It's really a great story, Lois. But, no one would ever believe it. 
The Underground World is an episode of season 1 of Superman. It premiered on June 18, 1943.
Synopsis for "The Underground World"
A man named Professor Henderson arrives at the Daily Planet. Perry calls Clark and Lois into his office where the Professor shows them a map of an ancient underground series of caves. He tells them that forty years ago, his father disappeared inside what has now become known as the Henderson Caverns. He intends on mounting a search expedition and offers the Daily Planet exclusive rights to the story. Perry gives Clark and Lois the assignment and they arrange to meet with Professor Henderson later.
The group packs several cases of blasting explosives onto two small rowboats and set sail down a winding river. Clark pilots his own boat, while the Professor and Lois Lane take the lead. Henderson's ship travels deep into the caverns, but they disappear behind a streaming waterfall.
Emerging into a long, dark cavern on the other side, they discover a tribe of winged Bird-People. The Bird-People take Lois and the Professor prisoner and bring them before their king. Above the king's throne rests a giant statue, which bears a strong resemblance to Henderson's missing father.
Clark meanwhile, has lost track of Lois and the Professor and continues to paddle his boat down the river. As he navigates the twisting caverns, he calls Lois' name out, but no one responds. He continues for several minutes before realizing that Lois must be in some sort of trouble. Clark eventually discovers the larger cavern behind the waterfall and ventures into it.
Inside, he discovers that the Bird-People have strapped Lois and Professor Henderson to a metal pole and are in the process of lowering them into a pool of molten gold. Clark ducks behind a stalagmite and quickly changes into Superman. Before the Bird-People can complete their ritual sacrifice, Superman flies into the thick of things and begins tackling the avian warriors. One of them attempts to impale Superman with his spear, but the weapon bounces harmlessly off of the Man of Steel's chest. He punches his way through several more warriors until he scoops Lois and the Professor up in his arms. He flies them out of the cavern and then uses Henderson's blasting charges to seal the cavern off. The Bird-People are now trapped in their native habitat for all time.
Back at the Daily Planet, Lois writes up her story and presents it to Perry White. Perry tells her that it is a well-written piece – just as he proceeds to light it on fire. Regrettably, no one would ever believe such a wild story.
Appearing in "The Underground World"
Featured Characters:
Supporting Characters:
- Lois Lane (Final appearance)
- Perry White
- Professor Henderson (Single appearance)
Antagonists:
- Bird-People
Locations:
- Metropolis
- Henderson Caverns
Items:
- Explosives
Vehicles:
Notes
- Professor Henderson is not to be confused with Inspector Bill Henderson, a detective for the Metropolis police department.
- Actor Jackson Beck provides the voice for Professor Henderson.
- This episode was partially inspired by the 1914 Edgar Rice Burroghs novel, At the Earth's Core.
Trivia
- The Bird-people have an extraordinary resemblance with Hawkman.
See Also
- Images from Superman (1941 Cartoons) Episode: The Underground World
- Episodes of Superman (1941 Cartoons)
- Images from Superman (1941 Cartoons)
- Gallery for the Superman (1941 Cartoons) series
Recommended Media
- None.
Links and References
Footnotes