The Big Freeze

STRIKING a balance between the inherent violence that a crime drama automatically brings to the table and the perceived acceptable levels of such graphic portrayals on the screen has long been a problem to many of an action/adventure film or series television episode. The spectre of the ADVENTURES OF SUPERMAN's first season was still very much in evidence; when the production had gotten some bad reviews about the content as being too Noir and hence, too fast for the Kiddie Trade.

BUT the production team, formerly headed up by the SUPERMAN Radio Show's Producer, Robert Maxwell had been restructured under the Executive Editor of the Superman-DC Comics line, Whitney Ellsworth. The resulting 2nd season had trimmed the raw, graphic violence down to some less intense levels. This gave birth to some of their best half-hour adventures; while keeping it very much in the spirit of the feature's origin in the Comics.

BY the fourth season, the format was strictly on Automatic Pilot. A story would more likely be one that amused and gave you a few laughs than it would be filled with that pulse-pounding, spine-tingling, manno y manno physical action.

OUR STORY today, 'The Big Freeze' brought together all the elements of a successful Superman TV episode. The first being a colorful gang of crooks, who have some 'new' brainstorm on how to defeat the Man of Steel. Add to that some kookie, eccentric outsider who can be easily duped by these denizens of the Metropolis Underworld. The inclusion of some impending event or catastrophe fills out the scenario.

The story of our cold wave does not refer to anything that we might learn about on The Weather Channel; but rather to the method to be used by the crooks in the story to attempt put Superman out of commission while their thugs swing the Metropolis Mayoral Election to their Crony Candidate. This guy promises to be "Syndicated Crime Friendly", being a latter day Boss Tweed.

ENTER the person of the eccentric, kindly and somewhat scatter-brained Inventor (Mad Scientist, if you will) with an invention which may have applications of a less than honourable application. You guessed it, Schultz! This evil use will surely be turned on Superman, in order to render him impotent in stopping the would be ward healers from stealing City Hall from the good Citizens of Metropolis.

IN this instance, a technologically advanced contraption generates a wave of extreme cold, something along the lines of the principal of "Absolute Zero"; being a state in matter in which all molecular movement is stopped. Superman gets all frozed up and evething looks not too good, goddammitt! But, the Man of Steel figures out an antidote for this Super Frigidity that cures him instantly.

ONE important point in the story is that Superman continually emphasizes that although he is endowed with all of those "….powers and abilities far beyond those of Mortal Men", it is still up to the Citizens of Metropolis to be eternally vigilant in keeping their Government clean.

'THE Big Freeze', like most SUPERMAN Episodes, makes use of an excellent line up of veteran Character Actors who are adept at filling the roles of Crooks, even the cartoony variety of hoodlum in these cinematic comic book stories. We have George E. Stone (Duke Taylor, leader), Richard Reeves (Little Jack, muscle henchman & comic relief) and Comedy Veteran of the Silents, Rolfe Sedan (the kindly but wacky scientist-inventor.).

ALL of the regulars in the cast are present except Inspector Henderson (Robert Shayne), who is never mentioned. One would certainly think that The Metropolis P.D. would have SOME involvement in such a serious a situation as a criminal take over of an Election, which is not in Minnesota or Chicago.

POODLE SCHNITZ!!

Outstanding episode, in league with the classic comicstrip, likely a springboard to outlandish ideas for writer David T. Chantler. If you're looking for a far different SUPERMAN adventure, this is it. Only debit, the budget is limited, so don't expect spectacular special effects. However, for a 50s tv show, it's good.

Crooks Duke Taylor (George E. Stone) and Little Jack (Richard Reeves) want to rig the elections in Metropolis, also keep Superman out of their way once and for all... They team up with scientist Dr Watts(!), played by veteran actor Rolfe Sedan, who comes up with a revolutionary freezer room. All they have to do is lure Superman into the ice box -- set at 2000 degrees below zero! -- and his powers will become frozen.

George Reeves' "white" makeup is a gas, thanks to artist Lilyan F. Reynolds, who worked on scores of film classics, even doing Elvis' makeup in KID GALAHAD.

Best bit it watching Clark, using a makeup kit in his office, cover up his frozen white face (in seconds!) so Lois, Jimmy and Perry White won't find out his true identity.

