"Adventures of Superman" Anniversary Day

Sixty (60) years ago today, filming began on the feature film Superman and the Mole Men at the RKO-Pathe studios in Culver City. It featured a new Superman/Clark Kent, George Reeves and a new Lois Lane, Phyllis Coates.

Above, a lobby card for Superman and the Mole Men.

The movie served as a pilot for the television show Adventures of Superman, which ran from 1952 to 1957.

Above, Supervisor Antonovich with Jack Larson and Noel Neill.

Fifty years later (or ten years ago), a special ceremony was organized with the office of Los Angeles County Supervisor Michael D. Antonovich to commemorate the fiftieth anniversary. We called it "Superman Week" as a nod to an episode of the same title. It was held at the Kenneth Hahn Hall of Administration at the Los Angeles civic center.

Above, Supervisor Antonovich and Robert Rockwell (Jor-El). I am sandwiched in-between the two and Jack Larson is in the background at right.

It was the biggest reunion gathering of Adventures of Superman veterans since the show ended production. In attendance were actors Jack Larson, Noel Neill, Jeff Corey and Robert Rockwell. Also partipating were Bette Shayne (Mrs. Robert Shayne) and her daughter Stephanie Shayne Parkin. Also on hand were Joanne Siegel (Mrs. Jerry Siegel) and her daughter Laura Siegle Larson, DC Comics VP Paul Levitz and Warner Bros. VP Michael Walbrecht.



Right, Jack Larson and Noel Neill interviewed by the press.





A luncheon followed the ceremony at Cafe Pinot, located next door to the L.A. Central Library in downtown Los Angeles. DC's Paul Levitz was kind enough to pick up the tab for everyone's lunch.

Above, Paul Levitz and Joanne Siegel at the Cafe Pinot luncheon.

Those who attended still cherish the fond memories of that day. It is a little hard to believe that ten years has already passed.

Above, the Los Angeles Daily News photo article on the ceremony.