The best and certainly the most refreshing of the four Superman films, given a witty approach by director Richard Lester, another clever dual-identity characterisation by Christopher Reeve and slam-bang action that boasts both a joyous zing and a wicked sense of humour.

The script has a good sprinkling of funny lines: 'When will these dummies learn to use a doorknob? ' mutters one character watching the bad guys break down walls to get at hapless Jackie Cooper (once again as the editor-employer of Superman in his Clark Kent guise).

Sparkling Technicolor photography lends the top-dressing to a fast-moving (apart from the expendable romantic interludes when Superman - horrors! - actually gets to go to bed with Lois Lane) piece of first-class entertainment.