The Second Season (1953)

Episodes #27 - #52

27. FIVE MINUTES TO DOOM
When Kent takes the lunch box from the backseat and dives to protect Lois from the bomb, she gets out of the car to see if Kent is OK. As she is looking down at Clark, the camera man, boom operator, and director can be seen reflected in the car!! (thanks to "TJ").

In "Five Minutes To Doom," why didn't Clark simply grab the loaded lunchbox and toss it out of the car instead of holding onto it and diving out of the car himself? Duh!  (Blooperman)

Why does Kent carry the bomb out of the car instead of simply throwing it out of the window?  If it was to smother it, by the look of the explosion, it was a pretty inefficient job.  And how did the assassin know which dirt road Lois' Nash would be traveling on, or that she would pick up such a character? (LF Farley)

During the execution scene, the warden is throwing the switch.  Shouldn't there have been a state-employed executioner to do the job?  Also, when Superman crashes through the wall, he gets dust on him, but when he blocks the switch with his arm, there's no dust at all.  (Gary Labrum)

In Five Minutes to Doom. When Clark grabs the bomb out of the back seat he tells Lois to drive faster. He takes his glasses off. His back is to Lois so she wouldn’t have seen his face. He then jumps out. He did "Superman" things with his glasses on many times. When he comes up with his coat on he has NO glasses and she didn’t recognize him anyway. (Lisa Horton)

In the end when Clark leaves Perry’s office to try to make it to State City in time to get the reprieve Perry said "You cant make it to State City in an hour" Clark says "I can try" and goes to the storeroom and flies as Superman through the storm. Seconds later Perry says to Lois and Jimmy that Winter’s has 30 seconds to live and couldn’t have made it in time. Then it shows the governor signing the reprieve. It took Superman 59 minutes to fly there but less than 30 seconds back? (Lisa Horton).

28. THE BIG SQUEEZE
Superman has to hold the Vault door; after he leans it against the wall. Watch the door after he lets go and is about to fly away ~ it starts to fall; but is back "in place" in the next scene.

29. THE MAN WHO COULD READ MINDS
Many odd 'mixtures' of Day and Night scenes in this show.

John Hamilton's "double" driving his car looks nothing like him.

As Lois and Jimmy look for the 'Phantom', Lois shouts out, "Someone just came out of that house!!" While we see this scene, we also can see the Camera Crew reflected in the car door!! (The Crew is seen again; when the scene cuts back to Lois looking at Jimmy --- who is tangling with the 'Phantom').

Just as the 'Phantom' is fleeing from Jimmy, he shouts, "Step on it!!" to the driver. As his car starts to speed away, we see the shadow of a Boom Mike casting down on the car and then onto the street.

Jimmy and Lois are chasing the 'Phantom' and shots are fired. Clark and Perry White are driving in a car looking for them. Clark is looking in the distance to see how Lois and Jimmy are doing and tells White to stop the car. At that point (in older 'film' prints), the film also stops -- there is about a five-second freeze frame of Kent and White in the car; while we hear gun shots and cars speeding. (thanks to Brad Shey).

After Clark and Perry stop their car and discuss what Clark sees (Jimmy and Lois' s car), we can see a reflection of the Crew's lights move left and right just under Clark; on the car door.

An 'oddity': If Clark sees Jimmy and Lois's car from HIS car and he and Perry hear the gun shots, they are obviously not too far away from them. Why, then, does it take Superman (in full-flight) a full 18 seconds to reach their car....!?!?

In older Film/TV prints, as Clark and Lois are ready to leave the "Tip-Top Club", we see a Boom Mike shadow in the top right of the screen as Clark replies to Lois, "Ummm, Hmmm --- Let's go back to the Office". (This scene was cropped tighter for 'Nick-At-Nite').

Another inconsistency: Jimmy captures the 'Phantom' and tells Lois to call the police. She replies, "Sure, Jimmy". About 4 seconds later, Laura and 'the Swami' enter the room; whereupon Laura says, "And, I was looking forward so much to our tango, JIMMY!!" (Unless she had super-hearing from the Hallway, she only had heard of Jimmy referred to as "Don Alvarez Ortega".....!!!!).

In the fight scene at the end; as Superman bangs the 2 crooks heads together, he is wearing Clark Kent's pinkie ring!!! (thanks to Bill Gronroos).

30. JET ACE
An observation: Clark and Jimmy go to the cabin where Chris has gone.  Did they walk?  Because, while they are there, Nate and Frenchy come back and park their Studebaker in front of the cabin.  Certainly, Clark and Jimmy would have parked there; as there was NO reason at this point to hide the car.  (thanks to Tom Chenevert).

Frenchy (Richard Reeves) mouths Nate's words as Nate says "What do you want me to do?? Write one??" ~ in reference to a report.

As Perry gets a phone call with info about Chris, as he's saying "Thank you", he's already beginning to hang up the phone --- it's about 8 inches from his mouth!!

When Superman is on top of Nate and Frenchy's car; holding the doors intact, we can see Superman's boots from the rear window. However, on the close-up shot of Nate and Frenchy, there is no sign of his boots when you look towards the rear window!! (thanks to Charles KIm).

As the above 'outdoors' scene ends, we hear Superman, Nate and Frenchy as they walk on the wooden sound-stage floor!!

After Martin ties up Chris at the Cabin, notice the position of the ropes on Chris in the 'close-up' shots --- they differ from the shots WITH Martin!! They also appear to differ a third time; just before Supe saves him.

