<P> Superman ( informally titled Superman : The Movie in some listings and reference sources ) is a 1978 superhero film directed by Richard Donner and based on the DC Comics character of the same name . The film is a British , Swiss , Panamanian and American joint venture , produced by Warner Bros. , Film Export A.G. , Dovemead Limited and International Film Productions . Superman features an ensemble cast of Marlon Brando , Gene Hackman , Christopher Reeve , Jeff East , Margot Kidder , Glenn Ford , Phyllis Thaxter , Jackie Cooper , Trevor Howard , Marc McClure , Terence Stamp , Valerie Perrine , Ned Beatty , Jack O'Halloran , Maria Schell , and Sarah Douglas . The film depicts Superman 's origin , including his infancy as Kal - El of Krypton and his youthful years in the rural town of Smallville . Disguised as reporter Clark Kent , he adopts a mild - mannered disposition in Metropolis and develops a romance with Lois Lane , while battling the villainous Lex Luthor . </P>
<P> Superman ( informally titled Superman : The Movie in some listings and reference sources ) is a 1978 superhero film directed by Richard Donner and based on the DC Comics character of the same name . The film is a British , Swiss , Panamanian and American joint venture , produced by Warner Bros. , Film Export A.G. , Dovemead Limited and International Film Productions . Superman features an ensemble cast of Marlon Brando , Gene Hackman , Christopher Reeve , Jeff East , Margot Kidder , Glenn Ford , Phyllis Thaxter , Jackie Cooper , Trevor Howard , Marc McClure , Terence Stamp , Valerie Perrine , Ned Beatty , Jack O'Halloran , Maria Schell , and Sarah Douglas . The film depicts Superman 's origin , including his infancy as Kal - El of Krypton and his youthful years in the rural town of Smallville . Disguised as reporter Clark Kent , he adopts a mild - mannered disposition in Metropolis and develops a romance with Lois Lane , while battling the villainous Lex Luthor . </P>
when did the first superman movie come out
when did the first superman movie come out
1978
1978