He could change the course of mighty rivers, and bend steel with his bare hands, and we were the only ones who knew his disguise.

The show made its television debut on September 19, 1952, years before color television and my birth.

George Reeves was the man with the cape, and this was the very first television series to feature the man of steel.

The show also starred with Jack Larson as Jimmy Olsen, Phyllis Coates played Lois Lane in the first season, with Noel Neill stepping into the role in the second season in 1953.John Hamilton as Perry White, and Robert Shayne as Inspector Henderson.

Each week there would be a new plot with a few villains, and of course Superman would save the day in about 22 minutes.

One of the big controversies was the death of George Reeves in 1959, he was found  his bedroom with a gunshot wound to the head, the cause of death was ruled a suicide, but many of his close friends disputed that claim.

One more footnote regarding the series, both actresses that played Lois Lane are still alive, Phyllis Coates, the original Lois is 89, and Noel Neill, who took over in the role in 1953 is 95.

I watched the series in syndication as a small boy growing up in the 60’s and 70’s, we would tie a towel around our neck and pretending we were flying threw the house as we jumped on the bed.

Enjoy some clips and the original opening in this week’s ‘Throw Back Thursday’ memory ‘The Adventures of Superman'

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