No renewal found Free in the US since 1 January 1970, on the registry's reading: registration LP10736 of 1941 by Paramount Pictures, Inc., New York. Pt. 1I,n.s., V was not renewed in the volumes searched. Record.
87 shots over 10:20, read from the Internet Archive copy superman_1941 (superman_1941_512kb.mp4, 320×240, 29.97 fps). Shot boundaries by PySceneDetect's adaptive detector; each frame links to the Archive's player at that second. Registry dossier: Superman No renewal found. JSON
Measurements: colour film on its keyframes (87 of 87 shots judged colour), average shot 7.1s long, a frontal face detected in 8% of keyframes. Shots are detected automatically and each is represented by its midpoint frame.
Released 1941 (Internet Archive).
56 beats in 52 sequences, cut automatically at shot boundaries scored on picture change, pauses in speech, topic shifts, on-screen text and cutting rhythm (each beat says why it starts where it does). Each is annotated by a vision-language model from four sampled frames and the transcript lines in it, as observations with evidence; anything the frames and lines do not support is left null. Machine annotation (Qwen/Qwen3-VL-235B-A22B-Instruct), checked automatically: quotes must be verbatim, names must be spoken, "visible" events are sampled to a second model. 56 of 56 beats annotated, 55 passed the checks, 1 flagged.
Passages cut at shot boundaries and annotated by a machine from four sampled frames and the transcript lines in them. Each beat says why it starts where it does and what was checked; sequences are visual groups, not scenes.
Model synopsis: The beat opens with a black screen, followed by a Paramount Pictures title card and a director credit for Dave Fleischer. The voiceover begins describing Krypton and its destruction, mentioning a scientist who sends his infant son to Earth.
“Up in the sky! Look! It's a man! It's a plane! It's Superman!” 0:09 · “There once existed a planet known as Krypton,” 1:00
1:44Model synopsis: A drawing of a large institutional building is shown while the narrator describes Superman's origin: his arrival on Earth, adoption by an orphanage, and development of superpowers. The beat ends with the reveal of his identity as Superman.
“The rocket ship sped through star-studded space, landing safely on Earth with its precious burden, Krypton's sole survivor.” 1:33 · “A passing motorist found the uninjured child and took it to an orphanage.” 1:41
2:19Model synopsis: A door labeled 'MANAGING EDITOR' is shown; dialogue reveals Clark Kent is Superman in disguise, working as a reporter, and a threatening note from a mad scientist has been received. The note warns of an attack at midnight.
Named: Clark Kent (t:2:09), Mr. White (t:2:27), Lois (t:2:29). 4 people observed.
“The infant of Sripton is now the man of steel! Superman!” 1:58 · “Superman has assumed the disguise of Clark Kent.” 2:09
Model synopsis: A note is shown warning of destruction at midnight, followed by a man in a suit and glasses speaking. The transcript indicates a conversation about following a lead and a request to work alone on a story.
1 person observed.
“Beware, I strike at midnight. This nut may prove dangerous.” 2:52 · “Kent, you help Lois follow up her lead. She may have an angle on this thing. Yes, sir. But, Chief, I'd like the chance to crack the story on…” 2:58
Model synopsis: A man in a suit sits at a desk reading a document; a hooded figure is shown from behind in a dark setting. The transcript includes dialogue about a dangerous mission and a line 'The hour has come.'
2 people observed.
“- Well, no. - Thanks, Chief. But, Lois.” 3:08 · “Chief, don't you think that's a dangerous mission?” 3:14
4:06Model synopsis: A close-up shows a hand gripping a lever next to a gauge on a control panel. The scene is lit with strong shadows, suggesting a mechanical or industrial setting.
1 person observed.
4:07Model synopsis: A close-up of a speedometer needle pointing near 2000 on a scale that goes up to 3000. No people, dialogue, or identifiable location are visible in this single frame.
4:08Model synopsis: A single frame shows a stylized planet and a bright, abstract shape against a dark background. No people, dialogue, or identifiable location are visible.
4:10Model synopsis: A single frame shows a large, dark, futuristic aircraft hovering over a lit building at night. No people or spoken dialogue are visible or audible in this beat.
4:14Model synopsis: A cartoon vulture stands beside a large yellow container with a glass tube and golden spout. The setting appears to be an industrial or laboratory interior with dim lighting and large structural elements.
