Def Blinders was it cuz your dad had a sexy furry chest? No one cared that a random dude just opened his shirt in front of everyone in the middle of the movie!? Pronouns pal.
And this was before superhero movies so there was nothing like this. Dude.. that's one of those moments when you know its the first time for it. This gen wont ever know that.
I like his blue, red, yellow outfit also. The black leathery , skin-tight ones look fine as well, because in general, black tight-fitting clothing or flowing clothing look good (that's why so many people wear it for so many occasions), but I definitely prefer him in a colorful outfit.
That was the golden age Superman. Modern fans don't like the cookie-cutter good guy stuff. It was great when I was like 6 years old, but older readers want a character with an edge. Thankfully writers in later years started to give him one.
@@hyacinthlynch843 characters all have to evolve at some point. By the end of the 80s, this version of Superman was staler than an aired out loaf of bread.
The other day, I watched this with my little neighbour who is four years old. When Superman caught Lois, he cheered with the delight of someone tasting chocolate for the first time. I love this movie.
This is honestly one of the best directed scenes in movie history. The tension, the danger, the building excitement to seeing Superman for the first time in action, the thrill of seeing him catch Lois and the helicopter and the feeling of relief and comfort by the end when he announces himself as “a friend”. Even a tiny bit of comedy is thrown in. All of it is handled perfectly by Richard Donner’s direction, The performances from the cast and especially the score. It really makes you feel like you’re 6 years old again and everything on screen is real to you. Masterful.
As poorly as it was reviewed, it really only had 2 or 3 incredible scenes to it; Superman Returns had the most epic action scene in movie cinematic history. Imo. Dude strong-arms a jumbo airliner from crashing, finessing it back to earth, saving everyone on board. 😉
You said it perfectly! The movie was so well written, going from the beginning, development, but we didn't quite know who Superman was yet! Sure we saw Clark Kent catch a bullet, but the scene seemed so despondent. The hearse coming to park was a grim reminder of the inevitable. Nothing could save them. BUT WAIT!! Enter Superman! He saves Lois from death, then a falling helicopter with an unconscious pilot inside! Everyone in the theater CHEERED!! "Who are You?" Lois asked. In His powerful presence He humbly replies, "A Friend!". This was my favorite scene of the movie! R.I.P. Christopher Reeve/Superman always "A Friend".
At 3:36 when you see Superman smile as the helicopter is coming down is priceless! It’s like he’s saying I got this no problem. Christopher Reeves was the best Superman.. R.I.P 🙏🏼
40 years later, and this scene makes my eyes well up with tears. It's a perfect piece of filmmaking. Just a perfect introduction to the man of steel on the big screen. Thank you Donner, Williams, Kidder (RIP) and of course Reeve (RIP).
Did you watch E.T The Extra Terrestrial? This makes you cry the same reason as when E.T. and Elliot say goodbye..... John Williams and the London Symphony Orchestra. That man in my eyes will always be known as "The Sound Of Cinema!"
When he opens his shirt, revealing the shield and John Williams hits the theme- Goosbumps and a chill up the back!!! This was real film making folks. Using the writing, editing, and music to stir emotions in the audience.
The editing is really strong here. It helps the pace, without being too frenetic (as it often is in more recent films). The filmmakers know when to cut for energy or emphasis, but also when to hold. I am thinking of the brief cut-in to a mid-shot of Lois as Superman takes off from the rooftop. But after he leaves, there is a nice, relaxed long shot of her as she faints. Wonderful.
The scene, the phone booth tribute, the musical score, the Great Margot Kidder & The Immortal Christopher Reeve... to this day this movie is unrivaled & unparalleled...
Me too. I think it's because I'm watching something that literally was so important so special it became part of history. Because I'm watching one of the greatest films of all time. One of the greatest movie characters of all time.
I watched this movie in the theater when I was seven. To this day, when he runs across the street with that music playing and breaks out the S, it sends a shiver down my spine and a tear to my eye.
38 Years later this is still one of the most powerful scenes in the history of Super-hero Cinema. Thank you Richard Donner, John Wiliams, Margo Kidder and SUPERMAN (Christopher Reeve).
