Superman 4: The Quest for Peace (1987) Movie Script
Listen carefully...
... my son.
By now, Kal-El...
... you are entering the atmosphere
of the planet known as Earth.
I pray you have made a safe journey.
The yellow sun of your new home
will give you great physical powers.
But it cannot console your spirit.
Placed aboard this vessel
is an energy module...
... all that remains
of a once-powerful civilization:
Krypton, your mother planet.
It is my last gift to you.
Once removed, the ship will
grow cold and silent...
... and you will be finally alone.
The power in the module
can be used but once.
Use it wisely, my son.
Clark, you out here?
Clark Kent!
Hi, Mr. Hornsby.
Over here.
- There you are.
- How are you, sir?
- I'm fine, Clark. How are you?
- Nice to see you.
- It's been a long time.
- A long time.
I was tidying up for when
you show the place.
Didn't I mention there was
an offer to buy, sight unseen?
I don't want to sell this place
to a big developer.
The buyer has to want a real farm,
not another shopping center.
Now darn it, Clark,
why are you so stubborn?
Today, nobody wants a farm.
You blink your eye and they'll
all be gone. That's progress.
Oh, my gosh, look at this.
Oh, what a joker
old Jonathan Kent was.
You know, I asked him
what happened to the baby's crib.
And he said:
"Oh, little Clark must've had
a bad dream and kicked it."
- I swear, Dad liked a good joke.
- Yeah.
I was wondering, maybe you'd like
to keep these for your grandchildren.
Why, thank you very much, Clark.
Here, batter up.
- Oh, no.
- Come on.
- No, really...
- We'll hit a few.
Watch out now, these will
come in pretty fast.
You never could hit a curve ball!
That's my final decision
about the place.
I'm holding out for a real farmer.
You are?
And you're just as obstinate
as your father was too.
I'm sorry, but that's
just the way it is.
You be careful when you get back
to Metropolis, Clark.
It's a long, long way from
where you were born.
Yes, sir. I never forget that, sir.
- Bye.
- Bye, Clark.
What is that God-awful noise
you're making?
Mozart, my low-forehead friend.
Even this wretched pit can't diminish
the spirit of true genius.
Life itself started in a murky pit
much like this.
A true genius like myself
learns to seize the moment.
You're the first to know...
...that I now have plans
to re-create life itself.
Luthor, start breaking a sweat
or we'll throw you to the wolves.
Luthor, let's get them duds dirty.
- Move it, meathead.
- Let's see a little sweat.
What's that car doing here?!
Stop that vehicle!
- Hey, stop!
- Hold it there, son.
Yo! Where the hell is this and how
the hell do I get to Cedar City?
You on the wrong side
of the state, boy.
- No chance.
- Oh, no.
You got a fine, fine super-fine
sound system here, son.
I guess you dudes have never seen
one of these Sensurround 100s?
Yeah, I seen one once in a magazine.
Well, heck. Come on, get in.
- Really?
- Come on.
Really?
- You wanted to hear it, come on!
- All right.
Hop in, Bubba.
Let's give it a listen.
Hey, this is great!
Doors...
What's going on?
Windows...
- What's happening?
- The top.
Seats!
Lordy! Lordy!
And away!
Y'all come back and see us!
Oh, no!
Launch.
All right!
Did I do okay or what, Uncle Lex?
Lenny, you've always been the
Dutch elm disease of my family tree.
But this time you did fine.
You gonna skip the country, Uncle Lex?
You pathetic product
of the public schools...
...I've had nothing
on my awesome mind...
...since I've been incarcerated
except one thing:
- Destroy Superman!
- Destroy Superman!
Sorry.
Clark!
Help!
Help! Help!
Somebody get help!
Superman!
He's okay. He needs a doctor.
Superman!
Gentlemen, one moment.
I want people to know that
our subway system...
...is the safest and most reliable
means of public transit.
Thank you.
Thanks.
You're late, Kent.
Sorry, Mr. White, won't happen again.
Where is everybody?
Boring.
Tedious.
- Hey, what's going on?
- Abominable!
- Regardez, voil David Warfield.
- David Warfield...
...who owns those sleazy tabloids?
Au contraire. Who owns all those
sleazy tabloids and The Daily Planet.
Tedious.
You only read the pictures?
The fact is, Mr. White,
that I only read the ledger.
A ledger which the previous owners
paid so little attention to...
...I bought the paper from them.
The Daily Planet hasn't made
any money in three years.
And the name of the game
is making money.
Ladies and gentlemen,
my daughter, Lacy Warfield.
- Thanks, Daddy.
- It's nice to meet you.
Mr. White, Lacy will be helping you.
Helping me? Helping me what?
I have some mock copies
of our new layout.
It's super.
The suit's not right,
but we can change that.
Excuse me, Mr. Warfield.
The world isn't really on the brink.
Isn't that headline irresponsible?
Maybe, but it'll sell
a lot of newspapers.
Mr. White, don't do anything rash.
I won't let you turn this grand
old lady into one of your bimbos...
Mr. White, may I point out that Daddy
holds all of your contracts...
...which you will have to honor.
Excusez-moi, your spoiled-ness...
Why is Lois speaking French?
...I have a plane to catch to Paris for
the emergency Ministers' Conference...
Not so fast. All trips are canceled.
You mean my trip to Paris is canceled?
Mr. White, you come with me.
I want to see your books.
Everyone get back to work.
We're not being treated fairly.
I'm speaking to Lacy.
Me too.
Excuse me, Miss Warfield.
I speak for us all when I say
we'll do our best to cooperate.
Thank you.
But a reporter's first allegiance
is to the truth.
The people of this city depend on us
and we can't let them down.
Thank you.
Is he for real?
Oh, you have a thing for him.
For Clark?! No!
He's kind of cute.
Look, Miss Warfield...
...Clark is the oldest
living boy scout, okay?
He's trustworthy, he's helpful...
...he's loyal, he's obedient, he...
I don't know how to tell you this.
I just don't think he'd be attracted
to somebody like you.
Don't be silly. All men like me.
I'm very, very rich!
Why are there no air travel expenses
for you, Mr. Kent?
I get airsick, especially
when it's bumpy.
Lois, get in here!
Lois, explain this column of figures.
- The president is coming on live.
- What, right now?
- It won't be very good news.
- You always overreact.
- It won't be that terrible.
- Hopefully very terrible, Miss Lane.
We can double our circulation
with an international crisis.
And because the summit has failed...
... we have no choice but
to strive to be second to none...
... in the nuclear arms race.
Therefore, I am announcing
the following measures...
I know you're all upset
by the crisis.
The best thing we can do
is to try to think positively.
Now, is there anything we can do?
Doesn't anyone have a suggestion?
All right, I'll make a suggestion.
Why don't we write to our congressman?
- That'll do a lot of good.
- Somebody has to be an optimist.
Jeremy?
- What could we do about the crisis?
- He doesn't know what's going on.
I know who I'd write a letter to
that would do some good.
- Who? Santa Claus?
- No, Superman!
Superman, the subject
of our exhibit...
...has donated a strand
of his hair to the museum...
...so we can have the fun
of seeing how strong he really is.
Here you see a 1000-pound load...
...easily suspended
by his single hair.
The museum will be closing soon,
so we should hurry a little.
Know what I can do with a single
strand of Superman's hair?
You could make a toupee that flies.
That hair is a sample
of Superman's genetic material.
The building blocks of his body.
With my genius and enough nuclear
power to mutate the genes...
...I can create a being
who's more powerful than him.
With total allegiance to me.
You better stand back.
Keep your eye out.
- Miss Warfield, you wanted to see me?
- Hi, Clark. Please come in.
I've come up with a brilliant idea.
Oh, really?
Well, Daddy thinks it's brilliant.
I want you to write a new series
called "Metropolis After Hours."
Who, me? I...
It's wonderful. It's great, isn't it?
- I don't think I'd be right for this.
- Oh, you're perfect for it.
I mean, you're young, you're single,
you're successful.
I'm usually in bed by 10:30.
