in several countries and in many theatres that had never before booked a serial.
This three-sheet features the best image of the superhero and as such is the most sought after poster for the serial. This is the first time this rare poster has been offered for sale through these rooms.
The serial was screened before feature films on weekend matinées on fifteen consecutive weeks to appeal to the juvenile market. Every episode ended on a cliffhanger to encourage viewers to return each week. Superman is said to be the most financially successful serial ever made, playing in several countries and in many theatres that had never before booked a serial.
This three-sheet features the best image of the superhero and as such is the most sought after poster for the serial. This is the first time this rare poster has been offered for sale through these rooms.