Bob Shayne Is The King!

Above, Stephanie Shayne shows her dad's cane at the Superman plaque dedication in 2014. Photo by Steve Kirk.

Since we're now in March, it is fitting that the month's first blog post should be a Stephanie Shayne post, since it is her birthday month in ten days.

Stephanie Shayne has posted the second video of home movies on YouTube as "Shayne Movie 4".

In this one, Bob Shayne trades in his police inspector's hat for a crown (Holy Imperial Margarine!) and rules his back yard.

From Stephanie:

Christmas party 1966, Stephanie goes to the prom 1968, graduation from Cleveland High and Robert Shayne is the King of the Backyard!

Although much of this footage was taken about ten years after the final season of the Adventures of Superman, Bob Shayne looked as though he could step right back in the role of Inspector Henderson. Although the video is posted below, here's the YouTube link so you can go there and give it a thumb's up.

I wonder if any of Stephanie's classmates were stunned seeing Inspector Henderson running around with a movie camera?

Shaynemovie1 Posted At YouTube

Above, Stephanie Shayne at the Superman Celebration Luncheon in 2014. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Stephanie Shayne has announced that the first of many home movies shot by her father, Bob "Inspector Henderson" Shayne (of the Adventures of Superman), has been posted on YouTube.

She wrote at Facebook:

It's been a long time coming! The first of the Robert Shayne Home movie clips is now on my You Tube channel. This one is my brother Bob coming home from Basic Training at Fort Ord in 1966 and a family trip to Las Vegas that same week. Thank you, Ray for making the clip and watermarking it. Thank you, Iva, Brian, Hugh, Brad, Darroll, Don, Elsa, Peter, Bruce, Jorge Casales,Scott, Alvaro, Mary, Victoria, Meg, Armand, Alan, Miriam, Clare, Caryn, Crystal, Dennis, Jodi, Brad, Susan, Delmo, Deborah, Howard, Charles, and Micah for making this possible. More to come soon!

It was nice to see Las Vegas back "in the good ol' days" before it became the crowded and cluttered mess it is today, especially the Hacienda Hotel, where I made some good money on the roulette wheel back during Spring Break in 1973.

Here's the video:




Other videos will follow on Stephanie's channel.  Here's the link to the video so you can give her a thumb's up!

On the cars shown in the video, here's what Stephanie says about them:

The 'Stang was my dad's. My mom's car was the beige Beetle and my car was the aqua Beetle in the driveway. Oh, the days...

Bob Shayne In "Tora! Tora! Tora!"

Above, Bob Shayne (left) in Tora!Tora! Tora!

Before heading off to the Ventura Beach RV Park, I decided to bring along some movies. The Beast has a built-in DVD player and television.

I picked two John Wayne movies to bring: True Grit and She Wore A Yellow Ribbon. I watched True Grit last night and will be watching She Wore A Yellow Ribbon tonight.

Since returning from Hawaii a couple of weeks ago, I've been in kind of a Pearl Harbor mood. Today, I watched Tora! Tora! Tora! It's been a while since I've last screened it.

While watching it, I spotted our very own "Inspector William J. Henderson" from the Adventures of Superman: Robert Shayne. I had forgotten that he had a bit part in the movie. I took some photos of the TV screen during his "big" scene (at least he had some dialog). I sent a photo to his daughter Stephanie. She didn't immediately recognize the movie.

The movie was produced around 1969-70. As Shayne was born in October 1900, he was around 69 or 70 years of age at the time. He looked pretty good and was wearing a tuxedo.

A photo of his scene is posted at top.

The Jack Larson Memorial

The Jack Larson Memorial was held this evening at the James Bridges Theater on the UCLA campus.

The program consisted of remembrances of Larson from members of his family and colleagues during his days as a writer, producer and playwright and through music. There were also stills and film clips of his acting days on the Adventures of Superman television show and more recently. One of the speakers, surprisingly, was actress Debra Winger (Urban Cowboy and An Officer and A Gentleman).

Another surprise, actress Kathleen Nolan (The Real McCoys) also spoke and she detailed her relationship with Jack.

