Back in early 2001, a drive was underway to collect contributions to put an ad in Variety commemorating the 50th annniversary of the Adventures of Superman television show starring George Reeves. (The ad ultimately appeared in The Hollywood Reporter).
The year prior, I organized "Godzilla Week" through the offices of Los Angeles County Supervisor Michael D. Antonovich to help advertise G-FEST 2000 (that was to be held that summer in Hollywood) and the first theatrical release in the U.S. of a Japanese Godzilla movie, Godzilla 2000, since Godzilla 1985.
I contacted Jim Nolt, who was the editor and publisher of the Superman fanzine, "The Adventures Continue," to see if it would be a good idea to arrange for a 50th Anniversary event in L.A. He liked the idea and went to work on contacting the surviving stars of the show. I contacted Supervisor Antonovich's office and they agreed to sponsor it. We decided to have Los Angeles County declare July 10-16, 2001"Superman Week" in Los Angeles County. July 10 was the first day of shooting of the theatrical feature (that served as the pilot for the show) Superman and the Mole Men. It was also a nod to an episode of the show, "Superman Week."
Lou Koza put us in touch with Mrs. Jerome Siegel, the widow of Superman creator Jerry Siegel and we invited her to attend. We also reached Paul Levitz, then vice-president of DC Comics. He also agreed to attend.
Superman historian Chuck Harter provided some photographs for use in publicizing the event.
A reporter with the Daily News came over the day before the ceremony to shoot some photos of my collection and get background information on the event.
On July 10, 2001, fans gathered at the Kenneth Hahn Hall of Administration in downtown Los Angeles for the ceremony. Also attending were Jack Larson (Jimmy Olsen), Noel Neill (Lois Lane), Jeff Corey (Luke Benson in the Mole Men movie), Robert Rockwell (Jor-El), Mrs. Robert Shayne (widow of Robert "Inspector Henderson" Shayne), Joanne Siegel, Paul Levitz and Walter Walbrecht (Warner Bros. VP). Also attending were Stephanie Shayne Parkin (daughter of Robert and Betty Shayne) and Laura Siegel Larson (daughter of Jerome and Joanne Siegel). A proclamaton scroll was presented to Mr. Levitz and copies were given to each of the participants.
After the ceremony ended, a luncheon was held at Cafe Pinot. (Ceremony photos courtesy of L.A. County Board of Supervisors. Luncheon photo courtesy of Jim Nolt.)
This was the biggest reunion of stars from the show since the 1950s and it was also the first time Mrs. Siegel met Noel Neill. Mrs. Siegel was the model for the Lois Lane character. The stars addressed the chambers and Jim Nolt spoke on behalf of the fans.
Unfortunately, within two years of the "Superman Week" ceremony, we lost two of the participants: Jeff Corey and Robert Rockwell. We are grateful that they both were able to participate.
Fans around the country (and one came from Australia) came to the ceremony and luncheon and now have fond memories of that day. The event was also attended by Superman historians Chuck Harter, Jim Beaver, Lou Koza and Jan Alan Henderson.
See also The Adventures Continue
No comments:
Post a Comment