Original artwork, not a still
The opening narration of Adventures of Superman (1952)
...a never-ending battle for truth, justice and the American way.
— Adventures of Superman ‧ 1952
Behind the line
What it means
Our interpretation.
The phrase turns a pulp strongman into a public servant: a hero who stands for fair play and the law rather than a revolution. The 1950s television version cemented it, and it has been quoted, tweaked and argued over ever since, from Superman's own later stories to politicians. Fans use it for the old-fashioned, upright Superman, sincerely or ironically.
Context reviewed
In context
Spoilers for Adventures of SupermanShow the scene
This is the last beat of the opening narration of Adventures of Superman, the first television series about the character (syndicated from about 19 September 1952, sponsored by Kellogg's). Over the theme, announcer Bill Kennedy runs through the bullet, locomotive and tall-buildings boasts, then calls Superman a strange visitor from another planet who, disguised as Clark Kent, mild-mannered reporter for a great metropolitan newspaper, fights this never-ending battle. The narration was expanded from the 1940s radio show and the 1940s cartoons. George Reeves plays the hero.
Sources (1)
- Wikipedia: Adventures of Superman (TV series)Opening narration and leadReference checked
Context reviewed