Among the audience members, besides Denise Santos and myself, were Jim Nolt and his daughter Lisa, Stephanie Shayne, Ray Duke, Brad Shey, Mike Goldman, Jim Beaver, Jeff Breslauer, Gary Grossman, Mike Clark and several others.

Prior to the program, refreshments were served.

Following the Memorial, several of us went to dinner at the Smokehouse restaurant in Toluca Lake, where we met comedian Chuck McCann.

Accompanying this blog post are the pages from the memorial booklet that was given out to attendees.

As Jack was always there for us at events, we were there for him.

Classic Images Arrives In Mailbox

Above, the cover. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

My copy of Classic Images (no. 477) arrived in the mailbox today. It features an article (by Jim Nolt) on last summer's Superman Celebration which included the plaque dedication in Tarzana, the luncheon in Studio City and the tour of the Pasadena Playhouse.

The photographs (by Steve Friedman) came out quite nicely.

Above, one of the pages of photographs featuring the plaque dedication. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Here's where to order:

Copies are available from Classic Images for $6 postpaid while supplies last. This is the March 2015 issue (#477).

They take checks and money orders sent to:

301 E. 3rd St
Muscatine, IA 52761

Credit card orders: Call Carol at 563-262-0539.

Superman Super Site Picks Up Rondo Nomination News

Above, Stephanie Shayne Parkin address the Superman plaque
dedication group and displays her father's cane. Photo by Steven Kirk.

The Superman Super Site, where "Everything there is to know about the Man of Steel," has posted a brief article on the Superman plaque dedication's nomination for the "Best Fan Event" in the 2014 Rondo Hatton Classic Horror Awards.

They wrote (in part):

The dedication of the "Adventures of Superman" plaque has been nominated for a Rondo Hatton Classic Horror Award in the category of "Best Fan Event".

The nomination now also includes the entire Superman Celebration of that August weekend, which includes the luncheon at the Beverly Garland Hotel and the tour of the Pasadena Playhouse, where George Reeves began his acting career.

To read the full article, go here. 

2014: Good times with good people!

Above, at the Godzilla statue at Toho Studios in February.

Above, the Superman plaque dedication in August. Daily News photo.

Superman Plaque Dedication DVD Screen Captures

Above, the unveiling of the plaque.

The Superman Celebration DVD set, well done by Jared Copenhaver (grandson of James Bartholomew Nolt), contained coverage of the plaque dedication in Tarzana, photo gallery of the weekend's events), the luncheon speeches at the Beverly Garland Hotel and Brad Shey's collection of the best of Jack Larson entitled, "Jimmy!"

I was able to watch the entire set last night and was very impressed with the offerings on the two discs.

I made a few screen captures:

Above, yours truly and Jim Nolt at the plaque dedication in Tarzana.

Above, yours truly welcoming everyone and introducing the special guests.

Above, Stephanie Shayne's remarks. 

Above, Ted Newsom and I before the dedication.

Adventures of Superman Plaque: Three Months Later

Three months ago today, the Adventures of Superman plaque was dedicated in a ceremony in Tarzana, California that was attended by Jack (Jimmy Olsen) Larson, Beverly Washburn, Laura Siegel Larson, Stephanie Shayne Parkin, Jacqueline Hamilton and many fans.

Yesterday, I drove over to the plaque to check on it and found that the grass around it has grown back in quite nicely.

Here's the plaque right after it was installed at 5400 Wilbur Ave., Tarzana in August:

Here's the plaque on November 15:

Unfortunately, I didn't have any cleaning supplies with me to shine it up when I stopped by.

To see the plaque's listing at Roadside America, go here.

Superman Plaque Dedication Photo Surfaces

Above, (standing, left to right) Steve Kirk, Jack Larson, Jaqueline Hamilton, Beverly Washburn, Jim Nolt
 and your truly. Kneeling (left to right), Stephanie Shayne and Laura Siegel Larson. Photo by Jim Walsh.

