Superman: I’m here to fight for truth, and justice, and the American way.

Lois Lane: [laughs] You’re gonna end up fighting every elected official in this country!

It was 40 years ago that producers Alexander and Ilya Salkind teamed up with director Richard Donner to create what is largely regarded as the most influential superhero origin story to grace the silver screen, “Superman the Movie.” Tonight, Thursday, July 12 at 7:30 p.m., The Alex Film Society presents the 40th anniversary screening of “Superman the Movie” starring Christopher Reeve.

The movie didn’t start out as super as its titular character. When Donner signed on, a script, written by “The Godfather” scribe, Mario Puzo, was in place, but there was a problem – he disliked the script. So Donner hired his longtime friend, Tom Mankiewicz, to rewrite it. It was also lacking an actor to play the Man of Steel himself. Robert Redford, Paul Newman, James Caan and Burt Reynolds all turned down the role. Sylvester Stallone was under consideration, but Donner decided to go with an unknown. Casting director Lynn Stalmaster convinced Donner and Salkind to screen test Christopher Reeve, who landed the role after a stunning audition. John Williams was brought in and ended up creating a theme song that is synonymous with the movie even to this day. Williams earned an Oscar nomination for his work on the soundtrack.

In December 1978, “Superman the Movie” was released to critical acclaim. It was the second highest-grossing film of the year and it was the most successful release by Warner Bros. Pictures to that point in time. To this day, the film continues to inspire and entertain audiences around the world.

Along with Jack O’Halloran, “Superman” boasts an amazing ensemble of actors that includes Gene Hackman as Lex Luthor and Marlon Brando as Superman’s father, Jor-El, plus Margot Kidder, Jackie Cooper, Ned Beatty, Glenn Ford, Terence Stamp, Valerie Perrine and Susannah York.

The festivities tonight kickoff with Warner Bros. “Fast and Furry-ous” (1949). This classic Looney Tunes was the debut for Wile E. Coyote and the Road Runner. It’s their only cartoon made in the 1940s, but it set the master plan for the series – Wile E. Coyote (aka Carnivorous Vulgaris) trying to catch the Roadrunner (Accelleratii Incredibus) through traps, splats and dives. Voices (meep meep!) by Paul Julian.

All movie and raffle basket tickets purchased (featuring Superman prizes) support the Alex Film Society, a non-profit arts organization.

Purchase tickets online at www.alexfilmsociety.org. General admission is $17, seniors/students/kids: $13, Alex Film Society members $12 (join at the Alex Theatre box office and save on admission). Additional box office fees may apply. For tickets and parking information, visit www.alextheatre.org