When Tim Mallory (the mail pick-up guy) stops by Mr. White's Office and says to Mr. White that he saw Chris at the cabin a couple of hours ago, Clark responds by saying, "You actually saw Chris in the cabin two hours ago??" --- to which the mail guy responds, "That's what I said." ---- when he actually said 'couple'. (thanks to Charles KIm).

When Clark learns that Chris is up at the cabin, he leaves Mr. White's Office with NO hat. However, in the next scene after he exits the Office, he is holding his hat in his hand ---- obviously stock footage. (thanks to Charles KIm).

As Superman exits the Store Room window, we see the old "Human Bomb" leap --- with the stick of dynamite in hand.

When Chris White and Steve Martin are fighting in the end, watch for a "punch" thrown by Chris ~ it misses Martin by about 6 inches!!

31. SHOT IN THE DARK
Not a real 'error' as such, but something to think about: Why does everyone know that the snapshot of Superman changing clothes is actually Clark Kent? He's not wearing glasses. It's just Superman in a pair of baggy slacks. He looks exactly the same as he does when he removes the trench coat in "Man In The Lead Mask". (thanks to Randy Garrett).

While I've never seen this, I've read that on some more "widely-cropped" old film prints of this show, you can see a man kneeling in the right corner of Billy Gray's supply room ~ as Clark is putting out the fire. (John Field added: "The man seen in the closet in the far lower right hand corner is special effects man, Si Simonson! He can be seen triggering the device that makes the fire lower as Clark Kent places his hand over it.").

When Superman crashes in to the subway tunnel we see that the walls do not go up straight; but are oval and the lights are a certain type.  When he looks down the track at the real subway, he sees that the subway walls are vertical and have different lights!!!  (thanks to Tom Chenevert).

Superman rips up a subway 'third rail' and breaks it ----- to prevent a collision. When he drops the broken pieces, you can clearly hear that they are made of WOOD; not metal.....!!! (thanks to Dave Orbach).

In Henderson's office; when he is looking at the mug books, the handkerchief in Clark's suit coat disappears and reappears with different cuts. (thanks to Tom Chenevert).

Bert shoots Clark to prove that he's Superman, and Clark dents a coin with his finger to protect his secret; yet he stands there seemingly unaffected.  Had Clark been a ordinary man, the force of the shot would have knocked him off his feet; and the impact of the bullet hitting the coin into flesh would have caused an injury. Bert, Jimmy and Henderson should have noticed this.  (Gary Labrum)

32. THE DEFEAT OF SUPERMAN
Superman goes to the Warehouse and easily rips off the door handle (along with part of the door!!). Then, he pushes the door; which should easily open ..... but doesn't!! It takes another push!!

When Lois takes the note from Happy King into Clark's Office, and "rips it", she only rips it TWICE.  Watch her.  "Rip, rip", and she throws it away.  However, when Clark magically "reconstructs" it with his eyes, there are (I counted them twice) SIXTEEN different pieces of the note that he puts together.  Now, if the note was NOT folded, the most pieces she could have ripped it into would have been FOUR.  If the note were FOLDED (which it may very well have been), the most pieces of paper you could get would be SIX (Try it!!)  No way there should have been sixteen different scraps of the note for Clark to reconstruct......!!!! (While we're on the subject, just what "super-power" did Clark use to put that note back together?  Super breath?  He did not 'blow' it together.  X-ray or heat vision wouldn't have done it). (thanks to Gary Miller).

When Clark finds and 'reassembles' the ripped-up note in his wastebasket, the note reads: "Dear Mr. Kent....If you can contact Superman, please ask him to come to my home at 3420 Ocean Drive at once....Happy King". But, as Clark reads this note ALOUD, he adds 'Happy "J." King'.....!? (now, to be honest, there is some sort of "squiggly" line under the 'Happy King' signature - perhaps this is supposed to be the "J".....!?).

While Clark is searching his office for the note from Happy (J!) King, he has a very 'one-sided' conversation with the toaster oven-sized Intercom on his desk ~the responses from the other end are totally inaudible!!. Perhaps Clark kept the volume setting at 'super-low'....!! (thanks to Alfred Walker).

Clark quickly grabs his Hat, leaves his Office (Hat in hand) and turns LEFT. But, he's next seen heading to the RIGHT; with his Hat now ON ---- going into the Store Room to change to Supe. ('51 stock footage for the 'Store Room' part).

He's then seen leaping out the window ------- with a stick of dynamite in his hand!!!! (a reversed negative shot from '51's, "The Human Bomb).

When Jimmy and Lois first go into Happy King's house, Jimmy is about a foot or so away from Lois. The very NEXT scene cut (during the same dialogue), he's now right next to her!!!

As Superman enters King's basement room, Lois shouts her warnings to him. Jack Larson sorta flubs his line: "Get out of this house, uummmmmm!!" You can tell he wanted to say something in place of 'uummmmmmm'!!

As Happy King's car goes over the cliff near the end, the car that first goes over the cliff has a hard top or roof on it. As the scene cuts, the car we NOW see has NO roof at all ---- a totally different car!! And, the film 'freezes' for a second or so at the end of this crash....!!!

If you listen real carefully, you'll be able to hear the 'slate clap'; signaling the beginning of the final scene. (thanks to John O'Neill).

A question: we see King's OCEAN front house in this episode; complete with a beach and waves in the water. Now, just what ocean is near Metropolis??? (LOL).

