Terremoto Elétrico

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...

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 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.

Superman is brought in to save the city of Metropolis. A Native American mad scientist (are they really mad or just have a reason to act) wants Manhattan back for his people, but, of course, just like today, there is no chance. Of course, once again, he is defied and needs to show off his strength. He is able to use electricity below the surface to create and earthquake which jeopardizes the future of the great city. Somehow, Lois Lane figures out where he is and gets into his hideout. Not only does Superman have to save the city, he is stuck rescuing Lois again. There are some wonderful earthquake scenes using the talents of the Fleischer animators. This is a pretty well done episode, although the whole Native American issue is never addressed. Of course, even talking about Indian rights in those days was pretty interesting.

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.