That's just it, see, you don't
have to flaunt it.
I mean, you're no slave to fashion.
Although...
...have you ever thought of contacts?
- They make my eyes itch.
Don't worry about it. I thought
we could do this together.
- Oh?
- I know all the right places.
I'm a member of all the right clubs.
We'll start tonight at the opening
of the Metro Club.
- Oh, tonight.
- Yeah, it's a date.
A date!
A date?
Well, it's just business, actually.
I've got a letter here for Superman,
care of me.
- What?
- Superman gets mail here?
It's probably a picture request.
I can take care of it.
I think it's more than just
a fan letter. You should read it.
"Dear Superman, my teacher spoke about
the president's speech on the arms race.
We're all very unhappy about it.
And I said we should get Superman
to rid the world of nuclear arms...
...because only he could do it.
Once you've destroyed all the nuclear
missiles, they'll see I'm right.
Superman can make sure we don't
blow ourselves up, quick and easy.
I know you'll come through.
Your friend, Jeremy."
Poor kid. Oh, well,
I better get back to work.
- No, there's an angle in this.
- An angle! He's just a kid!
Daddy loves whipping up campaigns.
Oh, boy, and the public loves it!
Lacy!
We'll make him a celebrity.
Everybody in the world is gonna be
wondering what Superman's reply is.
Welcome to Metropolis, Jeremy.
I'm Mr. Warfield and this is
my daughter, Lacy Warfield.
- Hi, Jeremy.
- Now come along and meet the press.
- Don't you trip.
- The car had a flat.
Sorry to hear that.
Turn around.
Let everybody get a picture of you.
- That's it, everyone.
- Here, Jeremy.
What a boy! Now come along...
...and tell the American public
what you told me.
I just said I wish Superman
would've said yes.
- Did you get that?
- No, we didn't.
Well, say it again. Loudly.
I just said I wish Superman
would've just said yes!
Miss Lane!
Miss Lane. Take a look at this.
Hot off the press.
Oh, my God!
This time he's gone too far.
Look, Clark. Look at that.
Can't wait to see
the chief's reaction.
I'm through taking it lying down.
Anybody wants me, I'll be downtown.
Chief look different to you?
He looks like my father when he went
to the bank to ask for a loan.
I'm gonna make sure he's all right.
There's nothing we can do about it.
It's Superman's decision now.
I'm sure he'll do the right thing.
May the elders watch over you...
... my son.
Their wisdom is all that is left
of a once powerful...
... and enlightened planet.
You must listen to them, Kal-El.
Listen.
I know I'm forbidden to interfere.
And yet the Earth is threatened
by the same fate as Krypton's.
The Earth is too primitive.
You can flee to new worlds...
...where war is long forgotten.
If you teach the Earth to put
its fate in any one man...
...even yourself, you're teaching them
to be betrayed.
Betrayed... betrayed...
...betrayed... betrayed!
And because the summit has failed...
... we have no choice but to strive...
... to be second to none
in the nuclear arms race.
To that end...
... this administration has pursued...
... and will continue to pursue...
... the most vigorous policy.
Therefore...
Just a minute.
- Lois?
- There you are. What happened?
- What do you mean, what happened?
- Nothing, just:
"Meet in the lobby at 6 for
the awards dinner.
Wear something nice
and don't be late."
- Was it some other Lois?
- I'm sorry, I completely forgot.
Okay, go get your penguin suit on
and we'll go.
I'd rather not, if you don't mind.
I've got a lot of thinking to do.
But you go ahead. Okay?
Clark?
Something's wrong, isn't it?
- Is there anything I can do?
- Yes, you can, as a matter of fact.
- What?
- Could we go get some fresh air?
Fresh air?
Fresh air. Fresh air, sure.
Sure, Clark. Sure.
Who needs chicken with
all the fixings anyway?
Let's go. Come on.
Let's get some fresh air.
Breathe. Do you feel better?
Clark?
Clark? Clark, things aren't
that bad! Stop!
Oh, Clark!
Clark! Clark!
Superman!
You okay?
Great.
Hey, look at that.
There you go. Bye-bye!
- How'd you like going solo?
- I loved it.
But not as much as being with you.
I needed to be with you too.
You make me laugh.
You're the only one
I can talk to, Lois.
See, sometimes I don't know
what I'm supposed to do.
I'm always here for you, you know that.
And you'll do the right thing,
no matter what. You always have.
Thank you.
- You know something?
- What?
- You don't even know my name.
- Kal-El.
You remember, don't you?
I remember everything.
"Never set one of them above the rest.
Love all humanity instead."
That's not fair.
Lois.
Lois, it's time to go. We'll be late.
What am I doing out here
freezing my butt off?
Oh, you wanted some fresh air.
Oh, no that's okay.
I don't want to catch a cold.
I feel kind of weird,
like I'm jetlagged or something.
- Jeepers!
- Like I'm going crazy.
- How about you? Are you still down?
- Nope. Things are pretty clear.
Good. Too much thinking
wears down your batteries.
Clark, you gotta go with your gut.
Come on.
Okay, here you go, Jeremy.
Mr. Warfield wants me to get shots
of you with local color...
...but I can't think of anything.
- Hi, Jeremy.
- Superman!
Jimmy.
What a scoop!
- How'd you like to take a walk?
- Sure!
Jimmy, come on.
You can't! You'll get towed.
Do you know how much
a ticket costs?
Lacy, it's only money.
Will you wait for me
upstairs in the gallery?
Sure, okay.
- Good luck, Superman.
- Thanks.
I saved you a seat.
All right, Superman!
I don't represent any country but
I'd like to address the delegates.
Well, in that case,
you will need a sponsor.
I believe that will do. Please.
Thank you.
What's he gonna say?
Something wonderful.
Madam Secretary...
...honorable delegates,
ladies and gentlemen.
For many years now
I've lived among you as...
...a visitor. I've seen
the beauty of your many cultures.
I've felt joy in your magnificent
accomplishments.
I've also seen the folly of your wars.
As of today I'm not a visitor
anymore, because the Earth...
...is my home too.
We can't live in fear.
And I can't stand...
...idly by and watch us
stumble into the madness...
...of possible nuclear destruction.
I've come to a decision.
I'm going to do what our governments
have been unwilling to do.
Effective immediately, I'm going to
rid our planet of all nuclear weapons.
All right, Superman!
Way to go, Superman!
Missile test Alpha, all systems go.
- Three... two... one.
Oh!
Oh. Nice to see you guys!
Why don't you just relax there.
I'll get on with the introductions:
Dixie.
And Trixie.
From the land of the free, the home of
the great cost overrun, Harry Howler:
Nuclear strategist from
America's top think tank.
And a great little warmonger
in his own right.
A hearty bienvenue
to Jean-Pierre Dubois:
Nuclear warhead dealer to the world.
His motto is:
"If you didn't buy it
from Jean-Pierre...
...you didn't buy it
on the black market."
General Romoff.
A lot of people think of you
as the "Mad Russian."
I like to think of you
as just madly eccentric.
Please be seated.
Look guys. I know you're all choked
up, kind of overcome with joy...
...that Superman has ended
the arms race.
But if we work together,
we can make the world safe...
...for war profits.
Get to the point.
The point is, I, Lex Luthor, greatest
criminal mind of the modern era...
...have found a way
to destroy Superman.
Behold, my unscrupulous friends...
Shut those blinds.
- The sun is hurting my eyes!
- Exactly.
You know what the sun is?
It's nothing more than
a huge nuclear bomb...
...a bomb with so much radiation, it'd
incinerate the average man like that!
Yes, but Superman is no average man.
Aha, right!
What is your plan?
Boys, old Lex here
has kind of a secret recipe...
...a genetic stew in this dish,
if you will.
If you'll help me put this
on one of your missiles...
...I promise you, Superman will have
the biggest surprise of his life.
I'll introduce him to his first
nightmare, a "Nuclear Man."
He'll pierce his skin. He'll make
him mortal. He'll become sick.
We'll dance on his grave.
Why should we deal with
a notorious scoundrel like you?
