Episode 008: Blasphuphmus Radio Theater Presents! “The Adventures of Superman” Part II
(Featuring four episodes of the 1940 classic radio serial: “Locomotive Crew Freed,” “The Silver Clipper,” “The Atomic Beam Machine,” & “Fuel.”)

Due to the recent schedule change for Blasphuphmus Radio, I was unable to bring you Part II of “The Adventures of Superman” on February 17th. But fear not, because Part II is here, today, and not a moment too soon!

In this episode, we wrap up the first, six-part storyline, known to some fans simply as “The Wolfe.” Later, as the series progressed, individual episodes lost their names, and were merely titled “Storyline Title (Part x of y).” Since I felt it would be ideal to summarize the events brought to you in Part I, you also get a sample of authentic radio music from that period from the legendary Raymond Scott. What more could you ask for?

In Part II, we also begin the second six-part storyline, known to some fans as “The Yellow Mask.” As was typical in radio serials, the last episode of the previous storyline actually foreshadows the next storyline, making sure that each episode ends with a cliffhanger. If all goes well, we should be able to wrap up this storyline in Part III, which will be brought to you sometime in March (TBA).

It should be noted that I made a mistake in announcing “The Atomic Beam Machine,” merely calling it “The Atomic Beam.” One of the difficulties with the Inter-Web-A-Tron is that you get conflicting information depending on who you talk to. So, the correct name is “The Atomic Beam Machine,” regardless of what I say on the broadcast.

Also noteworthy about that episode is that it’s the first appearance of Lois Lane in the series. Originally played by Rollie Bester, she only stayed with the series for this particular storyline. She ends up being replaced starting with the next storyline. Even though there was a character named “Jimmy” in episode two (“Clark Kent, Mild Mannered Reporter”), Jimmy Olsen – the last of the show’s primary characters – has yet to make an appearance. I find it particularly interesting that none of the primary character – or even voice actors – appeared in the first episode (“The Baby From Krypton”). Since this kind of slow development would probably never happen in modern stories like this, I find it particularly noteworthy.

Again, I dug up some Old Time Commercials to flesh out the overall feel and sound of this broadcast. I think I managed to only use commercials from the year of – or before – these episodes were originally broadcast, but I don’t really know. If anyone else has and further information about these, please, let me know!

See ya in seven!

The Adventures of Superman Part II

Episode 5: Locomotive Crew Freed * 21 February 1940
Clark Kent overhears Keno & The Wolfe’s plans, waits for them to leave, then rescues the kidnapped train crew as Superman.

Episode 6: The Silver Clipper * 23 February 1940
Thanks to the work of Superman, Keno & The Wolfe are finally arrested.  But Clark Kent receives a phone call from The Wolfes boss, The Yellow Mask!

Episode 7: The Atomic Beam Machine * 26 February 1940
The Yellow Mask steals The Atomic Beam Machine from Professor Sven Dalgren.  Lois Lane is also introduced in this episode!

Episode 8: Fuel * 28 February 1940
While Clark Kent and Lois Lane are investigating Professor Sven Dalgren, The Wolfe threatens to destroy The Daily Planet.