Electric Earthquake

I have to say that so far, as part of sitting through watching the old 1940 "Superman" short animated features, then "Electric Earthquake" was sort of bland and mediocre.

The storyline in "Electric Earthquake", as written by Seymour Kneitel and Izzy Sparber, was a rather mundane foray into the otherwise thrilling and action-packed universe of "Superman". Sure, it felt and looked like something that belonged in the "Superman" animated franchise, but I just didn't find the narrative here particularly entertaining or thrilling.

The art and animation was good, just as in the many other short animated "Superman" features from the 1940s.

Watchable for what it was, director Dave Fleischer and Steve Muffati's 1942 "Electric Earthquake" felt a bit forced and bland.

My rating of "Electric Earthquake" lands on a five out of ten stars.

A Native American man says that Manhattan (Metropolis) belongs to his people and demands that it should be returned to them. Naturally he's refused. So, he plants something like explosive charges in the water under Manhattan and sets them off causing earthquakes. Naturally Lois Lane (as usual) is captured and tied up by him. Looks like it's Superman to the rescue.

Very good and very interesting in that it has a Native American as a villain. Also bringing up how Manhattan belongs to the Indians was very advanced for a 1942 cartoon. Still it's not really dealt with--this was just for entertainment and the action scenes delivered. I especially liked the elevator that traveled underwater to the villain's hideout.

Lots of fun! A 10.

Another mad scientist is up to no good, utilizing a weapon that causes earthquakes to destroy NYC. Superman must save the city and Lois too.

A novel plot idea has the scientist being a Native American seeking the return of Manhattan Island to his people.

Another example of the superior animation from the brothers Fleischer...

This Superman cartoon, the seventh by Max and Dave Fleischer, has the politically-incorrect story of an American Indian (or Native American) claiming to speak for his people when he tells Clark Kent, Lois Lane, and Perry White to give Manhatten back to his people and those three refusing (what can they do anyway, they're only reporters!). So he threatens them though Perry doesn't believe him so Lois sneaks away to where this man has his hideout while Clark changes into Superman...Plenty of exciting animated scenes of the title disaster not to mention Supes doing what he does to save the day though it's now par for the course that Lois will be in yet another compromising position with the Man of Steel rescuing her. And really, that villain is willing to destroy his land if his demands aren't met? Talk about inconsistent characterization! Still, Electric Earthquake is worth a look for those exciting scenes of destruction as implied by the title.

A Native American Scientist demands the return of Manhattan (Metropolis) to his people. Rebuffed, he unleashes an ELECTRIC EARTHQUAKE to destroy the city. With intrepid reporter Lois Lane his prisoner, and destruction mounting, it sure looks like a job for Superman.

This was another in the series of excellent cartoons Max Fleischer produced for Paramount Studio. They feature great animation and taut, fast-moving plots. Meant to be shown in movie theaters, they are miles ahead of their Saturday Morning counterparts. Bud Collyer is the voice of Superman; Joan Alexander does the honors for Lois Lane.