Volcano

Plot

When a dormant volcano suddenly erupts on a remote Pacific island, it threatens to destroy a nearby native village and a scientific research station. The eruption causes massive lava flows that block escape routes and endanger the inhabitants. Superman, alerted to the disaster, flies to the island to help evacuate the villagers and scientists. Using his incredible strength, he diverts lava flows, creates barriers to protect the settlement, and ultimately finds a way to stop the volcanic activity. The cartoon showcases Superman's heroic efforts as he battles the forces of nature to save innocent lives from certain destruction.

Historical Background

Produced in July 1942, 'Volcano' was created during a pivotal moment in American history. The United States had entered World War II seven months earlier, and the film industry was actively contributing to the war effort through entertainment and propaganda. The Superman character, created by Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster, had become a symbol of American ideals and strength during this period. The Fleischer Superman cartoons were among the most sophisticated animated productions of their time, featuring cinematic techniques, complex storylines, and mature themes that reflected the gravity of the wartime era. The disaster theme of volcanic eruption resonated with audiences who were living through real-world catastrophes and uncertainties. The animation industry itself was undergoing significant changes, with many animators being drafted into military service and studios adapting to wartime resource restrictions.

Making Of

The production of 'Volcano' took place during a tumultuous period at Fleischer Studios. The studio was experiencing financial difficulties and internal conflicts between brothers Max and Dave Fleischer. Paramount Pictures, the distributor, was increasingly dissatisfied with the studio's performance and was planning a takeover. The animation team used innovative techniques for the volcano effects, including layering multiple cels with different opacity levels to create depth in the lava flows. The voice recording was done in New York, with Bud Collyer performing both Clark Kent and Superman using different vocal pitches - a technique he perfected for the radio show. The cartoon's score was composed by Sammy Timberg, who created distinctive musical themes for the Superman series that would influence later superhero productions.

Visual Style

The cartoon utilized the Fleischer Studios' trademark multiplane camera system to create depth and dimension in the volcanic scenes. The animators employed dramatic lighting techniques, using shadows and silhouettes to enhance the tension of the disaster sequences. Camera movements included sweeping pans across the volcanic landscape and dramatic zooms that emphasized the scale of the destruction. The use of forced perspective and layered backgrounds created a sense of three-dimensional space unusual for animation of the period. The color palette featured rich reds and oranges for the lava contrasted with cooler blues and purples for the night scenes, creating a visually striking presentation.

Innovations

The Fleischer Superman cartoons pioneered several technical innovations in animation. 'Volcano' featured some of the most sophisticated special effects animation of its time, particularly in the realistic depiction of flowing lava and volcanic explosions. The studio's use of the multiplane camera allowed for unprecedented depth in animated sequences. The rotoscoping technique, where live-action footage was traced by animators, was used for some of Superman's movements to create more realistic motion. The cartoon also featured advanced color techniques, using the Technicolor process to create rich, saturated hues that enhanced the dramatic impact of the volcanic scenes. The integration of background animation with character animation was seamless, creating a cohesive visual experience that raised the bar for theatrical animation.

Music

Sammy Timberg composed the original score for 'Volcano,' incorporating the distinctive Superman theme that became synonymous with the character in animation. The music used leitmotifs to represent different characters and emotions, with heroic brass fanfares for Superman's appearances and percussive, dissonant passages for the volcanic eruption. The sound effects were innovative for their time, using a combination of recorded sounds and created effects to simulate the rumbling volcano and flowing lava. The voice work by Bud Collyer featured his signature technique of using a deeper, more resonant voice for Superman and a higher, more ordinary voice for Clark Kent, establishing a convention that would be followed in most subsequent adaptations.

Memorable Scenes

• The dramatic opening sequence showing the volcano erupting with lava flowing down the mountainside, Superman's dramatic arrival as he flies through the smoke and ash to reach the endangered village, the climactic sequence where Superman physically diverts a massive lava flow to save the settlement, the final scene where Superman uses his super-breath to cool the remaining volcanic activity

What Critics Said

Contemporary critics praised the Fleischer Superman cartoons for their technical excellence and mature storytelling. The Motion Picture Herald noted the series' 'outstanding animation quality and dramatic content.' The volcano effects in this particular short were highlighted in animation trade publications as examples of cutting-edge special effects work. Modern critics and animation historians consider the Fleischer Superman series to be among the greatest animated shorts ever produced. Animation historian Jerry Beck has called the series 'the pinnacle of theatrical animation in the early 1940s.' The cartoons are frequently cited for their influence on later superhero media and their technical innovations in animation techniques.

What Audiences Thought

The Superman cartoons were extremely popular with theater audiences in 1942, often serving as the main attraction for double bills. Children and adults alike were drawn to the sophisticated animation and dramatic storytelling. The shorts were so successful that they continued to be re-released in theaters for years after their initial run. In the decades that followed, 'Volcano' and other Superman cartoons became television staples, introducing new generations to the character. The cartoons developed a cult following among animation enthusiasts and comic book fans, with many considering the Fleischer era to be the definitive animated version of Superman.

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