Radio Retropolis

It’s down to the wire for Superman to catch Hoffman, save Lois, and retrieve the priceless jade.   Commentary on Black Sunday-the great dust storm of April 14, 1935 which mostly likely was the basis for this dramatic ending. Plus, a recent dust storm causing tremendous damage in Utah, where this story takes place, is shared.

Two armed bandits invade the home of an elderly couple in which the husband is tortured unmercifully before he reveals the hiding place of his valuables. The two home invaders take the jewels and make their escape.

It’s an action paced episode as Superman rockets across the country to reach San Francisco before the train arrives to rescue Lois, but Hoffman may have a surprise or two up his sleeve that takes this story into hyper drive.  Commentary on Kirk Alyn who played Superman in the theatrical serials of 1948 and 1950 and how he almost became the TV Superman when George Reeves was holding out for more money.

Lois Lane’s peril was deepened in the last episode as Hoffman made her a more impactful part of his plan which is now about to take its final turn in their escape to China.  Tonight, Lois’ outlook seems hopeless as her very sanity is questioned.

Last time, instead of keeping her cards close to her chest, Lois Lane let on far too much to Walter Hoffman now putting her in grave danger with Superman now many miles away back in Metropolis.  Will Kent figure it out in time to have Superman race back to save her?  And will he know where to find her even if he did?  Commentary tonight on the evolution of Perry White, much to the credit of its portrayer Julian Noa, from a second banana supporting character to the loud, blustery, comical version that became the template for all Perry Whites for several generations.

An elderly shopkeeper is found murdered in the back room of his store and there's no trace of the killer.  Commentary on the non PC description of matronly women in this and recent Dragnet episodes, the harsh penalties for the convicted man in this case, and an inside look art what was fine cuisine in the 1950s.

In the last episode, Hoffman tried to frame Superman for the murder of Chi Wan when in fact he needed the 48 hours to board a plane to California to catch a freighter to China with the stolen jade.  Tonight, Clark and Lois are on their way to stop him.  Commentary on the growing relationship between Lois and Clark.  Plus, see why we discuss the ironic connection between this episode and how gunpowder was invented.

Last episode, Lois and Perry are waiting for the arrival of whom they believe to be Superman in the Carson mansion to answer what he knows about Chi Wan’s murder.  Will Superman show up and if so will his anonymity be blown forever?

A series of robberies, burglaries and assault suddenly starts becoming more frequent among the teenagers that leads to one 17 year old pusher.  Commentary of the views of marijuana in the 50s, what the drug culture was like, the fairly limited and cultural divisive views of Anslinger's War on Marijuana, and where Jack Webb fit into all of this.

In our last episode, Lois Lane was convinced that this Superman was connected in some way to Chi Wan’s death and decides to force him to appear publicly to answer these accusations by placing an open letter on the front page of the Daily Planet.  Will Superman take the bait?