A rather humorous observation: In many episodes where Lois, Jimmy, etc. go into the "country" ~ outside of Metropolis ~ they drive through a Desert (eg: "Superman Silver Mine", "The Atomic Captive", etc.) or through lush countryside ("Joey", "The Town That Wasn't"). Just where IS "Metropolis"; and how big IS it?? Is it inland, by the sea, in the desert?? There seems to be a very versatile landscape which surrounds our favorite city!!! The stock shots are of L.A.; which we know is no small town, so how come Clark (particularly) knows where everything in "Metropolis" is located?? For example, in "Mr Zero", Clark knows exactly where the hideout is --- after Mr. Zero mumbles something about a 'house on the edge of town; near a gas station'. How many gas stations ARE there in Metropolis?? Can't be many, if Clark knows all of their locations. (thanks to Colin Duff).

In "The Defeat of Superman," the scientist who created the artificial kryptonite made a reference to "...the now extinct planet Krypton...".  With technology being as limited it was in those days, how could anyone have any knowledge of a planet outside our solar system?  (Michael Mills)

I was watching "The Defeat of Superman" and something occurred to me.  When Happy King's Henchman, played by Sid Tomack, dropped the kryptonite down the chute, it was at "an even temperature," smoke was rising off it and Tomack used tongs to lift it from the lead box.  But Jimmy Olsen had no difficulty picking it up, nary a blister.  Could it have cooled off that quickly?  (Mr. X)

In the beginning of Defeat of Superman when Lois and Clark are talking she said he was going to take her to lunch. He said it is quarter of 12. He is going early to meet Happy King at 12. She said you aren’t going if the 12:00 part is important. She said its 2 minutes of. He says bye and runs away. Less than one minute before that it was quarter of 12! (Lisa Horton).

33. SUPERMAN IN EXILE
The Director Adams' hair goes from unkempt to combed several times --- both before and after Superman arrives to head off the nuclear pile. (thanks to 'SuperHarry').

Also, in the scene where they are discussing possible ways of ridding Superman of the radiation he absorbed, you can clearly see the microphone boom!! (thanks to 'SuperHarry').

An oversight!? If you look closely at Noel Neill's hands when she is held prisoner in the plane (especially, as she unbuckles her seat belt), you will notice she is wearing a wedding band. (thanks to Jan Rekas. Jan does not recall seeing this ring on Noel in other episodes).

When Superman was grabbing onto the plane Lois was held hostage in, you can see the plane's shadow on the rear projection screen that had the clouds swooshing by. (thanks to Armand Vaquer).

Clark's hat appears and disappears at will; thanks to careless editing of stock footage. In this episode (and several more black and white shows), Kent whips off his hat as he runs into the store room ~ even though he wasn't wearing one in the scene two seconds earlier!! (thanks to Randy Garrett).

In Superman in Exile, the radio announcer predicting the thunderstorm indicates that the Blue Mountain region will be building up "the greatest pressure."  I'm no meteorologist, but aren't thunderstorms the result of LOW pressure, and sunny days the result of HIGH pressure? (Jody McGhee)

34. A GHOST FOR SCOTLAND YARD
Miss McCready's name is pronounced McCRADY by Clark and McCREEDY by Jimmy.

An Observation: Clark asks how long ago did Sir Arthur leave and Mabel McCready replies, "Just a short time ago". Why then did it take a 'faster-than-a-speeding-bullet' Superman over 2 minutes of screen time to reach him....!?! Was he driving 500 mph???

The Rolls Royce Sir Arthur drives has an 'American' steering wheel ~ on the LEFT side!! (thanks to "TJ").

Watch as Supe first lands to rescue Sir Arthur: there is NO background at all --- just solid black....!?

Clark then returns to the McCready home with a frightened Sir Arthur. Note the door he closes behind them: it pops back open a few inches right after he shuts it.

And, that Bomb exploding near the end?? At the end of the explosion, you can clearly see some sort of device spinning around; shooting out sparks....!! (not one of Si Simonson's better jobs!!).

We see one of the characters reading a Superman comic book!  What's wrong with that you ask?  In the comic book world, Clark Kent was repeatedly changing into his secret identity of Superman.  Yet in the "real world," none of us know his secret identity!  How then could there be a comic book about a man with a secret identity if no one knows his secret identity?  (Michael Mills)

I noticed when Superman goes to save Arthur McCready, that as the front of the Rolls Royce is shown after Superman goes to stop it, a dark rope can be seen pulling the car along.  The rope appears to be attached to the front bumper or just underneath it.  This scene only lasts about four seconds.  (John O'Keefe)

35. THE DOG WHO KNEW SUPERMAN
There's a shot of Superman flying into the ground to rescue Corky. Here we can plainly see a Superman 'doll' on a string; diving into the ground. (thanks to Thomas Boud). John Field has this very interesting comment to add: "The Dummy used in this 'diving into the ground' scene was the exact Dummy used for the very clever flying shots in the classic serial, THE ADVENTURES OF CAPTAIN MARVEL!! They put a Super-suit on it (for this 'TAOS' episode). Tommy Carr told me that in an interview years ago."

When Superman emerges from the well; in the 'distant' shots, he does not appear very wet and his hair is combed. However, the close-up of Corky licking him shows him MUCH wetter-looking and his hair slightly more messy.

When Joyce orders Hank to go and put an Ad "in every newspaper in town" to find Corky, he slams the door as he leaves; causing a picture to fall off the wall and crash down on a statuette (on top of the TV) --- smashing it to bits!!

As Louie enters Kent's Office, note the shadow of a Boom Mike in the top left of your screen!!