4:18Model synopsis: A dark, pointed object with two glowing eyes is shown against a murky background. No people, dialogue, or identifiable location are visible in this beat.
4:20Model synopsis: A cartoon bird with dark feathers and a yellow beak is shown mid-fall or stumble near a large cylindrical object. No people, dialogue, or on-screen text are visible in this beat.
4:24Model synopsis: A single figure in a light-colored uniform stands in a control room filled with dials and levers, manipulating equipment. The scene is lit with high contrast, emphasizing the machinery and the character's silhouette.
1 person observed.
4:28Model synopsis: A single frame shows a tall, dark building at night with one lit window. No people, dialogue, or movement are visible.
4:36Model synopsis: A man in a light blue uniform stands near stone stairs while a black bird flies above. No dialogue or on-screen text is present in this beat.
1 person observed.
4:45Model synopsis: A character in a purple costume lies on the floor near a door while another character in light-colored pants stands over them. No dialogue or on-screen text is present in this beat.
2 people observed.
4:50Model synopsis: A small airplane is shown flying near a large, dark structure under dim lighting. No people or spoken dialogue are visible or audible in this beat.
Model synopsis: A man in a white coat is seen holding a phone receiver to his ear while standing by a door. A bird with dark feathers and yellow feet is shown pecking at a door handle. A man in a suit is seen running through an arched doorway.
2 people observed.
“I'm going to go.” 4:52 · “*thud*” 5:00
5:19Model synopsis: A stone staircase is visible next to a rough wall, with no people or objects present. The lighting is dim and directional, casting shadows on the steps.
Model synopsis: A character in a white suit stands in a spotlight while another figure crouches nearby; a line about a story of destruction is spoken. The setting appears to be a dimly lit interior space with dramatic lighting.
2 people observed.
“you want this story I'll give you the greatest story of destruction the world has ever known” 5:23
5:38Model synopsis: A close-up shows a gloved hand gripping a metallic lever or control in a dimly lit interior. The shadow of a figure is cast on a yellow wall behind the hand.
1 person observed.
Model synopsis: A needle on a gauge moves rapidly while a rocket-like object ascends through a starry sky. A sound effect 'BOOM' is heard at 5:40.
5:50Model synopsis: A bright beam of light cuts across a dark sky above clouds. No people or dialogue are visible or audible in this beat.
5:55Model synopsis: A vehicle collides with a bridge structure, producing a bright explosion with sparks. The scene is set against a city skyline under a clear sky.
6:00Model synopsis: A character in a white coat gestures toward his head while speaking. The setting appears to be an interior room with a window showing a blue sky.
1 person observed.
6:04Model synopsis: A figure in a white uniform and helmet stands in profile, looking at a large screen displaying a blue, abstract image. No dialogue or on-screen text is present in this beat.
1 person observed.
6:17Model synopsis: A scene shows three men gathered around a radio or monitor in an interior setting, reacting to news of destruction. The transcript describes a 'mad Zionist' causing destruction at midnight and mentions Superman as the potential responder.
3 people observed.
“True to his threat, the mad Zionist, whose warnings have held the city in a grip of terror.” 6:07 · “smashed the famous tower bridge, hurling cars and pedestrians into the river below.” 6:18
6:40Model synopsis: A single shot shows a closed door labeled 'STORAGE ROOM' in a dimly lit interior. No people or movement are visible in the frame.
6:52Model synopsis: A single frame shows Superman flying through a dark blue sky with clouds. No people are named, no dialogue is present, and no objects other than Superman are visible.
1 person observed.
6:57Model synopsis: A man in a white shirt is visible from behind, looking at a large screen displaying a swirling, abstract image. No dialogue or on-screen text is present in this beat.
1 person observed.
7:02Model synopsis: A dimly lit industrial interior with a large blue cylindrical object and a figure in white standing near a glowing yellow structure. No people are named or audible in this beat.
1 person observed.
7:05Model synopsis: A dark, high-angle shot shows a beam of light cutting through a shadowy urban environment, illuminating debris and structural elements. No people are visible, and no dialogue or on-screen text is present.
7:08Model synopsis: Two men in blue overalls are inside a workshop or garage; one sits on a stool holding a wrench while the other stands nearby. No dialogue or on-screen text is present in this beat.
2 people observed.
