History Film / Supergirl

The film's running time was slashed by its North American distributor for the American theatrical release -- from 125 minutes to 114 minutes -- and slashed further to 92 minutes for broadcast networks and syndication. The film was eventually released on DVD with both the 125-minute International Cut and a 138-minute DirectorsCut present (the latter basically being the rough cut before any scenes were deleted).

* TakenForGranite: A scene only in the international cut has Selena turning a protestor into an ice statue... which melts.

After considering many other actresses for the title role, Creator/HelenSlater was cast as Kara/Supergirl (marking her film debut), while Creator/FayeDunaway played the movie's primary villain (the witch Selena) and Creator/PeterOToole portrayed Kara's Kryptonian mentor Zaltar. In an attempt to offer continuity with the Superman films, Marc [=McClure=] reprised his role as ComicBook/JimmyOlsen, and ComicBook/LoisLane's sister Lucy (Maureen Teefy) appears as the roommate of Linda Lee (Supergirl's secret identity).

* CanonDiscontinuity: Subverted. ''Supergirl'' was ignored by ''Film/SupermanReturns'' (as were ''FilM/SupermanIII'' and ''[[Film/SupermanIVTheQuestForPeace IV]]''). Due to the failure of ''Returns'', ''Supergirl'' and Superman III and IV are still in continuity with the previous Donner films, whereas ''Returns'' is considered a different universe a la ''Man of Steel''.

For tropes regarding the 2015 [[Creator/TheCW CW]] series starring Creator/MelissaBenoist in the title role, see the ''Series.{{Supergirl|2015}}'' page.

[[caption-width-right:350: [[BoxOfficeBomb Also her last.]]]]

* LargeHam: Faye Dunaway as Selena.

* ''Magazine/{{MAD}}'': "Supergall" (which against naming custom for its spoofs and actually referred to her ''as'' Supergirl throughout).

For tropes regarding the 2015 [[Creator/TheCW CW]] series starring Creator/MelissaBenoist in the title role, see the ''Series/{{Supergirl|2015}}'' page.

* MundaneMadeAwesome: In the novel of the film, Kara on Argo City laments her very common name, noting that her cousin moved to Earth and took on the exotic name of---Clark Kent.

* BullyingADragon: Supergirl runs into two truck drivers shortly after reaching Earth. She quickly identifies herself as Superman's cousin... and the pair of hicks decides to harass her. Then she proves she has Kryptonian powers... and the idiot duo attacks her.

After considering many other actresses for the title role, Helen Slater was cast as Kara/Supergirl (marking her film debut), while Creator/FayeDunaway played the movie's primary villain (the witch Selena) and Creator/PeterOToole portrayed Kara's Kryptonian mentor Zaltar. In an attempt to offer continuity with the Superman films, Marc [=McClure=] reprised his role as ComicBook/JimmyOlsen, and ComicBook/LoisLane's sister Lucy (Maureen Teefy) appears as the roommate of Linda Lee (Supergirl's secret identity).

* CanonForeigner: Selena, Zaltar, and every other character besides Supergirl, her parents, Jimmy Olsen, and Lucy Lane fall under this trope.

** The Omegahedron has since appeared on some other Superman media as well, the most recent being the ''Series/{{Supergirl 2015}}'' TV series.

* CanonDiscontinuity: ''Supergirl'' is ignored by ''Film/SupermanReturns'' (as are ''FilM/SupermanIII'' and ''[[Film/SupermanIVTheQuestForPeace IV]]'').

* CanonImmigrant: The headband Supergirl began wearing in 1984 (and was wearing when she died in ''ComicBook/CrisisOnInfiniteEarths'') was added at the request of the film's producers, who wanted DC's Supergirl to look like the movie version. DC agreed to the change -- and then the producers changed their minds. Screen test images of Helen Slater wearing the headband can be seen [[http://www.oocities.org/supergirl_helenslater/test-pilot.htm here]].
** The Omegahedron has since appeared on some other Superman media as well, the most recent being the ''Series/Supergirl2015'' TV series.

* DistaffCounterpart: This is noticed InUniverse by Selena's sidekick, Bianca.
-->'''Bianca:''' You know, I think I recognize the costume.

After considering many other actresses for the title role, Helen Slater was cast as Kara/Supergirl (marking her film debut), while Faye Dunaway played the movie's primary villain (the witch Selena) and Creator/PeterOToole portrayed Kara's Kryptonian mentor Zaltar. In an attempt to offer continuity with the Superman films, Marc [=McClure=] reprised his role as ComicBook/JimmyOlsen, and ComicBook/LoisLane's sister Lucy (Maureen Teefy) appears as the roommate of Linda Lee (Supergirl's secret identity).

* AttemptedRape: Two truckers Kara encounters after her arrival have this on their mind.[[note]]One is Matt Frewer in a pre-''Film/MaxHeadroom'' role![[/note]]