As Kent rushes out of his Office to 'save' Corky, he has NO Hat on. However, when we see him in the Hallway, he's seen taking OFF his Hat and going into the Store Room (stock footage from the '51 season).

36. THE FACE AND THE VOICE
As Jimmy and Clark end their conversation in the 'Planet' hallway, the scene begins to fade and we see Jack Larson begin to speak to someone off-camera!!

A radio announcer says 'the Watchman was confused by being thrown to the floor' by Superman (Boulder). This supposedly happened during the Jewelry Store robbery. This Watchman was never touched by Boulder.....!?!?

In another stock-footage flub, Clark leaves Perry's Office with NO Hat; yet is next seen in the Hallway WITH his Hat on ('51 stock-footage). Also, we see the "Human Bomb"/Dynamite-in-hand leap out the window; with the image reversed.

As Henderson listens to Hamlet's supposed account of Boulder 'flying', the real Superman lands..... with many wet spots on his Cape......!?!?

When Superman catches the bad guys at the end, his armpits alternate between being dry & being soaked with sweat!! (thanks to Billl).

Also towards the episode climax, 'Boulder' and the Boss load the "heavy gold ingots" from the armored car to the Laundry Van. When Superman lifts Jimmy from the Van, his tied feet brush the stack of gold ingots and easily knock several to the ground; revealing them to be balsa wood! George Reeves clearly notices this, but continues to play the scene; as Director George Blair chose not to reshoot. (thanks to Dave Orbach).

The 'double' of George Reeves seen exiting the rear of the gold-filled Armored Car (supposed to be Boulder) looks nothing like Reeves!!!

In "The Face And The Voice" a little guy breaks into Perry White's office to steal a phonograph record containing a speech made by Superman.  Yet no mention is ever made as to how the guy knew just where to find this record, or that it even existed at all, for that matter!  (Michael Mills)

When Superman talks to the speech coach at the bank, look at the stains (sweat stains?) on the cape.  I've noticed several places where GR is sweating through the costume. (Ray Duke)

37. THE MAN IN THE LEAD MASK
When Clark and Inspector Henderson go to the police lab to view the comparison fingerprint slides, Henderson says "First you'll see the original prints of known criminals; then you'll see the same prints after attempts have been made to disguise them". Then, he proceeds to show ONLY the "disguise attempt" slides!!! (thanks to Dave Novak).

When Superman follows the tire tracks of the getaway car, he takes off flying empty handed; but lands at the hideout cabin carrying the lead mask, overcoat and trousers he uses to disguise himself as Morell......!!! (thanks to Dave Novak).

When Superman lands at the criminal's hideout, you can see from his shadow that he's standing on some type of platform that he jumps off of to enter the scene!! (thanks to Dave Orbach).

Later, you can see George Reeves, clothed in the mask and trench coat, "brace himself" before being hit with a break-away wooden chair by Jack Larson...!! (thanks to Dave Orbach).

38. PANIC IN THE SKY
As Jimmy, Lois and Perry are looking out of the Daily Planet window, Jimmy states that the asteroid "soared past Venus and Mars..." Now, I'm not an astronomer or a NASA scientist, but since the order of the planets beginning with the closest to the sun is:

                         Mercury
                         Venus
                         Earth
                         Mars
                         Jupiter...etc
.....wouldn't the "next" planet to be affected by the asteroid be Jupiter?? Just a thought.... (thanks to Michael R. Cozzi)

A 'continuity' error: Near the beginning; as the Professor talks to Superman on the observation deck, notice his left arm as he says his first line to Supe: it's extended outwards; at a 180° angle. The scene quickly cuts to a closer view of them and now, both his hands are folded in front of him!!

As Superman flies toward the asteroid the first time, you can see one of the Flying Harness wires attached to a suspended George Reeves' left leg!! (thanks to D.E. Novak).

As Kent speaks with the "Good Samaritan" farmer gal, his hat jumps forward and back on his head. (thanks to Jeff Minich).

Another 'continuity' error: As the amnesiac Clark enters the Jane Frazee's car, note that he is NOT wearing his pinkie ring. When he's next seen on camera (entering his Apt.), his pinkie ring is now ON!!!

When Perry finally realizes that Clark (with amnesia) can't recall how to contact Superman, he frustratedly tells him to "....go cover the Flower Show with JIMMINY"...instead of JIMMY....!! (thanks to D.E. Novak).

With Jimmy Olsen behind him, look closely as Clark Kent (with amnesia) opens his shirt and reveals a Superman shirt underneath without sleeves!! (thanks to Lou Koza).

As Jimmy leaves Clark's apartment to go get the sandwiches and coffee, Clark goes to his closet while removing his suit jacket. But, as he enters the closet, he is wearing the jacket completely!?!? (thanks to Dave Novak).

Later, when Jimmy goes to check on the amnesiac Clark at his apartment, the items on the occasional table next to Clark's chair are at angles with the tables' edges. Minutes later, when Clark sits down in the chair; dressed in Superman's uniform, the items on the table are suddenly more lined up parallel with the edges.......!?!? (thanks to Dave Novak).

A 'continuity' observation: When Olsen leaves Kent's apartment the second time, Clark puts on the costume with his glasses still on, breaks the table and realizes he is Superman. He quickly flies to the Observatory. Very little time has passed since Jimmy left Clark's apartment (exactly 1 minute of screen time!!) --- yet, there he is; at the Observatory with Perry and Lois!! Olsen must have flown there himself to get there so quickly. (thanks to Tim James).

Also, If you look closely at this "asteroid" (when shown from a distance), you can see the wire holding it. (thanks to Jeff Minich).

