A few odd thoughts about the serial: I didn't mind the cartoon flight, either. Given the state of special effects at the time, I would rather have had the cartoon flight than whatever they could have managed with Kirk Alyn.
I was always amused by Kirk Alyn's almost child-like interpretation of Superman. His expression when he was performing super feats seemed to me to be a mixture of awe, surprise, and delight in his accomplishment, such as I have only seen in RL when a child succeeds at something for the first time. (I saw it on my son's face, for example, the first time he stood up without any support.)
I didn't like this version of Jimmy Olsen at all. I had nothing against Tommy Bond except that he looked way too old for the part. Well, and he seemed to have less of a personality than any other Jimmy I have seen.
Lex was also a scientist in the earlier versions of the comics. He's only been a business tycoon in more recent decades. I don't know when the switch occurred, but I'm inclined to guess around the 1970s. I am sure that someone else on the MB would be able to give a more accurate time frame.
Joy,
Lynn
