Superman and the Mole Men (1951) – Review

While Superman made his live-action debut with the Kirk Alyn-led theatrical serials it was George Reeves and his interpretation of the “Man of Steel” that would cement how the character would be perceived for decades to come, and even though this “movie” clocks in at a meagre 58-minutes it is still considered to be Superman’s first full-length feature.

Directed by Lee Sholem and featuring George Reeves as the Man of Steel, Superman and the Mole Men presents a simple yet captivating story that resonates with themes of tolerance, empathy and understanding, which are things you may find surprising to have existed in the 1950s. The film opens with Clark Kent (George Reeves), the mild-mannered reporter of a great metropolitan newspaper, and his courageous co-worker Lois Lane (Phyllis Coates) visiting the small rural town of Silsby. Their assignment is to cover the drilling of the world’s deepest oil well – why, who knows, maybe it’s a slow news day – but little do they know that this innocuous event will set the stage for a much larger adventure. Turns out that beneath the town a subterranean humanoid species, mole men if you will, aren’t at happy about being disturbed by the drilling and this activity has forced them to emerge into the world above. Needless to say, their appearance shocks the townspeople, leading to fear, mistrust and the usual panic you get from ignorant yokels. This prompts a powerful reaction from the townsfolk, who are prepared to meet the mole men with violence, and it’s up Superman to mediate the situation as he embodies the essence of truth, justice and the American way.

“Why don’t you go and hound Frankenstein’s Monster?”

At its core, Superman and the Mole Men is a simple yet engaging narrative that showcases the titular hero’s unwavering commitment to protecting all life, even those considered by most as outsiders, and this core attribute is what makes Superman one of the great heroes. The film’s action sequences, though limited by the era’s special effects technology, still manage to capture the excitement and thrill of Superman’s heroic deeds and George Reeves delivers a convincing performance as both Clark Kent and Superman, showcasing the duality of the character and the moral compass that guides him. His charisma and commanding presence as Superman are evident, captivating audiences and cementing him as the quintessential Superman for years to come. This entry in the history of Superman media is probably most noteworthy for having no true villains, unless you count angry towns person Luke Benson (Jeff Corey) who riles his neighbours into a murderous mob, as the mole people are simply two confused and misunderstood creatures who have a little problem with personal boundaries.

Guilty of peeping and trespassing.

Stray Observations:

• Phyllis Coates would continue to play Lois Lane for the first season of The Adventures of Superman, with co-star George Reeve, but she’d be replaced by Noel Neill who had played Lois Lane in the Superman serials.
• As of today, this remains the first of only three live-action theatrical “Superman” films not to feature his arch-nemesis Lex Luthor. The others are Superman III in 1983 and 2013’s Zack Snyder epic Man of Steel.
• For some reason The Daily Planet’s Editor-and-Chief Perry White and cub reporter Jimmy Olsen fail to appear in this movie, these characters would later return in The Adventures of Superman and be played by John Hamilton and Jack Larson.
• The Mole Men in this movie are more akin to the Munchkins from The Wizard of Oz rather than the monstrous creatures from the Universal Picture’s The Mole People.
• Just how low was this film’s budget? The Mole Men’s weapon was nothing more than a 1950s vacuum cleaner with extra pieces stuck to it.

“We’re here to clean up this town.”

Obviously, the biggest criticism that can be laid against Superman and the Mole Men is that with a running time of under an hour it makes the claim of “The All-Time Ace of Action in his First Full-Length Feature Adventure” to be a bit of a stretch.  This is not helped by the knowledge that it was intended as a pilot for a proposed Superman television series. In fact, its theatrical release was originally planned only as a last resort to recoup the production budget if the networks passed on the project, it would later be split in half and used as a two-parter for the television series that would follow. This piece of Hollywood shenanigans aside, the film’s focus on character development and storytelling rather than elaborate visual effects makes it an engaging experience for viewers of any age and makes me a little more forgiving. The tension between the townspeople and the mole men serves as an allegory for societal intolerance and the importance of compassion in the face of the unknown, and that’s not something you’d find in most media aimed at the younger demographic. The film’s screenplay by Richard Fielding also does an admirable job of balancing action with thoughtful dialogue, making it accessible to audiences who may not be familiar with the Superman comics.

“Hey, are you an illegal alien?”

George Reeves’ portrayal of Superman remains memorable and is the best part of this incarnation, and the movie’s themes of tolerance and acceptance are still relevant today, and while Superman and the Mole Men may not have the grandeur of today’s superhero blockbusters it id help pave the way for the countless adaptations that would follow. Its influence on future Superman iterations is undeniable and its status as a trailblazer in the superhero genre cannot be overstated. Director Lee Sholem also did an excellent job of quickly building sympathy for the tiny mole people while illustrating how easily even supposedly “good Americans” could turn into Nazi Storm Troopers if given the right push – Superman’s stance against idiots with guns makes him a clear opponent of the NRA – and when some rightfully pissed off mole people return to rescue their fallen comrade we know which side is in the right.

Will the mole men ever return?

In conclusion, Superman and the Mole Men remains an essential watch for fans of classic cinema and superhero enthusiasts alike. Its timeless themes, solid performances and historical significance ensure its place as a beloved entry in the Superman legacy. Whether you’re a die-hard Superman fan or simply curious about the roots of the superhero genre, this film is a must-see.