This was the first feature-length film based on DC Comics (although others such as Batman and even Superman himself had had theatrical serials).
According to director Lee Sholem, both Phyllis Coates (Lois Lane) and George Reeves (Clark Kent / Superman) were knocked cold on the same day in fights involving stuntmen.
Kirk Alyn, who played Superman in Superman (1948) and Atom Man vs. Superman (1950), was originally to have reprised his role but he wanted too much money.
This is the only live action "Superman" film in which Perry White, the Daily Planet and Metropolis do not appear.
Over a year after this film's release, it was split up and used to make a "two-parter" to close the first season of Adventures of Superman (1952): Adventures of Superman: The Unknown People: Part I (1953) and Adventures of Superman: The Unknown People: Part II (1953).
This was Jeff Corey's final role before he was blacklisted by the House Committee on Un-American Activities in 1951. His next on screen role was in the short film Inside Magoo (1960) nine years later.
This was the first of only three live action theatrical "Superman" films not to feature his arch-nemesis Lex Luthor. The others are Superman III (1983) and Man of Steel (2013).
The film was included as a special feature in Warner Home Video's 2005 DVD release of the first season of Adventures of Superman (1952).
The film was included as a special feature on the fourth disc of the Christopher Reeve Superman Collection and the Complete Superman Collection DVD.
The film was originally created by National Publishing (now DC Comics) as a "calling card" in their bid to bring Superman to television for the first time. Its theatrical release was originally planned only as a last resort to recoup the production budget if the networks passed on the project.
Jeff Corey (Luke Benson) would later play Lex Luthor in the screen tests for Superman (1978), though he did not appear in the film itself.
At only 58 minutes, this is the shortest "Superman" film.
At 37 years old, George Reeves was the joint oldest actor to make his live-action debut as Clark Kent / Superman. Kirk Alyn was the same age when he made his first appearance in the role in Superman (1948).
Final film of J. Farrell MacDonald.