Remember my motto:
"The more fear you make,
the more loot you take."
And the more missiles you guys sell...
Yes, but what's in it for you?
A tiny commission.
Something appropriate.
A number...
...with a lot of zeros behind it.
Lenny.
The new genetic material.
And now, Leonard...
...your Uncle Lex...
...with this protoplasm that I have
grown from Superman's hair cells...
...will duplicate creation itself.
Now the fabric.
Uncle Lex, this ain't gonna cover him.
The computer inside will...
...leave enough material to maintain
the high moral standards...
...that I've always subscribed to.
Know what this means, Uncle Lex?
What?
We're gonna be parents.
- What's your name, sergeant?
- York, sir.
At ease.
Launch control. Yes, sir.
Yes, sir.
There's a weather problem.
We gotta hold.
Hold?
- What's your name, son?
- Goram.
"Goram, sir."
- Goram, sir.
- Goram, you know your code book?
Of course, sir.
Fire on my command. Fire.
Yes, sir. Stand by to launch.
Ten... nine...
Missed us.
Reach out.
Come on.
Down.
Reach out.
And stretch.
Down.
Up.
- Clark, are you okay?
- I think I better sit this one out.
You sure? This would be great for
your series on the young Metropolis.
Let's try it again. Come on.
Two, three, four.
One, two, three.
- I don't think so.
- What, are you okay?
- Done. Great.
- Okay, you try it now.
- Let's set it a little higher for you.
- Okay.
Just push down.
- Are you okay? Just step down.
- Need some help?
Your friend doesn't know
his own strength.
Clark, this is Paul.
- He's a trainer here.
- Hi.
Hey, I got just the thing for you.
Over here, Clarky.
Clarky?
It's real nice of him to help me out.
- He's really good.
- Here, try this one.
Clark! Are you okay? Sorry.
No pain, no gain.
Jeez, what a jerk.
Never realized it before.
I guess a lot of people
I know are jerks.
Maybe you think I'm one too.
That's why you keep avoiding me.
Oh, no, I don't think that at all.
Just been really busy, that's all.
But wait.
You know Lois is doing that interview
with Superman about his peace mission.
Well, I was thinking the four of us
can get together and have high tea.
It's very chic.
- Can you hand me those weights, Clark?
- Excuse me.
Wait a minute, Lacy.
Come early. The view is so romantic
from my balcony. See you.
- Oh, sure. Here.
- Not those! The other one!
No pain, no gain?
What was that?
Uncle Lex...
You're spooking me out.
There.
Madam, thank you very much.
I'm incredible.
Uncle Lex, he's like...
He's beautiful. He's perfect.
Welcome home, Nuclear Man.
Your father's happy to see you.
The power of the sun has given him
internally generated heat.
I'm a...
You are...
I'm... What? I'm a genius?
I'm incredible. I'm...
You are nothing.
I am the father now.
You have my voice.
No, you have my voice.
Just remember, I made you.
Yeah, you're just an experiment,
freako.
What is that?
- Oh, no.
- I'm an experiment. I'm a freako.
I was just kidding about
that freako line!
If anybody's a freako around here,
it's gotta be me!
Oh, wow, I'm break dancing, hey!
This rocks. Hey!
I made you. I can destroy you.
Destroy.
Destroy Superman now.
You sweet thing.
But not quite yet, no.
Come here. We'll discuss
when the proper time is.
Uncle Lex.
Oh, no!
He's, like... He's, like, cold.
Of course he is.
That's his vulnerability. That's
the only way he can be stopped.
What?
Lenny, my loud-mouthed nephew,
he gets his energy from the sun.
Without it, he's like you at night:
Useless.
Well, nobody's perfect.
I never had a double date before.
This is fun. How do I look?
Illegal. Like the last six dresses
you tried on.
Listen, Lacy? I don't want to
burst your bubble or anything but...
...Clark's not gonna notice
what you're wearing.
Yes, he will. There's Clark.
Okay, fix that. There you go.
You look great.
- Maybe it's just Superman.
- No.
No, Superman makes a different
kind of entrance.
- Hi, Lacy.
- Hi, Clark.
Can you break a 20?
Driver didn't have any change.
Yeah, sure. Let me get my purse.
- Hi, Lois.
- Hi, Clark.
- Clark.
- What?
You are not gonna believe
this list of questions...
...Mr. Warfield gave me
to ask Superman. Look.
"Aren't you part of a plot
to weaken our national defense?"
- Oh, my goodness.
- I think his gray matter is...
- How will I ask him these questions?
- Well, politely I guess.
Let's see, I have 18 dollars and...
Clark, she really likes you,
so notice the dress.
...my American Express card.
- Dress.
- Oh, hey, neat dress.
Well, thanks. Be right back.
What's that?
Now, there's a different
kind of entrance.
- Hi, Lois.
- Hello, Superman.
How are you?
I'm fine.
Oh, Superman, this is Lacy Warfield.
She's the boss' daughter.
How do you do?
That's a very attractive outfit.
- I think we better start our interview.
- Excuse me.
Two's company.
Oh, right, yeah.
Yeah, I'll go get Clark.
He's probably helping the driver
change a tire, or some other good deed.
That guy.
- Something smells wonderful.
- Oh, thank you.
I'm cooking some scallops
and some duck...
...in this wonderful mushroom sauce
with champagne.
In case we got hungry afterwards.
I mean, later.
You shouldn't have gone
to all that trouble.
Should we get on with the interview?
Yes, let's. Let's get on
with the interview.
Have you had any trouble
confiscating the missiles?
There always was the possibility
that warped individuals...
...would take advantage of
the world's goodwill, but...
Is there something wrong?
Oh! My dinner! My dinner!
I'll be right back.
Be right back.
Hi.
- I missed you, Clark.
- Oh. Ah, well...
It's so boring with Lois and Superman.
Let's do something wild.
Gee, they're expecting us.
It wouldn't be polite.
Yeah, you're right.
How can one man be so square
and so delicious?
All right, let's go chitchat. If I
have to face Superman, so do you.
Lacy?
Oh, Clark.
Stop!
I don't believe it! I never had duck
turn out so perfectly. It's amazing!
I'm out here, Lois.
Oh.
- Isn't it beautiful?
- Yes, it is beautiful.
The whole world is beautiful.
I've always felt moments like this
should be shared with someone you...
Someone you care a lot about.
Isn't that the doorbell?
Yes.
Lacy!
Where's Clark?
He started to get in the elevator...
Oh, never mind, it's a long story.
It always is with Clark.
Oh, great, that's him.
- Clark?
- Hi.
Those bellboys ought to
look where they're going.
Superman?
- I'm so glad you're back.
- Is dinner ready? Can we eat?
- Yeah, let's go sit down.
- Oh, great.
- Sorry!
- My goodness! No, that's okay.
Just leave it there, Clark.
It's stuck on your pants.
Yeah, let me just get a rag.
Excuse me, be right back.
Where's Clark?
Hello, Dolly
Hello, Dolly
It's so nice to have me back
Where I belong
Don't be concerned, Blue Boy.
You're the only one who can hear me.
It's my own private frequency.
You might call it "Lex TV."
Look to your left,
tall, dark and handsome.
I'm gonna blow 20 stories off that
building, give or take a floor or two.
Peace.
Men.
I hope Clark's okay. I better look.
Okay.
I'm sorry, but an emergency's come up.
My apologies to Miss Warfield.
Oh, but...
Superman! Take me with you!
I can cover the story!
You seen Clark?
Guess who. It's your old friend Lex.
I suspect if you'd actually planted
a bomb, you'd be miles away by now.
This is my nephew Lenny.
He worships me.
The dude of steel.
Boy, are you gonna get it!
Silly me, thinking that
I could fool a super guy.
You're right. No bomb.
It's just that you're so involved
in this world peace bit...
...you don't have time
for social calls.
I confess, I tricked you.
You look great.
Never mind the small talk.
What are you up to?
You know you're a workaholic?
You're playing a good guy
Why don't you stop and
smell the roses?