7:11Model synopsis: A single frame shows two white bird-like shapes flying against a pale yellow sky with a dark building corner below. No people, dialogue, or on-screen text are visible in this beat.
7:14Model synopsis: A tall, dark, pointed structure stands against a starry night sky with silhouetted buildings in the background. No people or movement are visible in the single frame provided.
7:16Model synopsis: A dark aircraft flies through a cloudy sky as a bright beam of light cuts across the frame. No people, dialogue, or on-screen text are visible.
7:18Model synopsis: A single frame shows a tall, yellow building viewed from below against a blue sky. No people, text, or actions are visible in this beat.
7:23Model synopsis: Superman is shown climbing a building exterior. No dialogue or on-screen text is present in this beat.
1 person observed.
Model synopsis: Superman flies over a city at night and is struck by an explosion. A man in a control room watches the event on a screen.
2 people observed.
“It's super bad.” 7:26
Flagged: time_of_day without evidence (night)
7:57Model synopsis: A hand turns a lever on a machine with visible belts and metal parts. No people are named, no dialogue is present, and the setting is not identifiable beyond being an industrial or mechanical interior.
1 person observed.
7:58Model synopsis: A close-up of a circular gauge with markings at 3000, 4000, and 5000, and a needle pointing near 4000. No people, dialogue, or location context is visible in the frame.
8:00Model synopsis: A close-up of a metallic chute or pipe with an orange substance visible inside, shown in a single frame at 480s. No people, dialogue, or identifiable location are present in this beat.
8:02Model synopsis: A close-up of metallic, yellow-tipped projectiles is shown. No people, dialogue, or identifiable location are visible in this beat.
8:09Model synopsis: A large, dark, cylindrical object emits a bright beam of light against a starry night sky. No people or dialogue are visible or audible in this beat.
8:17Model synopsis: A bright flash of light emanates from a figure's chest in a dark setting. No dialogue or identifiable characters are present in this single frame.
8:18Model synopsis: A rocket-like object with a glowing trail flies through a blue sky. No people or dialogue are visible or audible in this beat.
Model synopsis: Superman is shown flying through the sky while emitting a yellow beam from his eyes. A man in a white lab coat is seen operating machinery inside a control room, and close-ups of metallic projectiles are shown.
2 people observed.
8:39Model synopsis: A single character is visible in a dimly lit interior, looking toward a glowing orb. No dialogue or on-screen text is present in this beat.
1 person observed.
8:43Model synopsis: A figure in a red and blue costume stands on a rocky outcrop against a blue sky, with bright light emanating from behind. No dialogue or on-screen text is present in this beat.
1 person observed.
8:46Model synopsis: A hand in a white sleeve operates a lever on a control panel with a gauge and an orange light. No dialogue or other context is provided in this beat.
1 person observed.
8:47Model synopsis: A gloved hand manipulates a lever on a metallic control panel. No people are named, no dialogue is present, and the setting is not identifiable beyond being an interior space with machinery.
1 person observed.
8:48Model synopsis: A close-up of a metallic gauge with a needle pointing near 10000, against a textured background. No people, dialogue, or location context is visible.
8:54Model synopsis: Superman stands on a rocky mountain peak at night. No dialogue or additional context is provided in this beat.
1 person observed.
Model synopsis: A vehicle is shown crashing and exploding in flames, followed by a scene of structural damage inside a building. A person speaks off-screen, reacting to the event.
1 person observed.
“Oh, my God.” 9:02 · “I'm going to go.” 9:32
9:49Model synopsis: An aerial view shows a patchwork of fields and roads under a blue tint. No people, dialogue, or on-screen text are visible in the single frame.
Model synopsis: A newspaper headline announces Superman capturing a mad scientist, and Clark Kent is shown at his desk. The newspaper photo shows the scientist behind bars, and Clark Kent is visible in an office with a city view.
Named: Clark Kent (frame:2). 2 people observed.
“Congratulations, lords. That was a great scoop. Yes, Chief. Thanks to Superman.” 10:02
Machine transcription of the Archive copy's audio with Whisper large-v3-turbo (temperature 0); the model heard it as en. 47 segments kept, 7 dropped as the kind of hallucination the model produces over music and silence. Each timestamp links to the Archive's player at that second. This has not been checked against the film and can be wrong.
Every free film of 1941 with a copy
By the average clip vector of the keyframes; a measurement, not a judgement
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