Chuck Harter On His George Reeves Timeline Project

Many have asked (in different chat rooms and emails) about Chuck Harter's George Reeves timeline that he has put together. I asked Chuck to provide a statement on his timeline project and he has sent the following:

June 10, 2009


From: Chuck Harter, Hollywood, California



Dear fans of George Reeves…

In a short time it will be the 50th anniversary of the tragic passing of actor George Reeves.

His premature death has been a source of both interest and controversy for many years.

There have been books (“Hollywood Kryptonite” “Speeding Bullet”), many TV shows and a feature film (“Hollywoodland”) on this subject.

Each one attempted to give the reasons for Reeves’ mysterious death.

I have been researching George Reeves and the Adventures of Superman TV series for over 20 years and have amassed a great deal of material.

Much of that material is of an exclusive nature.

My many attempts to get the ultimate visual coffee table type book on the TV series published have unfortunately proved unsuccessful.

I am still pursuing options on that book and will continue to do so until it is finally published.

It was never my intention to delve into the mystery of his death when I began this journey…

However, as I worked through the years, much information on his passing came into my possession.

Late last year, I began organizing the material into a timeline in an attempt to clarify and explain events that led up to the fateful night of June 16, 1959.

The shooting and immediate aftermath have also been organized and documented.

I shared this material with a few long time fans of George Reeves and was encouraged by their favorable responses.

Very recently I showed the material that I have currently compiled to Armand Vaquer and was appreciative of his very favorable reaction.

As a result of the meeting I am now and will continue to work diligently at finishing a book on this tragic mystery.

For years I believed that there could only be one explanation of Reeves’ death by gunshot wound.

I even went on several TV shows and explained my position.

However, after compiling this time line from various sources and using logical supposition beyond a reasonable doubt…

I feel that I have been able to provide the most convincing portrayal of the passing of George Reeves and the circumstances surrounding this unfortunate event.

It is my intention to finish writing the timeline and then to make a book form of this material available…

As of now, my target date for availability is December of 2009…

The forthcoming book will explain many things including…

1. George Reeves’ mental and physical health at the time of the tragic shooting

2. The many events that occurred during his last few years that contributed to the final night.

3. Lenore Lemmon’s prediction of Reeves’ final moments before the shot was heard.

4. The mysterious 55 minute delay in calling the police.

5. and much more…

I will also dispel many myths that have been established over the years from various articles, books and TV shows.

George Reeves was a hero and inspiration to me as a boy and I have always held him in much esteem and always will.

This book is not an attempt to besmirch my childhood “friend” but will show that a good man had several personal flaws.

These foibles, combined with a series of truly unfortunate and overpowering events, caused his tragic end which is still of interest to the present day.

I have asked Armand to deliver this statement and will keep him informed of progress as it occurs.

In closing, I’d like to reaffirm my love and appreciation for George Reeves and the truly classic “Adventures of Superman” TV series.

His passing of 50 years ago is a true Hollywood mystery and it is my goal to provide an explanation.


Chuck Harter

P.S. Make sure you get a copy of Michael J. Hayde’s great new book “Flights of Fancy” (Bear Manor Media). It is very well done.

UPDATE (6/21/09): Chuck Harter told me today that he's now up to 65 pages and has unearthed more information on George Reeves's final eight months.