as
Superman Lyle Talbot, who had previously starred as
Commissioner Jim Gordon in the 1949 Columbia Serial
Batman and Robin, here portrays Luthor (and also Luthor's alter-ego "Atom Man"). In his "Atom Man" disguise, Talbot, as Luthor, utilizes a vaguely German accent and wears an ominous mask fashioned from a "Metallogen Man" robot costume left over from 1945's
The Monster and the Ape. Despite their onscreen personas, Talbot (Luthor), who wore a rubber scalp to create the impression of baldness, and Alyn (Superman) spent much of their time, when not shooting, exchanging recipes, both actors shared an interest in cookery.
Special effects The final set piece shows Metropolis under attack by "poorly animated" flying saucers and a torpedo. The flying effects were somewhat improved in this film than in the original by the simple expedient of turning the camera on its side. Kirk Alyn stood with arms raised in front of a cyclorama, while a wind machine and smoke pot were placed above him (out of frame). This gave an inexpensive illusion of flight. Longer shots continued to use cartoon animation of the Man of Steel. ==Critical appraisal==