I was ten years old sitting in a dark theater watching this, and when he caught Lois and then the helicopter I started crying, I still get a lump in my throat and can't explain why.
My uncle saw this at the cinema back in the winter of 1978 and told me many times how the audience went ballistic upon the arrival of Superman. He said the theater was packed and so loud he had to hold his ears for a moment lol. Legendary scene.
i would of give it all away to have been there for that one moment and experience it back when going to movies was a whole experience now its all style no substance
I saw then original in the theater when it first came out also. Yep... we went crazy! Especially when he saved Lois and caught then helicopter... people were clapping-and cheering in the theater! Same thing happened in Superman 2 when he returned to Metropolis to fight Zod... we all cheered and clapped. I was looking for that same response for Man if Steel. Unfortunately we didn’t get that.
Very true- I know this was one of the most memorable cinematic moments of my life. I had turned 14 three days before it opened. I grabbed the seat back that was in front of me when he came out of the revolving doors for that first look at the suit... when he caught the helicopter I stood to my feet, and I was not aware I was doing this.. I was in awe... may did.. and we were screaming.
SP I remember seeing this when I was three years old. I definitely confirm what others said, that when he ripped open his shirt and you could see the iconic Superman emblem, everyone went cheering and screaming like girls at a Beatles concert on the Ed Sullivan show. 👍
Yup, I saw it with my parents and my brother in New York in 1978. I was 9. Everyone went crazy, and I developed a lifelong crush on Christopher Reeve. 😊
Superman's greatest power isn't his strength, his invulnerability nor his power of flight: it's his instinctive knowledge of *the right thing to do* in any given situation. Superman doesn't doubt; he acts. Maybe that's too simple in the age of Batman and Deadpool, but it's what I always loved about him.
yep exactly thats what i feel cw supergirl seems to miss entirely he knows what he has to do he understands his purpose and doesnt second guess himself the way supergirl or in this modern case i should call her feminist super girl shes a wimp .
Yes - and because of how he does that, he inspires others to emulate and live up to his example. Everyone who ever wanted to be a superhero should have someone like Captain Pike of the Star Trek (2009) film say to them "In less than one minute, Superman inspired a world to believe in heroes. I challenge you to do better."
I agree and I am a Batman fan. I like Superman a lot and my enjoyment of him grows as I get older. In my angsty teens years I made fun of him for "being such a boy scout" but I was missing the point that Superman's supposed to be that way as someone to look up to. Reading his comics like All Star and For All Seasons are why I love the character now. He doesn't compromise his principles and even when times are tough on him he keeps moving forward to help people while being optimistic about it.
+Dhi Mancini By using models, miniature set pieces and green screen. And Back projection. All the tricks in the book at the time, and it got an Oscar for it, best visual effects. But CGI didn't really come around until 4 years later, when they used a fully rendered landscape for Star Trek: Wrath of Khan.
You can practically hear the audiences in the theatres watching the film, cheering when Clark opens up his shirt to the reveal the S underneath, followed by a good laugh when he catches Lois, followed by another mighty cheer and applause when he catches the helicopter and theme plays again. Perfect blend of John Williams' iconic music, the adorably comedic reaction of the beautiful Margot Kidder as Lois Lane, and the immortalised performance of the great and wonderful Christopher Reeve, the one and only Superman in our hearts. God bless his memory.
After more than 40 years this is still breathtaking and epic. The Superman we all remember. The one I grew up watching as a child. R.I.P Christopher Reeve.
Saw this at the movies in 1978 when it was new. I was 10 years old. Everybody in the theater cheered. Christopher Reeve was, and always will be the only Superman. Rest in peace big guy.
At 2:49 that moment got respect for an entire universe of comic book movies and heroes for years to come. Often imitated but never duplicated. Christopher Reeve we miss you.
As a ten year old, I saw Superman the Movie at the around Christmas 1978. It was in a packed grand movie palace. Everyone(probably at least 1,500 people) stood up and cheered when Superman saved Lois. This scene always brings out that that ten year old in me. Movie magic, to be sure.