Get yourself a hobby? A pet?
A kitten, a puppy?
I know you hate children and animals.
What are you doing back in Metropolis?
I want to be first to introduce
you to the new kid on the block.
Look closely at the cell structure.
You see anything familiar?
You've already broken
all the laws of man.
Now you've broken the laws
of nature too.
I can only assume you hid a device...
...in a missile I hurled into the sun.
Mr. Muscle, I'm gonna really miss
these little chats we have together.
You're the only one who can
keep up with me.
- Lenny!
- What?
I wanna propose a toast.
To a nice guy, who's about
to finish last.
Destroy Superman!
Later.
He's a little bit anxious.
Can you blame him?
Not one of your great thinkers.
But I, in all modesty, am.
The touching thing about this plan
is you helped me devise it.
Prison has twisted
your mind into a delusional state.
No, no, no. Listen.
When I escaped from prison
I had one thing on my mind:
The end of Superman.
So there I was,
the first time in my life...
...that I didn't have a long-range,
truly devious, criminal scheme.
And then I came up with it.
With this guy...
...and you gone...
...I'll make a fortune
rearming the world.
You'd risk global nuclear war for
your own personal financial gain.
Nobody wants war. I just want
to keep the threat alive.
Nifty, huh?
Good night, sweet prince.
Parting is...
...inevitable.
Destroy Superman!
First, I have fun.
Help me!
Thanks, Superman!
I said I'd get you to run
one of our papers yourself...
...and I meant it.
Congratulations, Miss Publisher.
Thank you, Daddy, that's very nice.
Step into your office.
- Where'd this come from?
- Somebody brought it in.
We bought it, cheap.
Okay...
This time you've gone too far.
You can print your stupid rag
without Lois Lane.
And you certainly have
no right to this!
- Lois, I'm sorry!
- Let her go, darling.
I mean, she's useless.
And while you're at it,
fire that Clark Kent.
He hasn't been around.
He hasn't even telephoned.
I know, I'm worried about him.
Oh, kitten...
...didn't we have a talk about
personal involvement with the help?
- Now that you're the publisher...
- Daddy.
- Yes, darling.
- Stuff it!
Lois! Lois, I'm sorry.
I promise you I had
nothing to do with that.
Have you heard from Clark?
No.
Just a minute.
Oh, Lois.
- What are you doing here?
- I knew it.
I just have a really bad flu.
What do you mean you knew it?
How did you know?
You haven't been to work.
You haven't called the office.
You haven't even called me back.
How could you not call me back?
Whatever it is,
I guess you've got your reasons.
But I knew you were here, you know?
Somehow...
...something pulled me here.
I always know when Superman's
in trouble.
Superman?
Something's happened to him?
Everybody's saying that
he's dead but...
...that can't be true, I just know it.
I feel it in my heart.
I think he just needs help.
Wherever he is, Lois,
I'm sure he'll manage.
Well, if he can't manage...
...and if he really is in trouble...
...then there's a few things
I'd like to tell him.
I'd tell him...
...that I will always cherish
the time we spent together.
And that I never expected
anything in return.
And no matter...
...how few minutes I saw him for,
it always made me happy.
And I would tell him
that I love him...
...and that I'll always love him.
And that...
...whatever...
...happens to the world...
...I know that...
...he's doing his best to make sure
it's all right for the rest of us.
Well, wherever he is, Lois...
...I know that he would
want to thank you.
Listen, I'm pretty tired, you know?
So I think I'll just rest here
for a while. Okay?
I'll be fine.
It's okay. Please?
- I hope you feel better, Clark.
- Thanks.
If you do see him, or hear from him...
...he might need this.
Oh, Lex.
We're all very pleased at all
the nuclear missiles and arms...
...you've helped us sell...
...and we've decided
to increase your commission.
Oh, guys, really, that's great.
It is the least we could do.
Well, I had another idea.
Gentlemen...
...I've decided to assume
control of the company.
My first official act,
of course, is to say:
"You're fired!"
You're mad!
Oh, really?
If you want a reference for work...
...forget it!
That's a good bit.
You know with my brains, and your...
Frankly, your...
...brawn, the possibilities
are absolutely staggering.
You know, I could be president,
emperor, king.
See how scared those guys were?
And what do you fear?
What? Now? With Superman dead,
and you're on my team?
It's like you're the best power
forward ever. What's to fear?
All that remains of
Krypton's energy is yours.
After it is gone...
... you will belong solely
to your new home.
If our dying planet can
save your life, my son...
... we have not died in vain.
- Where is the woman?
- You'll never find her.
If you will not tell me,
I will hurt people.
Stop! Don't do it, the people!
All right, stop! That's enough!
That's enough!
You win. I'll take you to her.
- Where is she?
- Far away from here and safe.
Don't go in, she's not in there!
We've gotta tone down
these headlines.
Tone down our headlines?
That's all the common man reads!
- We can do with less sensationalism.
- Less sensational papers go broke.
I thought I taught you long ago that
the business of newspapers is business.
No, Daddy...
...our business is journalism.
We can't keep being
so irresponsible...
...or we'll lead everyone
into disaster.
Don't be overdramatic,
young lady.
What kind of disaster could
we possibly help bring about?
Lacy!
What's going on? Hey!
Are you sure you know what
you're doing, Mr. White?
Well...
Here comes Mr. Warfield.
You better have a good explanation...
...or else you'll be talking
to your lawyers from jail.
You know, I'm not a tycoon.
I'm just an old reporter.
But I've read enough
in my own newspaper...
...about hostile takeovers
at big companies.
You, Mr. Warfield, must have
been asleep at the wheel.
Because I've convinced
the bankers of this city...
...that our Daily Planet should be
treated like a natural resource...
...protected from predators.
I convinced them to lend me the money.
I bought the outstanding shares.
And you, Mr. Warfield,
are now a minority shareholder.
Everyone, back to work.
Way to tell him, chief!
Well, I'm sorry.
You win some and you lose some.
Now this is what I call a newspaper.
Compliments of The Daily Planet.
- Have a nice day. We did it!
- We're back!
- Hi, am I late?
- Hi, how you doing?
It must've been some effort for
you to drag yourself out of bed.
I'm feeling a lot better.
I had a visit from a good nurse.
It must've been good medicine because
she said you were really ill.
Sometimes all you need is loving
attention from the right person.
Glad you're back, Clark.
And remember I am covering
Superman's press conference.
- Just tape reactions from the crowd.
- Reactions, okay.
Oh, dear.
Guess I need a tape recorder, huh?
- Be right back.
- Clark.
Same old Mr. Kent.
He'll never change.
I hope not.
- How you doing, Superman?
- Lois, good to see you again.
Good to see you too.
Morning, gentlemen.
Excuse me.
Thank you.
Once more, we survived the threat
of war and found a fragile peace.
I thought I could give you
freedom from war but...
...I was wrong.
It's not mine to give.
We're still a young planet.
There are galaxies out there...
...other civilizations for us
to meet, to learn from.
What a brilliant future we could have.
And there will be peace when
the people of the world...
...want it so badly...
...their governments will
have to give it to them.
I wish you could see the Earth
the way that I see it...
...because when you really look
at it, it's just one world.
Do you think he'll find us?
Never. We'll lay low for a while...
...a couple of years.
I'll come up with a new plan.
Good thing I bought my drums.
Uncle Lex,
you're not gonna believe this...
...but it's Superman!
- Superman!
- Hey, this rocks!
- Morning, Father.
This kid's been under a bad
influence. Can you help?
- Every boy can be helped.
- I think you're right.
- Good luck, son.
- Come with me, friend.
You wouldn't happen
to have a drum set?
Hey, Mozart's back!
- Duane, Mozart's back!
- I see him, Bubba!
Shut up!
- All right, take him away.
- Thank you. Come on, Luthor.
- Just one thing, how did you beat him?
- High school physics.
I had time to figure out...
...that if it was born from the sun,
that had to be its energy.
- Is the world gonna be vaporized?
- No, Luthor.
It's as it always was, on the brink,
with good fighting evil.
