Google Books Ngram Viewer reveals that, in print, Great Caesar’s Ghost was more popular in the 1890 to 1910 time frame than it was in the 1950s. In fact its popularity peak was in the mid 1940s, predating its use as Perry White’s catch phrase in the TV series. Perhaps it was used in the Superman comic books, comic strip, or radio program?
That an exclamation of that sort was somewhat (but not extremely) outdated and passé would follow for a member of the ruling “old guard” which Perry White most definitely was. He’s still very much in charge – but his idioms haven’t quite progressed to postwar standards. Or, possibly, it’s a deliberately practiced affectation of his, an antique exclamation practiced in order that he’d be less likely to blurt out “Holy $#|+!!” or something similar when surprised.
This is one of my all-time favorites, and I’ve used “I hate this baking job!” myself many a time because of it.
Jumping H. Jehoshaphat! I’ve loved Marla’s exclamation since Superman was on in the ’50s!
Google Books Ngram Viewer reveals that, in print, Great Caesar’s Ghost was more popular in the 1890 to 1910 time frame than it was in the 1950s. In fact its popularity peak was in the mid 1940s, predating its use as Perry White’s catch phrase in the TV series. Perhaps it was used in the Superman comic books, comic strip, or radio program?
I…think she even left her bag behind. Ninja joke.
That an exclamation of that sort was somewhat (but not extremely) outdated and passé would follow for a member of the ruling “old guard” which Perry White most definitely was. He’s still very much in charge – but his idioms haven’t quite progressed to postwar standards. Or, possibly, it’s a deliberately practiced affectation of his, an antique exclamation practiced in order that he’d be less likely to blurt out “Holy $#|+!!” or something similar when surprised.