As Supe flies along on his long journey to this Asteroid/Meteor, we can still see a clear sky and occasional clouds rolling by him...... in Outer Space!?!?

From a view in space, look at the "Earth": it is actually a globe with a black sheet or cover around its base!! (thanks to Dave Spiceland).

When Superman lands on the asteroid to plant a destruction device, you can hear birds chirping!! (thanks to Thomas Boud).

Lastly, another puzzling thought to ponder: Even with amnesia, Clark knows to put his glasses on when he is "Clark Kent" ...... He should have noticed that the glasses don't make any difference (to his vision).  In fact, when he is trying to remember and is in his costume, he's still wearing the glasses....!! (thanks to "Skeeter").

Here's another observation for "Panic In The Sky."  In one scene you see citizens running in the street toward a corner.  Now these people are "supposed" to be running on pavement, (either cement or asphalt), yet the sound made by their steps is the sound made by running on wood!  Now here's a general observation which applies to several episodes:  Time after time, in episode after episode, you will see various automobiles traveling on dirt roads.  And time after time, when these vehicles start, stop or tune corners abruptly, you will hear the squalling of tires!  Tires do not squall on dirt! Squalling of tires only happens on pavement!  Just thought I'd let you know.  (Michael Mills)

39. THE MACHINE THAT COULD PLOT CRIMES
When "Mr. Kelso" starts getting notoriety for the holdups, we see two different 'Daily Planet' headlines:

"New Kelso Bank Robber" and  "Mr. Kelso Strikes Again"

However, look under these two headlines and you'll see the the other articles are the SAME in BOTH papers!! (One is "Perfectly Timed Holdup Leaves Police Baffled").

After hearing the bank alarm, Clark rushes out of his Office with NO Hat and then is next seen entering the Store Room with his Hat ON (again, '51 stock footage).

And, as he leaps out the window (as Supe, of course), we see that ol' stick of Dynamite in his hand ---- reversed stock footage of "The Human Bomb" leap.

Several times in this episode, Mr. Kelso's teletype papers are read by the actors. Now, teletype is read L to R; with the start of the sentences on the left. But, when 'Nosey" (Ben Welden) reads it, he reads R to L.....!?!?

A bit of humor: when Uncle Oscar first reads the teletype to Larry McCoy (Billy Nelson) about 'How To Rob The Metropolis Bank", he holds a portion of this teletype in his hands; about 6 or so inches apart....and proceeds to read about 4 or 5 sentences!!! ---- on 6 inches of paper???

An observation: I don't recall Clark ever knowing where McCoy or Uncle Oscar lived; and yet, in the end, when he and McCoy are in the back of the truck, McCoy tells him of the bomb set to go off and Superman rushes off to Oscar's apartment. How did he know where he lived???

40. JUNGLE DEVIL
As Gloria Harper tries (unsuccessfully) to escape in the beginning, watch just after she screams ------ the scene cuts to Dr. Harper and Berto, the Guide. As Dr. Harper leans on a boulder; to assist him in standing up, you'll notice that the "boulder" easily moves against his weight (no doubt made of paper maché)!!

An observation: On the plane, Clark says to the Pilot (about Jimmy): "What are the rations for stowaways??" The pilot says, "Stale bread and COLD water!!" Wouldn't it have made more sense for him to say WARM water!? (That would be more of a punishment than cold water......!!).

When the Captives are told only one must die, Clark asks for Lois's hat and says he will put in SIX pebbles; five 'white' and one 'black'. He puts in four pebbles asks the Doctor about the coal, puts in two more pebbles, counts them and then puts in one more ----- for a total of SEVEN!!! (thanks to Rick Swader).

In watching the above scene, I also noticed that after Clark asks for Lois's hat, he says, "May I borrow it, Miss Lane?? Thank you." As he walks away, you can hear that he's walking across a WOODEN soundstage floor!!!!

When the natives tie Clark to the tree, the initial close-up scene has the ropes up fairly high (exposing or "accenting" the outline of George's padding under his shirt!!). In the next, more distant shot, the ropes are now LOWER.

An observation/opinion: The viewer gets the impression that the action takes place in Africa. However, they have a Guide with a Hispanic accent; and, the characters try to communicate with the natives in Spanish!! Shouldn't they have tried Swahili or some other African dialect....?? (thanks to Vince Marzo).

41. MY FRIEND SUPERMAN
Another 'continuity' observation: As Clark exits the Store Room (after his super-speed typing!!), he walks straight ahead; out the door ~ I assume past Perry's Office. He's next shown coming up to the elevator; where Lois stands. (He actually walks past his own Office to get to her). Then, he turns around and heads to Perry's Office; walking PAST the Store Room on his right ~ where Jimmy pops out of........!?!? Questions: Why was Jimmy in the Store Room to begin with --- just seconds after Clark left --- and why did Clark walk all the way around the Hallway ----- just to get to Perry's Office?? He could've done that right after he left the Store Room..!?

Tony's daughter Elaine is referred to as 'ELAINE' by Jimmy and 'ELAINA' by Tony........!?

In my 'Kellogg's' film print of this show, as the 2 teenagers are entering Tony's place, the boy says, "Go, man, go" TWICE!! It's actually the SAME audio clip repeated again ~ followed by him also saying "Hi, Elaine! Hi, Tony!" (NOTE: in the 'Nick-At-Nite' print, the boy only says "Go, man, go" ONCE!!!).

When Jimmy is playing the Tape Recording to Superman over the phone; when it gets to the part where the 2 teenagers enter, the "Go, man, go" line is missing on the tape!!!