I think it’s the small chuckle he gives when Lois asks him “who’s got you?” Or the smile he gives her after catching the helicopter in a “I got this!” Confident but non-arrogant way and the smile he gives while he walks away that makes this scene so special and cinematic history. Not only was it beautifully timed and filmed and added humor (phone booth nod and “Say, Jim!! That’s a BAD outfit!”) it embodied what a true hero should be!! Love it!!
I remember seeing this scene for the first time when I was a a kid and that same feeling then stays with me even now at 35 every time I watch this, it's just amazing!! You will never be able to recreate Superman like this. Christopher Reeves was Superman
+Andrew Dexter yeah i used to watch Winnie the Pooh and read them as a kid. and Whenever i see Christopher Robin i tend to get him mixed up with Christopher Reeve the late actor who first played Superman.
Exactly, the movie waits and waits to introduce superman. For the longest time he is a bumbling outcast struggling to fit in. In this scene he sees Lois Lane in trouble but fumbles to find a place to transform so he can save her. He enters the revolving door as Clark Kent (seemingly uncertain of his abilities) and exits as someone with a total look of confidence. The Expression on Christopher Reeve's face as he exits the revolving door conveys so much.
Not entirely true. I muted it and watched per your suggestion. The truth be told, this movie has held such a special place since my youth, that I can still hear the music while muted and watching the scenes. The music does indeed make it special; the synthesis between the two, CINEMATOGRAPHY MUSIC, is that they make one another special!
Clu TheMan everything about his scene is so good..realizes Lois is in peril and runs...and ever so quietly the theme starts..crosses the street and opens his shirt..masterpiece of filmaking
Easy Miss, I've got you. You've got me! Whose got you? Christopher Reeve and Margot Kidder - The Perfect Superman & Lois Lane. I swear I always get a tear in my eye when you start to hear that John Williams music kick in then when it ramps up as he open's his shirt. Makes me feel 6 years old again.
Anaya Smail yeah I agree. Some people have the nerve to say Henry is the best. Those people are delusional. Christopher Reeve not only has the best look but the best portrayal of how superman should conduct himself in a humble and non egotistical way unlike some of the other actors who made him out to be a bit of a snob on a power trip who thought they were invincible
This came out 2 years before I was born but I was obsessed with this movie as a kid. This scene still gives me chills at 38. Music timing in these movies was epic! John Williams is the man!
Yeah driving home the point superman shows up when he humanity really needs him .I love the emotional build up u dont need cgi or any fancy special affects its so simple yet very effective
Yep, it was a long movie and they did spend a long time with him in Smallville and some brief time in the fortress, so when he comes to Metropolis, you know it's going to happen...but then they still didn't just have him be Superman for any old reason. He still was just Clark using super-skills to do things. It had to be the right moment and this was a good moment to reveal himself.
Opening night. 8 years old. Biggest panoramic screen in the metro area. Got a press pass packet with a fold-out of all the characters and a cheap Superman ring I wore for years and would give my left arm to find a vintage copy again. Easily one of the greatest scenes in superhero film history. Not sure of Cap wielding Mjolnir is second but it's in the top 5. So many films in the 70s and 80s had such epic scenes scored by John Williams. I can't imagine how this would have been without that perfect blend of music and action.
One of the seminal moments and key points of this scene is the fact the crowd just accept the fact that he's a good guy right off the bat - they just trust him even though they've never seen him before because that's who Superman is and what he represents. I know Snyder was trying desperately trying to reflect our modern times with MOS and BvS's 'fear of a being with godlike powers/will he rule over us/can we trust him'. I really like Cavill as Supes too - but nothing tops this. This is the Superman we need!
exactly this is where i feel the cw supergirl show completely misses the mark .Superman proves through his actions that he is good and here to help mankind just like a god .He shows up when humanity really needs him snyder because he is and idiot and ilk like him like to brow beat things into the audiences head because the idea of superman in this case goes right over snyders head completely .Superman doesnt need to explain nothing he just does it and over time people understand he is a good guy .he knows what he has to do and the people trust him and understand his purpose just as much as he does and they love him for that
I think that idea could work, but Superman still at the end of the movie needs to win the crowd over and show he’s unequivocally good, which Man of Steel failed to do.
