True to his threat, the mad scientist, whose warnings have held the city in a grip of terror,

went on his rampage of destruction on the stroke of midnight.

The deadly impact of his mysterious ray smashed the famous tower bridge, hurling cars and pedestrians into the river below.

The police have warned everyone to remain in their homes.

This looks like a job for Superman. Hello and welcome to this week's bonus episode of Superman's Summer here on down

these mean streets. Last week the Man of Steel encountered a group of Incan priests fighting to protect

the secrets of a sacred emerald and the hidden location of the Fountain of Youth. Today, Superman embarks on the his debut. The character of Copy Boy and eventual Cub reporter Jimmy Olson made his first

appearance anywhere in the April 15, 1940 broadcast of Superman. He was incorporated into the comics in 1941 and

since his introduction he's become a key part of the Superman mythology. Jimmy's appeared in TV shows, films, cartoons, and even

his own comic book series. He's still a Daily Planet copy boy in his first appearance when Jimmy asks Clark Kent to help his mom whose candy shop is being shaken down for protection money.

The crooks behind it are working for the notorious gangster Jip

Denelli. Superman pays Denelli and his goons a visit and after licking his wounds

Denelli decides to take revenge on Mrs. Olson and Jimmy.

Now after the adventures of the Sacred Emerald of the Incas and the Yellow Masks plan to destroy Dyerville with a hidden submarine,

a battle against a protection racket seems a little like small potatoes for Superman.

But even if it's a more down-to-earth adventure, it's still an exciting story and an important chapter in Superman's history.

I also think it's interesting to hear these early radio episodes when Superman is more like an urban legend.

Nobody knows who he is yet, aside from some fleeting glimpses of a man in red and blue who may or may not be flying.

Clark Kent spends as much time trying to keep Superman's existence a secret as he does saving the day.

Eventually, Superman will become a public figure, but it's need to hear

him operating from the shadows more like Batman in these early episodes.

Bud Kallier plays Clark Kent and Superman. Helen Chote is back as

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