Does anyone remember a portion of the episode when Tony hooks up the wire recorder to the booth where the protection racketeers were sitting?  I may be dreaming, but I could have sworn that Elaine (Tony's daughter) asks him what he's doing with "her" wire recorder that she got for her birthday.  That bit is not in any of the copies I have of that episode featuring Paul Burke (Of TV's 12'O Clock High), even on the DVD release from Warner Bros.  All you see is Tony starting the wire recorder when the racketeers come into the diner. Anyone remember that missing bit?--David Wachenschwanz

42. THE CLOWN WHO CRIED
When Hercules wraps Jimmy up with the chains in his tent, you can see that these chains REALLY start to choke Jack Larson!! The scene then cuts to where the chains now appear 'lower' on his body.

The silhouette of "Clark" (behind the door; eating the sandwich) has NO glasses on!!! And, did you notice that the Policeman's silhouette looked JUST like George Reeves's?? (-:

Another 'inconsistency': Only Clark and Lois were ever introduced to Crackers (in the beginning). Yet, in the end, Superman kneels over the dying Crackers and calls him by name!! (Rollo should've picked up on that!! He was no doubt too grief-stricken at the time).

How many of you noticed that William Wayne played both "Rollo" AND "Crackers" - as the Clown. Only in the scenes where both Clowns are seen together is Peter Brocco wearing the clown make-up!! (thanks to John O'Neill)

43. THE BOY WHO HATED SUPERMAN

There are no BLOOPERS recorded for this episode!

44. SEMI-PRIVATE EYE
Jimmy does his fantastic 'tough-guy' dialogue; captured on Homer Garrity's tape recorder. Notice that when Clark goes to play it, even after he starts it up, there appears to be NO tape winding onto the left reel....!?

NOTE from David Wachenschwanz:

In regards to the "Adventures of Superman" episodes "Semi-Private Eye" and "My Friend Superman" the recording devices used in those episodes were wire recorders.  While tape recording was in use at the time TAOS was produced (a tape recorder was used in "The Human Bomb" and "The Talking Clue") the wire recorder was still in use at that time, mostly as a dictation device as the quality of a recording on a metal wire isn't the greatest. 

Someone mentioned that (as a blooper) that there wasn't tape on the machine, that could be seen in the "Semi-Private Eye" episode.  The wire in a wire recorder was somewhat below the surface of the unit, so it really took some effort (like moving your head in very close) to see the wire. FYI!

During Jimmy's dialogue, he says, "I merely look for a Pool Hall run by a citizen named 'Morey'". (Then, he pulls out the gun and says, "No license"). Next comes, "Thanks, Baby!! I know I'm a genius, but sometimes I get tired slappin' around punk hoodlums all day!! End of memo." When Clark plays the tape recording back, it's a different recording!!! Jimmy's "No license" line is gone and he now says, "..... I know I'm a genius, but, AH, sometimes I get tired......." He also says the final 'End of memo' words much softer and more in his 'regular' voice ---- compared to the 'tough guy' way he originally said it.

Cappy shows Lois and Homer his trap door in the floor ----- the same door Jimmy falls through later. This door 'splits' (opens) in the middle; hinged on both sides. BUT, when Superman grabs the door, lifts it up and tosses it away, we can see it is ONE SOLID piece now ...... NO 'split' in the middle!!!

Two Observations: 1) How on earth did Jimmy figure out the phone number Paul Fix dials?? What sort of 'code' did he use?? He couldn't see the dials; as Paul was between the phone and Jimmy....... 2) Clark starts to change into Superman in Garrity's Office. The scene switches to "Jimmy the Shamus" with Cappy and Noodles and all their dialogue. About 1 1/2 minutes later, we THEN see Superman leaping out the window. It took a 'Superman' a minute and a half to change......?? (ya gotta love it!!)

45. PERRY WHITE'S SCOOP
When Clark and Perry are being "suffocated" in the Steam Bath, Clark finally breaks out; but one of the boards from the top of his unit hits Perry in the head!! You can see Perry flinch......

When Kent, Olsen and White are on top of the gymnasium at the water tank, look in the top left corner; as Jimmy climbs into the water tank. You will see that the "City" backdrop behind them is wrinkled!! (thanks to Michael R. Cozzi).

While Jimmy is in the Water Tank, his pant legs are completely down. On his way out, his cuffs are now suddenly rolled-up!?

Approximately three minutes into the episode, Perry is at his desk holding the telephone with his right hand.  He is given information that he writes with his left hand.  Later on, when he is on the roof, we see him writing down the band number of the fish from Jimmy's cuff.  This time he is using his right hand! (Thanks Ron Marcus!)

46. BEWARE THE WRECKER
A question: The episode starts with a narration about these accidents beginning 'a year ago'. It takes Perry a full YEAR to start the ball rolling on the Investigations?

Note the mouthpiece of the phone; as Perry talks to the 'Wrecker' during the opening narration: It's at least 10 inches away from his mouth.....!?!?

An observation: Another scene during this narration takes place in Perry's Office; with Perry, Clark, Lois and Henderson. It's a serious 'gloom-and-doom' type conversation; yet Lois appears to be laughing....!?!?

Another question: "The Wrecker" calls Crane in Perry's Office and Henderson tells Clark to listen in on the extension phone. Now, why would a Police Inspector allow a mere Newspaper Reporter the better listening advantage to this call?? (Henderson WAS listening; near Crane's phone, but HE should've picked up the extension).