See you in 20.
... my son.
By now, Kal-El...
... you are entering the atmosphere
of the planet known as Earth.
I pray you have made a safe journey.
The yellow sun of your new home
will give you great physical powers.
But it cannot console your spirit.
Placed aboard this vessel
is an energy module...
... all that remains
of a once-powerful civilization:
Krypton, your mother planet.
It is my last gift to you.
Once removed, the ship will
grow cold and silent...
... and you will be finally alone.
The power in the module
can be used but once.
Use it wisely, my son.
Clark, you out here?
Clark Kent!
Hi, Mr. Hornsby.
Over here.
- There you are.
- How are you, sir?
- I'm fine, Clark. How are you?
- Nice to see you.
- It's been a long time.
- A long time.
I was tidying up for when
you show the place.
Didn't I mention there was
an offer to buy, sight unseen?
I don't want to sell this place
to a big developer.
The buyer has to want a real farm,
not another shopping center.
Now darn it, Clark,
why are you so stubborn?
Today, nobody wants a farm.
You blink your eye and they'll
all be gone. That's progress.
Oh, my gosh, look at this.
Oh, what a joker
old Jonathan Kent was.
You know, I asked him
what happened to the baby's crib.
And he said:
"Oh, little Clark must've had
a bad dream and kicked it."
- I swear, Dad liked a good joke.
- Yeah.
I was wondering, maybe you'd like
to keep these for your grandchildren.
Why, thank you very much, Clark.
Here, batter up.
- Oh, no.
- Come on.
- No, really...
- We'll hit a few.
Watch out now, these will
come in pretty fast.
You never could hit a curve ball!
That's my final decision
about the place.
I'm holding out for a real farmer.
You are?
And you're just as obstinate
as your father was too.
I'm sorry, but that's
just the way it is.
You be careful when you get back
to Metropolis, Clark.
It's a long, long way from
where you were born.
Yes, sir. I never forget that, sir.
- Bye.
- Bye, Clark.
What is that God-awful noise
you're making?
Mozart, my low-forehead friend.
Even this wretched pit can't diminish
the spirit of true genius.
Life itself started in a murky pit
much like this.
A true genius like myself
learns to seize the moment.
You're the first to know...
...that I now have plans
to re-create life itself.
Luthor, start breaking a sweat
or we'll throw you to the wolves.
Luthor, let's get them duds dirty.
- Move it, meathead.
- Let's see a little sweat.
What's that car doing here?!
Stop that vehicle!
- Hey, stop!
- Hold it there, son.
Yo! Where the hell is this and how
the hell do I get to Cedar City?
You on the wrong side
of the state, boy.
- No chance.
- Oh, no.
You got a fine, fine super-fine
sound system here, son.
I guess you dudes have never seen
one of these Sensurround 100s?
Yeah, I seen one once in a magazine.
Well, heck. Come on, get in.
- Really?
- Come on.
Really?
- You wanted to hear it, come on!
- All right.
Hop in, Bubba.
Let's give it a listen.
Hey, this is great!
Doors...
What's going on?
Windows...
- What's happening?
- The top.
Seats!
Lordy! Lordy!
And away!
Y'all come back and see us!
Oh, no!
Launch.
All right!
Did I do okay or what, Uncle Lex?
Lenny, you've always been the
Dutch elm disease of my family tree.
But this time you did fine.
You gonna skip the country, Uncle Lex?
You pathetic product
of the public schools...
...I've had nothing
on my awesome mind...
...since I've been incarcerated
except one thing:
- Destroy Superman!
- Destroy Superman!
Sorry.
Clark!
Help!
Help! Help!
Somebody get help!
Superman!
He's okay. He needs a doctor.
Superman!
Gentlemen, one moment.
I want people to know that
our subway system...
...is the safest and most reliable
means of public transit.
Thank you.
Thanks.
You're late, Kent.
Sorry, Mr. White, won't happen again.
Where is everybody?
Boring.
Tedious.
- Hey, what's going on?
- Abominable!
- Regardez, voil David Warfield.
- David Warfield...
...who owns those sleazy tabloids?
Au contraire. Who owns all those
sleazy tabloids and The Daily Planet.
Tedious.
You only read the pictures?
The fact is, Mr. White,
that I only read the ledger.
A ledger which the previous owners
paid so little attention to...
...I bought the paper from them.
The Daily Planet hasn't made
any money in three years.
And the name of the game
is making money.
Ladies and gentlemen,
my daughter, Lacy Warfield.
- Thanks, Daddy.
- It's nice to meet you.
Mr. White, Lacy will be helping you.
Helping me? Helping me what?
I have some mock copies
of our new layout.
It's super.
The suit's not right,
but we can change that.
Excuse me, Mr. Warfield.
The world isn't really on the brink.
Isn't that headline irresponsible?
Maybe, but it'll sell
a lot of newspapers.
Mr. White, don't do anything rash.
I won't let you turn this grand
old lady into one of your bimbos...
Mr. White, may I point out that Daddy
holds all of your contracts...
...which you will have to honor.
Excusez-moi, your spoiled-ness...
Why is Lois speaking French?
...I have a plane to catch to Paris for
the emergency Ministers' Conference...
Not so fast. All trips are canceled.
You mean my trip to Paris is canceled?
Mr. White, you come with me.
I want to see your books.
Everyone get back to work.
We're not being treated fairly.
I'm speaking to Lacy.
Me too.
Excuse me, Miss Warfield.
I speak for us all when I say
we'll do our best to cooperate.
Thank you.
But a reporter's first allegiance
is to the truth.
The people of this city depend on us
and we can't let them down.
Thank you.
Is he for real?
Oh, you have a thing for him.
For Clark?! No!
He's kind of cute.
Look, Miss Warfield...
...Clark is the oldest
living boy scout, okay?
He's trustworthy, he's helpful...
...he's loyal, he's obedient, he...
I don't know how to tell you this.
I just don't think he'd be attracted
to somebody like you.
Don't be silly. All men like me.
I'm very, very rich!
Why are there no air travel expenses
for you, Mr. Kent?
I get airsick, especially
when it's bumpy.
Lois, get in here!
Lois, explain this column of figures.
- The president is coming on live.
- What, right now?
- It won't be very good news.
- You always overreact.
- It won't be that terrible.
- Hopefully very terrible, Miss Lane.
We can double our circulation
with an international crisis.
And because the summit has failed...
... we have no choice but
to strive to be second to none...
... in the nuclear arms race.
Therefore, I am announcing
the following measures...
I know you're all upset
by the crisis.
The best thing we can do
is to try to think positively.
Now, is there anything we can do?
Doesn't anyone have a suggestion?
All right, I'll make a suggestion.
Why don't we write to our congressman?
- That'll do a lot of good.
- Somebody has to be an optimist.
Jeremy?
- What could we do about the crisis?
- He doesn't know what's going on.
I know who I'd write a letter to
that would do some good.
- Who? Santa Claus?
- No, Superman!
Superman, the subject
of our exhibit...
...has donated a strand
of his hair to the museum...
...so we can have the fun
of seeing how strong he really is.
Here you see a 1000-pound load...
...easily suspended
by his single hair.
The museum will be closing soon,
so we should hurry a little.
Know what I can do with a single
strand of Superman's hair?
You could make a toupee that flies.
That hair is a sample
of Superman's genetic material.
The building blocks of his body.
With my genius and enough nuclear
power to mutate the genes...
...I can create a being
who's more powerful than him.
With total allegiance to me.
You better stand back.
Keep your eye out.
- Miss Warfield, you wanted to see me?
- Hi, Clark. Please come in.
I've come up with a brilliant idea.
Oh, really?
Well, Daddy thinks it's brilliant.
I want you to write a new series
called "Metropolis After Hours."
Who, me? I...
It's wonderful. It's great, isn't it?
- I don't think I'd be right for this.
- Oh, you're perfect for it.
I mean, you're young, you're single,
you're successful.
I'm usually in bed by 10:30.
That's just it, see, you don't
have to flaunt it.