It has been nearly three months since the Superman Celebration took place on the weekend of August 16. The celebration included the Adventures of Superman plaque dedication in Tarzana honoring the 100th birthdays of George Reeves, Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster. This took place at the location shoot site of the 1953 episode, "The Man Who Could Read Minds."

The other main events of that weekend was the luncheon at the Beverly Garland Hotel in North Hollywood and a tour of the Pasadena Playhouse.

A photo from the plaque dedication has surfaced this week by Jim Walsh. It is a group shot of Superman Celebration committee members Steve Kirk, Jim Nolt and yours truly with Jack Larson, Beverly Washburn, Stephanie Shayne Parkin, Jacqueline Hamilton and Laura Siegel Larson after the plaque was unveiled. Unfortunately, the plaque can't be seen in the photo, but it is a nice photo nevertheless.

So, here's the plaque:

Above, the Adventures of Superman plaque. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Stephanie Shayne's Remarks At Superman Plaque Dedication

Above, Stephanie Shayne Parkin. Photo by Steven Kirk.

Stephanie Shayne Parkin, daughter of Robert "Inspector Henderson" Shayne, addresses the Adventures of Superman Plaque Dedication, August 16, 2014 in Tarzana, California.

More Superman Celebration 2014 Photos

Here are more photos from last Saturday's Adventures of Superman plaque dedication and luncheon.

Above, fans gathering for the plaque dedication in Tarzana. The word was that Inspector Henderson
came by earlier and put up the police tape but had to leave on a call. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, Jim Nolt being interviewed by Dana Bartholomew of the Daily News. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, Jack Larson greets Beverly Washburn. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, Stephanie Shayne Parkin addresses the gathering. Photo by Steven Kirk.

Above, Laura Siegel Larson addresses the dedication attendees. Photo by Steven Kirk.

Above, Superman luncheon attendees in line for the registration table at the Beverly Garland. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, Jack Larson's 56th year reunion with John Hamilton, Jr. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, author Gary Grossman autographing copies of his book, Superman: Serial To Cereal. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Superman Plaque Location Submitted To Roadside America.com

Above, Stephanie Shayne Parkin addresses the plaque dedication ceremony attendees. Photo by Steven Kirk.

There was one last (at least I think it's the last) task in relation to the Adventures of Superman plaque I did today.

I submitted the plaque for listing at Roadside America.com. It is a fun website to locate and visit "offbeat tourist attractions" around America. They have listed the Godzilla plaque that was placed at the former home of Visual Drama, the studio in Los Angeles where Raymond Burr's Godzilla, King of the Monsters! scenes were shot in 1956.

The location is now the Frank del Olmo Elementary School and the Godzilla plaque is at the school's main entrance.

Hopefully, they will soon list the Adventures of Superman plaque. I submitted three photos to go along with the listing. This will let Superman fans know where to visit the plaque.

Superman Plaque Dedication Group Shot

One of my favorite photos of the Adventures of Superman plaque dedication was taken by the Daily News staff photographer John McCoy. Here, just after the plaque was unveiled, a group of us posed with the plaque.

Photo: John McCoy, Daily News staff photographer.

Standing from left are actor Jack "Jimmy Olsen" Larson, Superman celebration committee member Steven Kirk, Jacqueline Hamilton (granddaughter of John "Perry White" Hamilton), actress Beverly Washburn, Superman celebration committee head honcho Jim Nolt and your truly. Kneeling, from left, is Stephanie Shayne Parkin (daughter of Bob "Inspector Henderson" Shayne) and Laura Siegel Larson (daughter of Superman co-creator Jerry Siegel).

A big "thank-you" to the Daily News, especially reporter Dana Bartholomew and John McCoy, for their excellent coverage of the plaque dedication!

The Superman Luncheon At The Beverly Garland Hotel

Above, Jack Larson talks with Jacqueline and John Hamilton, Jr.  Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Another event took place on Saturday following the Adventures of Superman plaque dedication. A luncheon was held at the Beverly Garland Hotel in North Hollywood to celebrate the show and honor George Reeves, Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster for their 100th birthdays this year.

