2005 Merchandise & Miscellaneous News Archives

Superman on Radio

April 29, 2005: Superman Radio's “Atom Man” Dies

The New York Times obituary page coincidentally includes not only an article on the life of the late Maria Schell (whose death we reported on yesterday) but also Mason Adams, radio and television actor known for his role in the "Lou Grant" TV series (1977-1982).

Adams, the article by the Times' Kareem Fahim notes, "also starred in several episodes of 'Superman' on radio, playing the Kryptonite-wielding Atom Man."

Adams' Atom Man character was featured on the "Adventures of Superman" radio serial in 1945 and was portrayed by Lyle Talbot five years later in the Columbia Pictures movie serial "Atom Man vs. Superman."

The audio CD titled Smithsonian Collection: Superman vs. Atom Man on Radio released by Radio Spirits Inc. contains the classic 1945 radio broadcasts that pitted Superman against his deadly foe, Atom Man, a radioactive Nazi agent within whose veins flowed deadly kryptonite. This action-packed collection stars Bud Collyer as the Man of Steel and Mason Adams as the Kryptonite-wielding Atom Man. This boxed CD set includes a 60-page historical book filled with rare photos, behind-the-scenes commentary, and a foreword by Mason Adams.

In the booklet, Adams writes:

    "Being a working radio actor was one hell of a pleasure! Not the least among the pleasures was the thrill of learning, back in 1945, that I had been cast in the role of the Atom Man in Superman.
    "True, I'd already played interesting parts on other shows, but never had I played a part as juicy as this one; I mean this guy was baaaad! And in my book, for sheer unadulterated acting joy, there is nothing in the world to compare with playing a carefully crafted, deeply evil, totally depraved bad guy. From the birth of the Atom Man, to his fiery death at the hands of Superman, I had the time of my life!
    "What made the experience even more rewarding was the duality of Superman versus the Atom Man. Here was Superman, the embodiment of everything heroic, decent, and good; and here was the Atom Man, a vicious, scheming Nazi, infused with deadly kryptonite, whose sole objective was to destroy Superman, and after that civilization!
    "Added to this was the pleasure to work with top-notch people such as director Duke Ducovny, producer Jessica Maxwell, fine actors like Bud Collyer, Jack Beck, Jackie Kelk, Joan Alexander, Julian Noa, Matt Crowley, and many more.
    "The Golden Age of radio is long over, but its memories will never fade. And one of the highlights of those will always be my experience on Superman playing the Atom Man."



2005 Merchandise & Miscellaneous News

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