I mean, you're no slave to fashion.
Although...
...have you ever thought of contacts?
- They make my eyes itch.
Don't worry about it. I thought
we could do this together.
- Oh?
- I know all the right places.
I'm a member of all the right clubs.
We'll start tonight at the opening
of the Metro Club.
- Oh, tonight.
- Yeah, it's a date.
A date!
A date?
Well, it's just business, actually.
I've got a letter here for Superman,
care of me.
- What?
- Superman gets mail here?
It's probably a picture request.
I can take care of it.
I think it's more than just
a fan letter. You should read it.
"Dear Superman, my teacher spoke about
the president's speech on the arms race.
We're all very unhappy about it.
And I said we should get Superman
to rid the world of nuclear arms...
...because only he could do it.
Once you've destroyed all the nuclear
missiles, they'll see I'm right.
Superman can make sure we don't
blow ourselves up, quick and easy.
I know you'll come through.
Your friend, Jeremy."
Poor kid. Oh, well,
I better get back to work.
- No, there's an angle in this.
- An angle! He's just a kid!
Daddy loves whipping up campaigns.
Oh, boy, and the public loves it!
Lacy!
We'll make him a celebrity.
Everybody in the world is gonna be
wondering what Superman's reply is.
Welcome to Metropolis, Jeremy.
I'm Mr. Warfield and this is
my daughter, Lacy Warfield.
- Hi, Jeremy.
- Now come along and meet the press.
- Don't you trip.
- The car had a flat.
Sorry to hear that.
Turn around.
Let everybody get a picture of you.
- That's it, everyone.
- Here, Jeremy.
What a boy! Now come along...
...and tell the American public
what you told me.
I just said I wish Superman
would've said yes.
- Did you get that?
- No, we didn't.
Well, say it again. Loudly.
I just said I wish Superman
would've just said yes!
Miss Lane!
Miss Lane. Take a look at this.
Hot off the press.
Oh, my God!
This time he's gone too far.
Look, Clark. Look at that.
Can't wait to see
the chief's reaction.
I'm through taking it lying down.
Anybody wants me, I'll be downtown.
Chief look different to you?
He looks like my father when he went
to the bank to ask for a loan.
I'm gonna make sure he's all right.
There's nothing we can do about it.
It's Superman's decision now.
I'm sure he'll do the right thing.
May the elders watch over you...
... my son.
Their wisdom is all that is left
of a once powerful...
... and enlightened planet.
You must listen to them, Kal-El.
Listen.
I know I'm forbidden to interfere.
And yet the Earth is threatened
by the same fate as Krypton's.
The Earth is too primitive.
You can flee to new worlds...
...where war is long forgotten.
If you teach the Earth to put
its fate in any one man...
...even yourself, you're teaching them
to be betrayed.
Betrayed... betrayed...
...betrayed... betrayed!
And because the summit has failed...
... we have no choice but to strive...
... to be second to none
in the nuclear arms race.
To that end...
... this administration has pursued...
... and will continue to pursue...
... the most vigorous policy.
Therefore...
Just a minute.
- Lois?
- There you are. What happened?
- What do you mean, what happened?
- Nothing, just:
"Meet in the lobby at 6 for
the awards dinner.
Wear something nice
and don't be late."
- Was it some other Lois?
- I'm sorry, I completely forgot.
Okay, go get your penguin suit on
and we'll go.
I'd rather not, if you don't mind.
I've got a lot of thinking to do.
But you go ahead. Okay?
Clark?
Something's wrong, isn't it?
- Is there anything I can do?
- Yes, you can, as a matter of fact.
- What?
- Could we go get some fresh air?
Fresh air?
Fresh air. Fresh air, sure.
Sure, Clark. Sure.
Who needs chicken with
all the fixings anyway?
Let's go. Come on.
Let's get some fresh air.
Breathe. Do you feel better?
Clark?
Clark? Clark, things aren't
that bad! Stop!
Oh, Clark!
Clark! Clark!
Superman!
You okay?
Great.
Hey, look at that.
There you go. Bye-bye!
- How'd you like going solo?
- I loved it.
But not as much as being with you.
I needed to be with you too.
You make me laugh.
You're the only one
I can talk to, Lois.
See, sometimes I don't know
what I'm supposed to do.
I'm always here for you, you know that.
And you'll do the right thing,
no matter what. You always have.
Thank you.
- You know something?
- What?
- You don't even know my name.
- Kal-El.
You remember, don't you?
I remember everything.
"Never set one of them above the rest.
Love all humanity instead."
That's not fair.
Lois.
Lois, it's time to go. We'll be late.
What am I doing out here
freezing my butt off?
Oh, you wanted some fresh air.
Oh, no that's okay.
I don't want to catch a cold.
I feel kind of weird,
like I'm jetlagged or something.
- Jeepers!
- Like I'm going crazy.
- How about you? Are you still down?
- Nope. Things are pretty clear.
Good. Too much thinking
wears down your batteries.
Clark, you gotta go with your gut.
Come on.
Okay, here you go, Jeremy.
Mr. Warfield wants me to get shots
of you with local color...
...but I can't think of anything.
- Hi, Jeremy.
- Superman!
Jimmy.
What a scoop!
- How'd you like to take a walk?
- Sure!
Jimmy, come on.
You can't! You'll get towed.
Do you know how much
a ticket costs?
Lacy, it's only money.
Will you wait for me
upstairs in the gallery?
Sure, okay.
- Good luck, Superman.
- Thanks.
I saved you a seat.
All right, Superman!
I don't represent any country but
I'd like to address the delegates.
Well, in that case,
you will need a sponsor.
I believe that will do. Please.
Thank you.
What's he gonna say?
Something wonderful.
Madam Secretary...
...honorable delegates,
ladies and gentlemen.
For many years now
I've lived among you as...
...a visitor. I've seen
the beauty of your many cultures.
I've felt joy in your magnificent
accomplishments.
I've also seen the folly of your wars.
As of today I'm not a visitor
anymore, because the Earth...
...is my home too.
We can't live in fear.
And I can't stand...
...idly by and watch us
stumble into the madness...
...of possible nuclear destruction.
I've come to a decision.
I'm going to do what our governments
have been unwilling to do.
Effective immediately, I'm going to
rid our planet of all nuclear weapons.
All right, Superman!
Way to go, Superman!
Missile test Alpha, all systems go.
- Three... two... one.
Oh!
Oh. Nice to see you guys!
Why don't you just relax there.
I'll get on with the introductions:
Dixie.
And Trixie.
From the land of the free, the home of
the great cost overrun, Harry Howler:
Nuclear strategist from
America's top think tank.
And a great little warmonger
in his own right.
A hearty bienvenue
to Jean-Pierre Dubois:
Nuclear warhead dealer to the world.
His motto is:
"If you didn't buy it
from Jean-Pierre...
...you didn't buy it
on the black market."
General Romoff.
A lot of people think of you
as the "Mad Russian."
I like to think of you
as just madly eccentric.
Please be seated.
Look guys. I know you're all choked
up, kind of overcome with joy...
...that Superman has ended
the arms race.
But if we work together,
we can make the world safe...
...for war profits.
Get to the point.
The point is, I, Lex Luthor, greatest
criminal mind of the modern era...
...have found a way
to destroy Superman.
Behold, my unscrupulous friends...
Shut those blinds.
- The sun is hurting my eyes!
- Exactly.
You know what the sun is?
It's nothing more than
a huge nuclear bomb...
...a bomb with so much radiation, it'd
incinerate the average man like that!
Yes, but Superman is no average man.
Aha, right!
What is your plan?
Boys, old Lex here
has kind of a secret recipe...
...a genetic stew in this dish,
if you will.
If you'll help me put this
on one of your missiles...
...I promise you, Superman will have
the biggest surprise of his life.
I'll introduce him to his first
nightmare, a "Nuclear Man."
He'll pierce his skin. He'll make
him mortal. He'll become sick.
We'll dance on his grave.
Why should we deal with
a notorious scoundrel like you?