The narrator says that after reading the "morning paper" Inspector Henderson arranges a private meeting in Perry White's office. After the voice on the phone says the SS Rector will be destroyed at 1:45, Henderson says that gives them  "three hours" and asks Perry if they can contact Superman. Perry says "We can try. The early morning edition of the Planet is about to go to press" (an "early morning edition" that is about to go to press....... at 10:45?). (thanks to Rick Swader).
 
An 'inconsistency': During the meeting in Perry Whites office the voice on the phone says that the SS Rector will be destroyed at exactly 1:45. Later when they all meet at the pier Lois says "It's 1:45". Kent leaves and ducks behind some boxes to change to Superman and the scene changes to Lois saying "one minute before deadline". After a scene of Superman looking around it cuts back to Lois as she says "1:45 exactly". (thanks to Rick Swader).

As Clark, Lois and Jimmy are outside the "Daily Planet", we hear the sound of wooden footsteps of the passer-by's on the 'concrete' sidewalk!!! (there are MANY instances of this wooden 'sound-stage' floor coming thru in supposed 'outdoor' scenes in this episode).

Another observation: Supe takes off after the Guided Rocket and our "faster-than-a-speeding-bullet" hero takes app. 45 seconds of screen time to finally catch this thing!!!! Was it moving at 999 MPH??? (-: (note the very bad matte shot; when Supe finally catches it).

The voice of "the Wrecker" (or Hatch) we hear on the phone throughout the episode is certainly NOT Denver Pyle's voice!!!!

Listen REAL carefully; JUST after Clark states, "Well, this is interesting!!" (after they all head to the phony tree stump in the woods). There's a sort of 'off-camera' voice you can hear; making an unintelligible sound. (Listen....you'll hear it).

The trap door in the hollow tree stump dropped down into the stump after Clark punched it. Yet, Clark then states, ".....all the Wrecker had to do was lift up from underneath.....". He would NOT have "lifted-up" for it --- the door would've dropped the package DOWN to him......!!!

Not a 'blooper', but notice that the Carnival Music is the SAME music we hear in "The Clown Who Cried" (and, I believe it's also in "Topsy-Turvy", too).

Clark knocks the Carnival Bell clear into Orbit with the wooden mallet and (once again!!!), Lois and Jimmy don't question this 'super' feat done by the supposedly weak and timid Kent.....!?

Note the thin wire that actually yanks this Bell off the top.

Another question: Lois and Jimmy capture Hatch; believing him to be "The Wrecker". Don't they think anything's 'suspicious' when Jimmy answers the phone and hears a voice (Crane) ask if he 'got the package'?? Wouldn't that have alerted them that there's an accomplice involved....!?!?

A 'continuity' problem: Jimmy gets this phone call; with Crane saying he'll be 'right over'. He and Lois tie up Hatch and then run into Kent JUST OUTSIDE this Shack; playing Ring Toss. (Remember when Clark first left them, Lois spotted the Shack right across from that Ring Toss game). Now, how on earth did Crane get there, go inside, commit a murder and leave without being seen!?!? Lois, Clark and Jimmy were just outside this Shack......!?!?

Lois later enters Perry's Office with the papers on Hatch's past history. She walks towards Perry and his hands are on his desk; apart. The scene very quickly cuts to a different angle of them and Perry's hands are now FOLDED; up near his chest......!!

I may be 'reaching' here; but notice the furthest to the right phone on Perry's desk --- at the end; when all the characters are assembled in his Office. We can see many wires from 2 of the phones, but it appears that 3rd (right) phone has NO wire coming out of it.....!?

47. THE GOLDEN VULTURE
The scene aboard the ship is at night. However, there's a brief scene of a small boat shoving off from the dock with Jimmy and Lois; which is shown in broad daylight!!

As Clark runs up the steel staircase (avoiding the crew), he says "STuperman, where are you??".
In the fight scene when Superman picks up the two thugs and cracks their heads together, they hang 'suspended' in mid-air for a couple of seconds AFTER Superman lets go of them!! (thanks to Randy Garrett).

At the end, when Clark pulls Lois into the water, you can hear her scream; but it was actually dubbed. It was NOT Noel Neill's voice. The scream was the SAME scream Bibs Borman let out in "Perry White's Scoop"; after they set the back of the train on fire; with her in it. Noel Neill had an entirely different scream ----- check "The Man Who Could Read Minds", "Superman In Exile" or "The Machine That Could Plot Crimes". (thanks to Philip Pitta).

NOTE: An observation: Notice the ship's deck and the fence around it ~ outside of Capt. McBain's cabin. It looks VERY much like the same 'deck'/fence on the Observatory in "Panic In The Sky" (#38).

48. JIMMY OLSEN, BOY EDITOR
Lois takes a machine gun full of ammo and empties it into the ceiling.  I find it strange that there isn't a barrage of plaster or some sort of building materials coming down on them!!!  I would hate to think that the ceiling was so thin that it would have killed or injured someone in the upper floor of the Planet. (thanks to Tom Chenevert).

Superman visits the Hospital Director; to get a can of an experimental knock-out gas (to knock-out 'Legs Leemy's' gang). As he exits the hospital window, he's carrying the can of gas and it's in his hand when he lands back at the Daily Planet. BUT, as we see him flying ------ NO can!!! ('bad' use of stock footage).

49. LADY IN BLACK
As Supe leaps out the Planet window to go see Jimmy, it's the ol' '51 "stick of dynamite in hand" leap; from "The Human Bomb".