Must see episode for its 100 percent camp value. Perfect casting of George E. Stone, who specialized in Runyen-esque characters in scores of classic films. SEASON 4 EPISODE 3 remastered Warner Brothers dvd box set. Features seasons 3 and 4. Classic set with comicbook artwork. Thanks METV for bringing these oldies back.

I love that episode but I always wondered who bought the "frozen" suit. I know it is an collector item. I wish I had the money to buy it but I don't so I hope whoever has it is taking good care of it. I can't swear but I think it is one of a kind. The science in freezing Superman appeared to be a bit flawed. At the time of the episode no one really knew the temperature of the solar system. I guess the writers took poetic license when the script was written. I would truly appreciate any one's comment if I have made a mistake. Is it possible for one to get a copy of an original script. I love to write and I would be very grateful if someone has the access.

Second grade memories. Election day was approaching . Lyndon Johnson running against Barry Goldwater. One of my classmates comes to school wearing a Goldwater pin on his sweater. The reaction was vitriol by the majority of students. Teased and ridiculed for not choosing the populous candidate Johnson, the boy was wondering what he did wrong until my teacher stepped in and gave a lecture about the right to choose your candidate. Innovative and definitely different, this episode is up there as one of my favorites. Corruption hits Metropolis on Election Day. No it's not the Russians or counter intelligence that sways the voters but the mob run by well dressed double breasted,Duke Taylor (George E. Stone)and his uncouthly, blundering, husky Little Jack (Richard Reeves) No relation to George our Man Of Steel. Our catalyst in all this is the wacky Doctor Watts (Rolph Sedan). Elderly and with a weird rhythm to his sentences as he repeats all his lines by accentuating a certain word. I.E. The title of this review. Anyway I was amazed how Superman not only has superpowers but is so knowledgeable about applying Makeup.Editor Perry White remarks to Clark Kent after his facial application. "Kent You seem to have a bit of a tan!" Let's backup for you outsiders who have never watched the episode before. Doctor Watts constructed a lead box that is filled with tons of compressed Freon gas. Extreme cold which the Doctor believes will take away Superman's powers for a price of 50,000 dollars which is a lot of cabbage.Duke Taylor calls Clark Kent to inform him that Lois Lane and Jimmie Olsen have been kidnapped. Taylor give a specific location and Superman rushed to the scene. Opens the lead box and become a shade of white from head to toe. Our caped crusader tries to fly but can't. Sorry sight for Superman fans.Then Superman changes into his Clark Kent outfit which asks one of the great mysteries of the series. Where does Superman keep his Clark Clothes while being Superman? No one notices a frosty looking man walking into the Daily Planet building (Clark's employer.) Clark goes into Lois Lanes Office and Applies rogue, mascara for the hair and a nice shade of Lipstick. Don't forget to brush your Eye lashes Clark. Anyway as always, things work out as Clark gets a nice commission check from Mary Kay cosmetics. No just kidding! The Mobsters re neg on there cash offer to the naive Doctor Watts which brings him to the Daily Planet as he tells a concerned Clark Kent that Superman will regain his powers by entering ac blast furnace or it might kill him. I give this episode 6 out of 10 electoral votes. Oh by the way, vote for Buckley!

The opening scene sets the comedic tone for this one as a thug "Little John" (show regular Richard Reeves) swats a fly off a picture on the wall and smashes the glass. It turns out there is no fly. "I was just practicin' for when it's summer again," explains the big dope to his boss "Duke Taylor" (George E. Stone).

Duke is going to rig the upcoming elections "so I can run this town." Little John answers, "Yeah, but Superman don't like it if you fix the elections." So, the plan is to get Superman out of the way. Enter another eccentric scientist (the only kind ever shown on the program) who has an invention on how to kill Superman. "Dr. Watts" (Rolfe Sedan) has invented a freezing room that, if they can Superman to go it in, will freeze all of his powers for up to a week.

Of course, Superman is coerced into going in, does get "neutralized" and now the elections look lost. However, a number of things happen and this winds up being one of the more entertaining of the Superman episodes with a good mixture of adventure, comedy and drama.