Superman on BBC Radio
Distributed by BBC (British Broadcasting Corporation) on cassette and CD, but originally airing on BBC Radio 1 FM in the late 80s and early 90s, Superman on Trial, The Adventures of Superman and Doomsday and Beyond are three brilliantly produced Superman radio programs.
Superman on Trial was broadcast by the BBC on the 1st September 1988, in an original adventure in which Superman was put on trial by the Guardians of the Galaxy for interfering in the destiny of humankind. It was notable for the odd revelation to the world that Superman had been brought up as Clark Kent's brother (a lie brought about by certain disclosures during the trial), and had documentary inserts featuring interviews with famous writers and artists from Superman's history.
The BBC Radio full-cast drama features Adam West, Jenette Kahn (President, DC Comics) and Dave Gibbons (Co-creator, "Watchmen"). The main cast includes Stuart Milligan as Superman, Shelley Thompson as Lois Lane, William Hootkins as Lex Luthor and Bob Sessions as The Batman. Written to celebrate Superman's 50th birthday. Accused of crimes against humanity, the Last Son of Krypton stands powerless before a court dominated by Lex Luthor - criminal genius turned Prosecutor. Has Superman really corrupted our children? Can he justify his continued interference in world affairs? Do we know the truth about his powers? Can Lois Lane defend '50 years of the Man of Steel'?
The program runs for 45 minutes (approx).
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The Adventures of Superman radio program is based on original post-Crisis DC Comics material, and features a star cast. Recorded in Dolby Surround with spectacular sound effects, the program also boasts a thrilling specially composed orchestral score.
"A supersonic passenger aircraft on its maiden flight collides with a private plane over a packed Metropolis airport - and is saved from destruction by a mysterious flying man..."
From Superman's very first deed of daring to his battle of wits with evil businessman tycoon Lex Luthor, The Adventures of Superman tells the story of The Man of Steel from the beginning - of his love affair with Lois Lane, his friendship with Jimmy Olsen, and his battle with not only Lex Luthor but also The Bizarro Superman and Metallo, the cyborg with a kryptonite heart.
A movie without pictures - you won't believe your ears!
Starring:
Stuart Milligan as Superman/Clark Kent
William Hootkins as Lex Luthor
Lorelei King as Lois Lane
Vincent Marzello as Jimmy Olsen
Garrick Hagon as Perry White
Shelley Thompson as Lana Lang
Dick Vosburgh as Jor-El
Barbara Barnes as Lucy Lane
David Graham as Fisher
Simon Treves as Metallo
Elizabeth Mansfield as Amanda McCoy
and
Jon Pertwee as Schwarz
Burt Kwouk as Doctor Teng
with
David Bannerman, Vincent Brimble, Sue Broomfield, Nigel Carrington, Terence Edmond, Christopher Good, Ronald Herdman, Norman Jones, Joanna Mackie, Dale Ropley, Jane Whyttenshaw, Andrew Wincott.
Based on the stories by John Byrne, Dave Gibbons and Jerry Ordway
Edited by Mike Carlin. Published by DC Comics
Original music composed and performed by Mark Russell
Audio adaptation written and directed by Dirk Maggs
The program runs for 2 hours and 30 minutes.
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Doomsday and Beyond radio program features a star cast, incredible sound effects, and a full orchestral score, this program recreates the world of Superman direct from the pages of DC Comics and, in Dolby Surround, you are in the thick of the action!.
"The Death of Superman - and his Return!"
Epic action, thrilling suspense, and a rollercoaster ride of mounting excitement are all featured in this incredible audio experience, chronicling not only Superman's duel-to-the-death with the monster called Doomsday and how he ultimately returned, but also the story of his love affair with Daily Planet reporter Lois Lane and the true fate of his arch-enemy, Lex Luthor. The fastest-selling comic book story of all time comes to life like nothing you've ever heard before!
Starring:
Stuart Milligan as Superman/Clark Kent & The Kryptonian
William Hootkins as Lex Luthor
Lorelei King as Lois Lane
Vincent Marzello as Jimmy Olsen
Garrick Hagon as Jonathan Kent
Kerry Shale as Superboy & The Cyborg
Eric Meyers as Guy Gardner
Denica Fairman as Maggie Sawyer
Liza Ross as Supergirl
and
Burt Kwouk as Doctor Teng
Leon Herbert as John Henry Irons
Based on the stories by Dan Jurgens, Karl Kesel, Jerry Ordway, Louise Simonson and Roger Stern
Edited by Mike Carlin
Published by DC Comics
Audio adaptation written and directed by Dirk Maggs
The program runs for 2 hours and 35 minutes.
REVIEW: In 2005 this Audio Drama was re-released by Time Warner Audio Books on CD under the title "Superman Lives!". Purchase this CD from Amazon.com. Read our review of this CD.
NOTES OF INTEREST:
There are actually two versions of "The Adventures of Superman", both with the same cast, but subtly different. One was broadcast in five-minute chunks on BBC Radio 1, and the other in half-hour episodes on BBC Radio 4.
Maggs also produced two Batman radio programs: The Lazarus Syndrome (an original adventure featuring Ras Al Ghul), and Knightfall, an extremely faithful adaptation of the DC Comics storyline of the same name.
Source:
Covers of the BBC Radio Collection Cassettes.
Thanks also to Chris Halliday for added information.
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