Electric Earthquake

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.

I have seen most of the Superman cartoons made by the Fleischer Brothers for Paramount during the 1940s. Unfortanately, I have never particularly enjoyed them...that is up until now. "Electric Earthquake" brings the cartoon series an interesting villain--one you have a hard time completely hating.

The film begins with a Native American genius planting some sort of electrodes emanating from his underwater lair to Manhattan island. Then, he comes to the surface and announces that the government MUST give the island back to the natives or else! Well, they don't listen and soon he unleashes a wave of electric terror--causing the island to explode bit by bit. Not at all surprisingly, Lois gets caught up in all this and is taken prisoner. And, predictably, Superman comes to the rescue.

As I mentioned above, I liked this one because the story was strong--something not true for most of the other stories in the series. It was very interesting and kept my interest throughout--though I think it's the only time home for Superman was New York and not Metropolis!

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.

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...

A political subtext in this cartoon short.

The mad scientist is a Native American who demands the return of Manhattan to his people.

Somehow he makes his demands to the Daily Planet who are in no position to acquiesce to them.

The scientist has wired up electrical charges underneath the seas to cause a series of earthquakes that destroys buildings.

It is a job for Superman and once again intrepid reporter Lois Lane finds herself in peril. She managed to sneak into the scientist's boat.

There is some good animation here with the destruction scenes.