Jackson Gillis, the writer of some of the best and most-enduring episodes (in my opinion) of the Adventures of Superman, that starred George Reeves, has died. His memorable Superman scripts included:
"Panic In The Sky," "Superman In Exile," "The Defeat of Superman," "A Ghost For Scotland Yard," "The Face and the Voice," "The Seven Souvenirs" and "Around The World With Superman."
Above, George Reeves and Jack Larson in a scene from "Panic In The Sky" (1953).Besides Superman, Gillis also wrote Perry Mason, Columbo, Wonder Woman, Zorro, Tarzan and The Man From U.N.C.L.E.
The New York Times obituary for Gillis said:
Mr. Gillis died of pneumonia in Moscow, Idaho, on Aug. 19, his daughter, Candida, said. He was 93.
Mr. Gillis was not an award winner — he was nominated for a single Emmy, in 1972, for an episode of “Columbo” — but his résumé traces a remarkable path through the evolution of prime time. His niche was the plot-driven tale of distress, in which danger disturbs the serene status quo, is cranked up to crisis dimensions and is resolved with dispatch by the protagonist, all in a neat half-hour, or, more often, an hour.
Gillis had a good, long life and he left a great legacy that will continue to be enjoyed.
To read the full New York Times obituary, go here.
"His niche was the plot-driven tale of distress, in which danger disturbs the serene status quo, is cranked up to crisis dimensions and is resolved with dispatch by the protagonist...."
ReplyDeleteWow. Whoever wrote that obit certainly knew Gillis' work. That description fits practically all of his Superman scripts.
I especially loved how partial Gills was to the "let's drive a major character nearly insane" plot: Jimmy Olsen ("Lady in Black"), Perry White ("Great Caesar's Ghost") and even Superman himself ("The Face and the Voice").
Great observations, Mike!
ReplyDeleteFor those of you who don't know Michael J. Hayde, he's the author of "Flights of Fantasy" on the radio and television versions of the "Adventures of Superman." - A.