Remember my motto:
"The more fear you make,
the more loot you take."
And the more missiles you guys sell...
Yes, but what's in it for you?
A tiny commission.
Something appropriate.
A number...
...with a lot of zeros behind it.
Lenny.
The new genetic material.
And now, Leonard...
...your Uncle Lex...
...with this protoplasm that I have
grown from Superman's hair cells...
...will duplicate creation itself.
Now the fabric.
Uncle Lex, this ain't gonna cover him.
The computer inside will...
...leave enough material to maintain
the high moral standards...
...that I've always subscribed to.
Know what this means, Uncle Lex?
What?
We're gonna be parents.
- What's your name, sergeant?
- York, sir.
At ease.
Launch control. Yes, sir.
Yes, sir.
There's a weather problem.
We gotta hold.
Hold?
- What's your name, son?
- Goram.
"Goram, sir."
- Goram, sir.
- Goram, you know your code book?
Of course, sir.
Fire on my command. Fire.
Yes, sir. Stand by to launch.
Ten... nine...
Missed us.
Reach out.
Come on.
Down.
Reach out.
And stretch.
Down.
Up.
- Clark, are you okay?
- I think I better sit this one out.
You sure? This would be great for
your series on the young Metropolis.
Let's try it again. Come on.
Two, three, four.
One, two, three.
- I don't think so.
- What, are you okay?
- Done. Great.
- Okay, you try it now.
- Let's set it a little higher for you.
- Okay.
Just push down.
- Are you okay? Just step down.
- Need some help?
Your friend doesn't know
his own strength.
Clark, this is Paul.
- He's a trainer here.
- Hi.
Hey, I got just the thing for you.
Over here, Clarky.
Clarky?
It's real nice of him to help me out.
- He's really good.
- Here, try this one.
Clark! Are you okay? Sorry.
No pain, no gain.
Jeez, what a jerk.
Never realized it before.
I guess a lot of people
I know are jerks.
Maybe you think I'm one too.
That's why you keep avoiding me.
Oh, no, I don't think that at all.
Just been really busy, that's all.
But wait.
You know Lois is doing that interview
with Superman about his peace mission.
Well, I was thinking the four of us
can get together and have high tea.
It's very chic.
- Can you hand me those weights, Clark?
- Excuse me.
Wait a minute, Lacy.
Come early. The view is so romantic
from my balcony. See you.
- Oh, sure. Here.
- Not those! The other one!
No pain, no gain?
What was that?
Uncle Lex...
You're spooking me out.
There.
Madam, thank you very much.
I'm incredible.
Uncle Lex, he's like...
He's beautiful. He's perfect.
Welcome home, Nuclear Man.
Your father's happy to see you.
The power of the sun has given him
internally generated heat.
I'm a...
You are...
I'm... What? I'm a genius?
I'm incredible. I'm...
You are nothing.
I am the father now.
You have my voice.
No, you have my voice.
Just remember, I made you.
Yeah, you're just an experiment,
freako.
What is that?
- Oh, no.
- I'm an experiment. I'm a freako.
I was just kidding about
that freako line!
If anybody's a freako around here,
it's gotta be me!
Oh, wow, I'm break dancing, hey!
This rocks. Hey!
I made you. I can destroy you.
Destroy.
Destroy Superman now.
You sweet thing.
But not quite yet, no.
Come here. We'll discuss
when the proper time is.
Uncle Lex.
Oh, no!
He's, like... He's, like, cold.
Of course he is.
That's his vulnerability. That's
the only way he can be stopped.
What?
Lenny, my loud-mouthed nephew,
he gets his energy from the sun.
Without it, he's like you at night:
Useless.
Well, nobody's perfect.
I never had a double date before.
This is fun. How do I look?
Illegal. Like the last six dresses
you tried on.
Listen, Lacy? I don't want to
burst your bubble or anything but...
...Clark's not gonna notice
what you're wearing.
Yes, he will. There's Clark.
Okay, fix that. There you go.
You look great.
- Maybe it's just Superman.
- No.
No, Superman makes a different
kind of entrance.
- Hi, Lacy.
- Hi, Clark.
Can you break a 20?
Driver didn't have any change.
Yeah, sure. Let me get my purse.
- Hi, Lois.
- Hi, Clark.
- Clark.
- What?
You are not gonna believe
this list of questions...
...Mr. Warfield gave me
to ask Superman. Look.
"Aren't you part of a plot
to weaken our national defense?"
- Oh, my goodness.
- I think his gray matter is...
- How will I ask him these questions?
- Well, politely I guess.
Let's see, I have 18 dollars and...
Clark, she really likes you,
so notice the dress.
...my American Express card.
- Dress.
- Oh, hey, neat dress.
Well, thanks. Be right back.
What's that?
Now, there's a different
kind of entrance.
- Hi, Lois.
- Hello, Superman.
How are you?
I'm fine.
Oh, Superman, this is Lacy Warfield.
She's the boss' daughter.
How do you do?
That's a very attractive outfit.
- I think we better start our interview.
- Excuse me.
Two's company.
Oh, right, yeah.
Yeah, I'll go get Clark.
He's probably helping the driver
change a tire, or some other good deed.
That guy.
- Something smells wonderful.
- Oh, thank you.
I'm cooking some scallops
and some duck...
...in this wonderful mushroom sauce
with champagne.
In case we got hungry afterwards.
I mean, later.
You shouldn't have gone
to all that trouble.
Should we get on with the interview?
Yes, let's. Let's get on
with the interview.
Have you had any trouble
confiscating the missiles?
There always was the possibility
that warped individuals...
...would take advantage of
the world's goodwill, but...
Is there something wrong?
Oh! My dinner! My dinner!
I'll be right back.
Be right back.
Hi.
- I missed you, Clark.
- Oh. Ah, well...
It's so boring with Lois and Superman.
Let's do something wild.
Gee, they're expecting us.
It wouldn't be polite.
Yeah, you're right.
How can one man be so square
and so delicious?
All right, let's go chitchat. If I
have to face Superman, so do you.
Lacy?
Oh, Clark.
Stop!
I don't believe it! I never had duck
turn out so perfectly. It's amazing!
I'm out here, Lois.
Oh.
- Isn't it beautiful?
- Yes, it is beautiful.
The whole world is beautiful.
I've always felt moments like this
should be shared with someone you...
Someone you care a lot about.
Isn't that the doorbell?
Yes.
Lacy!
Where's Clark?
He started to get in the elevator...
Oh, never mind, it's a long story.
It always is with Clark.
Oh, great, that's him.
- Clark?
- Hi.
Those bellboys ought to
look where they're going.
Superman?
- I'm so glad you're back.
- Is dinner ready? Can we eat?
- Yeah, let's go sit down.
- Oh, great.
- Sorry!
- My goodness! No, that's okay.
Just leave it there, Clark.
It's stuck on your pants.
Yeah, let me just get a rag.
Excuse me, be right back.
Where's Clark?
Hello, Dolly
Hello, Dolly
It's so nice to have me back
Where I belong
Don't be concerned, Blue Boy.
You're the only one who can hear me.
It's my own private frequency.
You might call it "Lex TV."
Look to your left,
tall, dark and handsome.
I'm gonna blow 20 stories off that
building, give or take a floor or two.
Peace.
Men.
I hope Clark's okay. I better look.
Okay.
I'm sorry, but an emergency's come up.
My apologies to Miss Warfield.
Oh, but...
Superman! Take me with you!
I can cover the story!
You seen Clark?
Guess who. It's your old friend Lex.
I suspect if you'd actually planted
a bomb, you'd be miles away by now.
This is my nephew Lenny.
He worships me.
The dude of steel.
Boy, are you gonna get it!
Silly me, thinking that
I could fool a super guy.
You're right. No bomb.
It's just that you're so involved
in this world peace bit...
...you don't have time
for social calls.
I confess, I tricked you.
You look great.
Never mind the small talk.
What are you up to?
You know you're a workaholic?
You're playing a good guy
Why don't you stop and
smell the roses?
Get yourself a hobby? A pet?