@@thomasmartin4281 exactly and the problem is that was the whole point of Man of Steel and why they fast tracked his death in BvS. To show he's willing to give his life even though people mistrust him. And it was just poorly executed.
They trust that he's good in this movie because he did good things for them to see. Later, the montages and even saving cat from a tree and stopping thieves reinforces that he's there to do good things. Cavill's Superman hid from the world. The first time most people know about him in a public way, is when aliens were revealed to be real and the world governments got a threat from those aliens about Kal-el being on earth as a bigger threat to Earth. After he saves earth from the aliens in the first movie, then some people begin thinking of him as a good hero (hence the general population's sadness when he dies in the second movie, and by this time, even Batman has come to see that he is good). In between the two movies though, we don't get any kind of montage of him doing good things. We just have to assume he did good things or maybe he didn't do anything except make his presence known in some way, hence why some people, like US senators or Bruce Wayne, still did not trust him. We see kids like him, though, so that's one good sign, because we believe that if kids can like some adult role model, he must be good in some way.
This is the best and most memorable Superman scene from the first Superman film, the best of all the Superman films, although the others were good as well. To me Superman will always be Christopher Reeve - such a tragedy he was paralyzed in a horse riding accident and died so young - and Margot Kidder will always be Lois Lane. The lines “Easy Miss, I’ve got you” and “You’ve got me? Who’s got you?” are absolutely perfect! Maybe Christopher Reeve is taking Margot Kidder on a flight in heaven, just as he did taking her on a flight around New York in the film. Rest In Peace to both, as well as director Richard Donner and Ned Beatty, who also starred in the film. I believe no Superman film can ever improve on the very first one, made, if I remember right in 1978 or thereabouts.
Why this scene is so wonderful--and is Superman summed up in one perfect sequence, allow me to explain. (I gotta give credit to Max Landis for this, straight up). It's magic, trust me. The situation for Lois is perilous. Absolutely perilous. She's out of hope, she knows she's gonna die-and that is the worst feeling imaginable. The screams for help are genuine, but fruitless, she knows she is certainly not gonna live. But she hasn't counted on one person-Clark Kent (she will dub him Superman, he doesn't give himself that name) a guy who has protected her, before, (the mugging scene earlier on, he catches the bullet)who has created an identity, a disguise, to protect those he loves, and to honour those who sacrificed so much for him. But in this one moment, with Lois in peril, with all likelihood many more lives at risk, he genuinely risks sacrificing all his efforts to create a secret identity,by running in to the doorway, changing at super speed, in front of witnesses (I choose to believe they wouldn't see Clark, he moves so fast but even then the person who emerges is much different to the one who enters the doorway) he risks people finding out who he is. And he doesn't care, because lives are at risk-and he is the only one who can do anything in that moment. (Also, key, look at how the seemingly dorky clark walks into the doorway, mannerisms and all, but emerges the confident, athletic, and powerful figure standing before the audience-that's all Reeve. Amazing acting). So Lois falls-she's dead, and she knows it. She needs a miracle... And then she's caught, in mid air. By someone who purposefully slows down to catch her, so as not to risk injury, by a God. And she's shocked, by what she has seen-and there are two choices one can feel at that moment-fear, or gratitude. And Superman knows that with the power of a God, Lois may very well fear him-so he does something that puts her right at ease-he smiles and reassures her. Not mean, not cruel. A kind smile-she's safe with him. The helicopter falls, she thinks thats it-he can't stop a two or three ton machine-but he can-and he gives her a reassuring smile-it's okay, i've got you. And I won't let go. All the time Superman is reassuring her. He wants her to feel safe. But after all of this, comes the key moment-just the sheer brilliance of this is incredible. (Kudos to all involved, writers, actors, directors) After he rests the helicopter., releases Lois, and calls for medical help-he does something we don't see in cinematic films anymore, with REAL heroes/ heroines. He continues to make her feel safe-she's suffered a great deal of trauma, she knows she should be dead, she may never want to fly again-he tells her that despite everything, flight is still the safest way to travel. Because he wants her to feel safe-not just when he's there, but when he's gone. And after all this, he knows there could still be lingering doubts, fear, anger and doubts that someone with all this power would not want to cause harm-so she asks him who he is-and he tells her the words everyone needs to hear-'a friend'. And with that, he flashes that smile again, and he leaves, but not before saying goodbye. For Superman, all life is sacred. All lives matter. And he will do his best to save you. People mock modern superhero movies because they miss all the key little magic moments-the mark of a hero. Superman saving a kitten from a tree? Most modern directors would take that scene out, but it's a little human moment that grounds the character. It's memorable, for all the right reasons. Because that small moment when only Superman can help? He'll help, and he'll remind you, constantly, that he's 'a friend'.