A 'continuity' error: I may be nitpicky here, but, as Jimmy first leaves old Mrs. Jones' apartment, he struggles to get on his Sportcoat as he exits the door. Inside the room, his RIGHT arm is just barely inside the jacket sleeve. As the scene immediately cuts to outside the Apt., his right arm is almost ALL the way inside his sleeve..!?

Jimmy waits at the Bus Stop; just outside 360 Apple Tree Lane. On the other side of the 'street', a Cab pulls up and out pops the 'lady in black'. Did you notice that this 'street' was barely wide enough for that Cab --- let alone BOTH a Cab AND a BUS!!!!

An observation: Watch what Mrs. Frank first takes out of her Shopping Bag ---- a box of Kellogg's 'Sugar Smacks'....!!!!! (this was more noticeable on my older 'film' print).

As Mr. Frank takes 4 shots at Superman in the Hallway, notice that (even though it's a studio prop) actor Frank Ferguson does NOT point his "gun" at George. It's pointed/aimed more to Frank's right!!!

When Superman uses his super-breath to remove  the veil from Virginia Christine's head, you can clearly see a 'wire' pulling it off....!!! (thanks to 'SuperHarry').

Error or Joke?? --- at the end, the larger painting on the wall in the Apt. has BOTH eyes open. Then, as Supe winks at Jimmy and closes the door, the camera pans to this larger painting with the RIGHT eye now winking!!!

50. STAR OF FATE
With Barnack holding a gun to Whitlock's back (what Lois sees in the mirror), his lips do not move when he says "Never mind, Ahmed"; telling Ahmed to forget the about the pencil and paper he was going to get.

Carl, right after the scene when Lois has opened the box and succumbed to the poison, Perry and the doctor are talking about Clark Kent not being affected by the poison (I'll have to talk to him about that!).  The next scene where Superman jumps out the window, is a reversed image, the "S" is backwards. Check it out. (Ray Duke).

In "Star of Fate," the character played by Arthur Space, the treating physician for the poison from the box, was named Doctor Wilson.  But when we view the nameplate on his office door, it reads "Dr. Anderson."  Maybe he shared office space with the doctor we saw in "Around The World With Superman."  (Mr. X.)

51. THE WHISTLING BIRD
When Jimmy takes a photo of Clark, Uncle Oscar and Nancy in the Lab, Oscar's hands are actually BEHIND his back. But, the finished photo shows his hands are now in FRONT!! (NOTE: although this photo isn't seen in its' entirety, I've seen the FULL and colorized photo on a Lobby Card and it also shows Clark holding his Hat in his right hand. BUT .... his Hat was nowhere to be seen when the photo was taken!!).

Dorothy Manners' handkerchief has the initials "R.M."....!?

When Uncle Oscar tosses away this Handkerchief over a Park bench, it lands ON the ground. However, when Clark later finds it, it's now hung up in a bush; about a foot OFF the ground!!!

When Superman finds the 3 'villains' in their Cabin, he hustles them outside; before Uncle Oscar's formula explodes. All 4 are next seen in "desert-like" surroundings --- complete with a sand dune that they hide behind. BUT, when we actually see the Cabin explode in the next scene, it's in the middle of the WOODS.....!?!?

An observation: Both Uncle Oscar's AND the crooks' apartment were the SAME; although dressed slightly different. This same apartment was used in MANY 1953 episodes. In fact, when Superman enters the apartment and uses his X-Ray vision to find Jimmy, Oscar and Nancy trapped below, the portion of the floor that he rips up is the EXACT same spot in the floor where Cappy's trap door was in #44, "Semi-Private Eye".....!!! It even has a 'cut-out' portion in the carpet where this 'door' is!!

When the stamp glue explodes after Clark hits it, the others don't question why he wasn't thrown to the floor as they were, or why his hand wasn't injured.  Also, when the cabin blows up after Superman hustles the spies outside, the explosion seems pretty weak considering how potent the formula was supposed to be.  (Gary Labrum)

52. AROUND THE WORLD WITH SUPERMAN
Ann Carson "writes" the winning letter to get the trip with Superman. An amazing feat ...... for a BLIND girl.....!!! (Michael J. Hayde added "Ann Carson's feat is even more amazing when you consider that she not only wrote; but also addressed, stamped and mailed the letter without her mother's help!!").

In the end scenes of Superman flying Ann 'around the world', notice how his hair alternates from being wind-blown and somewhat 'dry' looking ...to...nicely combed and with the 'wet' look!!!

An observation: In the "End Credits", the second (1953) season featured Noel Neill's name BEFORE Jack Larson's. But, when the Color episodes came about, Noel Neill's name came AFTER Jack Larson's. Did Noel move a step lower on the 'totem pole' in the color shows?? (thanks to Philip Pitta).

At the beginning there is a scene in Perry White's office where Superman leaps out of the window.  It's again the ol' stick of dynamite leap from 1951.  But this time it's different.  Instead of the usual leap to the left, this time we see Superman leaping to the right.  At the end of the episode when Superman returns with little Ann, he comes through that same window.  This time we see a chair in the corner adjacent to the window...a chair that was not there when he jumped out of the window earlier! (Thanks Ron Marcus!)

"STAMP DAY FOR SUPERMAN"
When Blinky calls Lois from a pay phone, notice that the ear piece of the phone is below Blinky's ear lobe....!!! (thanks to Charles Kim).

Poor Lois doesn't know how to make a very good paper airplane, so we cut to a shot of Blinky and Viola! Back to Lois and  new 'n' improved plane!

Photos are courtesy of Randy Garrett AND Mr. X