‘Spider-Man’: THR’s 1977 Review

The 1977 'Spider-Man' series was billed as "first time on the screen" and received a favorable review from The Hollywood Reporter at the time. The Hollywood Reporter / Everett Collection

On Sept. 14, 1977, during the 8-9:30 p.m. time slot, Spider-Man swung to screens across America in CBS’ special presentation before launching a 14-episode run on the network. The TV movie bowed to a 17.9 rating and 30 share but ABC’s Charlie’s Angels led the way on that Wednesday with a 32.6 rating and 50 share. Notably, weeks after the Nicholas Hammond-starring web-slinger show debuted, Columbia Pictures snapped up distribution rights to air the title as a feature film overseas. The Hollywood Reporter’s original review is below.

Spider-Man is the most popular manifestation of the Marvel Comics mystique, and the celebrated character is introduced accurately in this 90-minute presentation. Some liberties have been taken, but the basic mold remains as we watch grad student Peter Parker gain super human powers after being bitten by a radioactive spider. He then discovers he can clamber up the sides of buildings and possesses strength proportionate with his other heightened senses. He needs them all as he takes on a sophisticated brainwashing extortion plan which will send a group of people to their suicidal deaths unless ransom demands are met.

The film is played absolutely straight, as it should be, and, while there’s a certain incongruity in seeing superheroes in real-life elements, the overall spirit is maintained and captured. Nicholas Hammond is a physically perfect specimen as Parker, in addition to being a sensitive actor, whether it’s sneezing on his way to beat the bad guy or trying to think of ways to effectively utilize and capitalize on the opportunities fate has handed him. David White’s J. Jonah Jameson is as ornery as the character calls for, and Thayer David’s villainous blackmailer is decent. Lisa Eilbacher brightens the scenery with charm as Parker’s companion.

E. W. Swackhamer’s direction doesn’t mock his situations, and he handles the superbly believable wall- crawling sequences with style. Alvin Boretz’ script is faithful to its Marvel Comics source, and his additions or deletions are properly employed. Johnnie Spence’s music is lively, Frank Novak’s costumes complimentary and Aaron Stell’s editing shrewd. Edward J. Ontagne produced for executive producers Charles Fries and Daniel Goodman for CBS. — Earl Davis, originally published on Sept. 13, 1977.