Zack Snyder: Screw that we gotta be EXTREME AND EDGY!!!!! SUPERMAN NOW CONSTANTLY MURDERS PEOPLE THEN IS BEATEN AND TORTURED BY LEX LUTHOR IN A BATMAN COSTUME! THEN SUPERMAN DIES IN A FORCED LAST MINUTE FIGHT WITH MICHAEL BAY'S RAPHAEL!!!!!!!!!!!!
in 1978 me and my eleven year old friend sat through the whole movie with our mouth's wide open with shock that a man could fly and talked about this movie for week's after
Me too, but I was only 9, that scene still brings a grin to my face and the part with the pimp is the best, but of course the PC SJW's would have none of that today, I can see it now #pimpsarebad or some shit lie that.
William Stryker A brilliant moment indeed, but THAT belongs to 'No Luke, 'I' am your father moment' IMO. Star Wars The Empire Strikes Back is my all time favorite movie😄
3:48 - 3:50 - Lois's face expression lol XD She's like 'How on earth is he managing to hold me, the helicopter and flying really high at the same time with no effort and smiling?' lol XD
Love when that reporter says “he got her.” Chilling. This is Superman. Upbeat, inspirational. A crowd pleaser. Compare that to Superman floating in midair in a threatening fashion with the US military looking to shoot him.
to be fair. if a real life superman came to earth. the 1st thing the us military would do is want to shoot him. he still saved people and earned the trust of the military. people in the 70's were to trusting.
@@TheWeepingDalek ..No. 1978 was right after Watergate. No one had trust during that time. the Authentic Superman has the charisma and moral character to inspire Trust. That's the difference.
this is my favorite example of a good effects sequence. almost every shot is done differently, some are full sized props, some are with models, some are optical printing, but it all comes together into a seamless set piece. even if you're using completely digital effects, the concepts used here are invaluable.
The tagline to this movie was, "You'll believe a man can fly." And we did. This is my Superman. (It's funny to think there are generations who don't get the joke of Superman giving the phone booth the once-over.)
44 years later and this scene is brilliant. That music when Clark knows it’s Lois in trouble, Superman opening his shirt and revealing himself to world, the crowd watching and hoping for a miracle, Lois fighting to climb up, hanging by a thread, even when Superman accelerates while the helicopter is bearing down on them. So wonderfully put together. Even the newscaster “ I can’t believe her got her”. Top tier filmmaking.
A couple of weeks ago, for the first time, my 3-year-old son asked if he could watch Superman (he sort-of knows who Superman is, and has some superhero toys). This was the first video I showed him (since a 3-year-old wouldn't sit through the whole movie, lol) He got a bit upset when Lois falls, but his pure joy and excitement when he saw Superman appear then fly up to save her made me smile so much. And then he had my laughing my head off when he started running around the house with his arm in front of him shouting "Daddy, I'm Superman!" :D
And Superman loved interacting with people! Now all we get is the silent, brooding, and conflicted version of him... saddening for this generation of movie-goers and barely Superman fans!
Sorry, Man of Steel. You'll never touch this. The moment when he says "Easy, miss. I've got you." Is such a magical moment for the history of cinema. We truly believed a man could fly.