A kitten, a puppy?
I know you hate children and animals.
What are you doing back in Metropolis?
I want to be first to introduce
you to the new kid on the block.
Look closely at the cell structure.
You see anything familiar?
You've already broken
all the laws of man.
Now you've broken the laws
of nature too.
I can only assume you hid a device...
...in a missile I hurled into the sun.
Mr. Muscle, I'm gonna really miss
these little chats we have together.
You're the only one who can
keep up with me.
- Lenny!
- What?
I wanna propose a toast.
To a nice guy, who's about
to finish last.
Destroy Superman!
Later.
He's a little bit anxious.
Can you blame him?
Not one of your great thinkers.
But I, in all modesty, am.
The touching thing about this plan
is you helped me devise it.
Prison has twisted
your mind into a delusional state.
No, no, no. Listen.
When I escaped from prison
I had one thing on my mind:
The end of Superman.
So there I was,
the first time in my life...
...that I didn't have a long-range,
truly devious, criminal scheme.
And then I came up with it.
With this guy...
...and you gone...
...I'll make a fortune
rearming the world.
You'd risk global nuclear war for
your own personal financial gain.
Nobody wants war. I just want
to keep the threat alive.
Nifty, huh?
Good night, sweet prince.
Parting is...
...inevitable.
Destroy Superman!
First, I have fun.
Help me!
Thanks, Superman!
I said I'd get you to run
one of our papers yourself...
...and I meant it.
Congratulations, Miss Publisher.
Thank you, Daddy, that's very nice.
Step into your office.
- Where'd this come from?
- Somebody brought it in.
We bought it, cheap.
Okay...
This time you've gone too far.
You can print your stupid rag
without Lois Lane.
And you certainly have
no right to this!
- Lois, I'm sorry!
- Let her go, darling.
I mean, she's useless.
And while you're at it,
fire that Clark Kent.
He hasn't been around.
He hasn't even telephoned.
I know, I'm worried about him.
Oh, kitten...
...didn't we have a talk about
personal involvement with the help?
- Now that you're the publisher...
- Daddy.
- Yes, darling.
- Stuff it!
Lois! Lois, I'm sorry.
I promise you I had
nothing to do with that.
Have you heard from Clark?
No.
Just a minute.
Oh, Lois.
- What are you doing here?
- I knew it.
I just have a really bad flu.
What do you mean you knew it?
How did you know?
You haven't been to work.
You haven't called the office.
You haven't even called me back.
How could you not call me back?
Whatever it is,
I guess you've got your reasons.
But I knew you were here, you know?
Somehow...
...something pulled me here.
I always know when Superman's
in trouble.
Superman?
Something's happened to him?
Everybody's saying that
he's dead but...
...that can't be true, I just know it.
I feel it in my heart.
I think he just needs help.
Wherever he is, Lois,
I'm sure he'll manage.
Well, if he can't manage...
...and if he really is in trouble...
...then there's a few things
I'd like to tell him.
I'd tell him...
...that I will always cherish
the time we spent together.
And that I never expected
anything in return.
And no matter...
...how few minutes I saw him for,
it always made me happy.
And I would tell him
that I love him...
...and that I'll always love him.
And that...
...whatever...
...happens to the world...
...I know that...
...he's doing his best to make sure
it's all right for the rest of us.
Well, wherever he is, Lois...
...I know that he would
want to thank you.
Listen, I'm pretty tired, you know?
So I think I'll just rest here
for a while. Okay?
I'll be fine.
It's okay. Please?
- I hope you feel better, Clark.
- Thanks.
If you do see him, or hear from him...
...he might need this.
Oh, Lex.
We're all very pleased at all
the nuclear missiles and arms...
...you've helped us sell...
...and we've decided
to increase your commission.
Oh, guys, really, that's great.
It is the least we could do.
Well, I had another idea.
Gentlemen...
...I've decided to assume
control of the company.
My first official act,
of course, is to say:
"You're fired!"
You're mad!
Oh, really?
If you want a reference for work...
...forget it!
That's a good bit.
You know with my brains, and your...
Frankly, your...
...brawn, the possibilities
are absolutely staggering.
You know, I could be president,
emperor, king.
See how scared those guys were?
And what do you fear?
What? Now? With Superman dead,
and you're on my team?
It's like you're the best power
forward ever. What's to fear?
All that remains of
Krypton's energy is yours.
After it is gone...
... you will belong solely
to your new home.
If our dying planet can
save your life, my son...
... we have not died in vain.
- Where is the woman?
- You'll never find her.
If you will not tell me,
I will hurt people.
Stop! Don't do it, the people!
All right, stop! That's enough!
That's enough!
You win. I'll take you to her.
- Where is she?
- Far away from here and safe.
Don't go in, she's not in there!
We've gotta tone down
these headlines.
Tone down our headlines?
That's all the common man reads!
- We can do with less sensationalism.
- Less sensational papers go broke.
I thought I taught you long ago that
the business of newspapers is business.
No, Daddy...
...our business is journalism.
We can't keep being
so irresponsible...
...or we'll lead everyone
into disaster.
Don't be overdramatic,
young lady.
What kind of disaster could
we possibly help bring about?
Lacy!
What's going on? Hey!
Are you sure you know what
you're doing, Mr. White?
Well...
Here comes Mr. Warfield.
You better have a good explanation...
...or else you'll be talking
to your lawyers from jail.
You know, I'm not a tycoon.
I'm just an old reporter.
But I've read enough
in my own newspaper...
...about hostile takeovers
at big companies.
You, Mr. Warfield, must have
been asleep at the wheel.
Because I've convinced
the bankers of this city...
...that our Daily Planet should be
treated like a natural resource...
...protected from predators.
I convinced them to lend me the money.
I bought the outstanding shares.
And you, Mr. Warfield,
are now a minority shareholder.
Everyone, back to work.
Way to tell him, chief!
Well, I'm sorry.
You win some and you lose some.
Now this is what I call a newspaper.
Compliments of The Daily Planet.
- Have a nice day. We did it!
- We're back!
- Hi, am I late?
- Hi, how you doing?
It must've been some effort for
you to drag yourself out of bed.
I'm feeling a lot better.
I had a visit from a good nurse.
It must've been good medicine because
she said you were really ill.
Sometimes all you need is loving
attention from the right person.
Glad you're back, Clark.
And remember I am covering
Superman's press conference.
- Just tape reactions from the crowd.
- Reactions, okay.
Oh, dear.
Guess I need a tape recorder, huh?
- Be right back.
- Clark.
Same old Mr. Kent.
He'll never change.
I hope not.
- How you doing, Superman?
- Lois, good to see you again.
Good to see you too.
Morning, gentlemen.
Excuse me.
Thank you.
Once more, we survived the threat
of war and found a fragile peace.
I thought I could give you
freedom from war but...
...I was wrong.
It's not mine to give.
We're still a young planet.
There are galaxies out there...
...other civilizations for us
to meet, to learn from.
What a brilliant future we could have.
And there will be peace when
the people of the world...
...want it so badly...
...their governments will
have to give it to them.
I wish you could see the Earth
the way that I see it...
...because when you really look
at it, it's just one world.
Do you think he'll find us?
Never. We'll lay low for a while...
...a couple of years.
I'll come up with a new plan.
Good thing I bought my drums.
Uncle Lex,
you're not gonna believe this...
...but it's Superman!
- Superman!
- Hey, this rocks!
- Morning, Father.
This kid's been under a bad
influence. Can you help?
- Every boy can be helped.
- I think you're right.
- Good luck, son.
- Come with me, friend.
You wouldn't happen
to have a drum set?
Hey, Mozart's back!
- Duane, Mozart's back!
- I see him, Bubba!
Shut up!
- All right, take him away.
- Thank you. Come on, Luthor.
- Just one thing, how did you beat him?
- High school physics.
I had time to figure out...
...that if it was born from the sun,
that had to be its energy.
- Is the world gonna be vaporized?
- No, Luthor.
It's as it always was, on the brink,
with good fighting evil.
See you in 20.