"Truth, Justice, and the American way."

In the 1950's , George Reeves starred as Superman in a TV series. The opening credits ended with an announcer's voice declaring that Superman "fights a never-ending battle for truth, justice, and the American way."

Recently I found the 1948 Superman movie theater serial online. (Movie theaters used to show lots of short features in addition to the main feature -- or even a double feature. ) It starred Kirk Alyn, the first actor to portray Superman in a live-action film.

I watched episode 1. As Clark Kent reaches adulthood, his adopted father, "Pa Kent" talks to him about his mission in life. "You must always fight for truth, tolerance, and justice."

I am guessing that in 1948, the producers were responding to the Nazi treatment of Jews. In 1952, they were responding to the Cold War.

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JSul3 · 70-79

The specific phrase, "fights a never-ending battle for truth, justice, and the American way," was used in the opening narration of the Adventures of Superman radio show during World War II. It was intended to evoke patriotism during wartime.

However, the "American way" part of the motto was later dropped by the radio show after the war and was replaced with "tolerance".
The phrase was later revived and popularized in the 1950s Adventures of Superman television series starring George Reeves.

Source: Web search AI.

My 2 cents:
Please go watch the first full length feature film, Superman and The Mole Men.
The film was edited and musical score changed, into a 2 part episode that ended Season 1 of the tv series.
The title was changed to The Unknown People.

It's message is clear: Tolerance and acceptance for those who are different.

Actor Jeff Corey, who appears in the film, was a victim of the Blacklist.

FreddieUK · 70-79, M

@JSul3 Very interesting history.