Above, screenwriter (Hollywoodland) Paul Bernbaum and Armand in the hotel bar.

The luncheon was attended by 200 fans and celebrities. They included actor Jack Larson, actresses Ruta Lee, Beverly Washburn and Stephanie Shayne Parkin and actor/stuntman/wrestler Gene LeBell. I sat with LeBell during the luncheon and we talked about my dad's meeting George Reeves at a Los Angeles area gym where Reeves practiced judo and my dad boxed. I can see why George Reeves liked LeBell, he's quite a character!

Above, Gene LeBell and Armand.

Before the luncheon, I talked with Hollywoodland screenwriter Paul Bernbaum in the hotel bar. It was a good and lively conversation and we were joined by Don Rhoden, who started The Adventures Continue fan magazine.

Above, Gary Grossman chatting with Jack Larson. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The luncheon was an enjoyable event. Each attendee was given a commemorative coin that included the images of Reeves and Siegel & Shuster.

Above, the video greetings by Alejandro Vacio. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Speakers included Beverly Washburn, Laura Siegel Larson, Ruta Lee, Brian McKernan, Paul Bernbaum, Jim Beaver, a video greeting by Alejandro Vacio (whose father was George Reeves's best friend, Natividad Vacio), Stephanie Shayne Parkin, Edward Lozzi, Larry Ward, Bruce Dettman and Gene LeBell. The program ended with video clips of some of the best scenes of Jack Larson and John Hamilton.  Following the video, Jack Larson addressed the luncheon.

Above, Jack Larson talking with Ted Newsom and Jim Beaver. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The luncheon was also attended by John Hamilton, Jr., his wife and daughter. This was the first time Jack Larson has seen John Hamilton, Jr. since 1958. The Hamiltons seemed to enjoy the program.

Above, some of the displays of Superman and George Reeves memorabilia. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Actress Ruta Lee spoke of the Superman episode she appeared in. She appeared as a teen dancer in the 1953 episode, "My Friend Superman."

Above, actress Ruta Lee. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Actor Jim Beaver spoke on what George Reeves has meant to him over the years.

Above, actor/author Jim Beaver. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Screenwriter Paul Bernbaum spoke of the making of Hollywoodland and of his disappointment that the movie didn't show George Reeves's benevolent side, although that was in the original script.

Above, screenwriter Paul Bernbaum. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Stephanie Shayne Parkin spoke of her father's role as Inspector Henderson and what it was like to visit Disneyland when one of her parents was a big celebrity.

Above, Stephanie Shayne Parkin. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Edward Lozzi spoke of his life living at the estate of Toni Mannix and brought along a brochure that Toni Mannix helped design for George Reeves.

Above, Edward Lozzi. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Wrestler/stuntman/actor Gene LeBell spoke on his friendship with George Reeves.

Above, Gene LeBell. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Biographer Larry Ward spoke of the current life of Noel Neil, who now lives in an Arizona assisted-living home at age 93.

Above, Larry Ward. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Actress Beverly Washburn spoke on working with George Reeves twice during her career.

Above, Beverly Washburn. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Laura Siegel Larson spoke on what Superman has meant to pop culture, her father's enjoyment in writing on the Bizarro World in the early 1960s for DC Comics and of her father's influence on her writing.

Above, Laura Siegel Larson. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Jack Larson spoke on his work as Jimmy Olsen on the show and what it was like to have to adjust to becoming famous virtually overnight in New York once the show began airing on television.

Above, Jack Larson. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The luncheon also included displays of Superman and George Reeves memorabilia.

The Superman Plaque Dedication

Above, a special cover by Steven Kirk over the plaque. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

About 75 bleary-eyed Adventures of Superman fans gathered for an early Saturday morning plaque dedication in Tarzana, California commemorating the 1953 episode of the Adventures of Superman titled, "The Man Who Could Read Minds" and to celebrate the centennial birthdays of Superman creators Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster and television's first Superman, George Reeves.

Above, Superman fans beginning to assemble for plaque dedication. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The fans were joined for the ceremony by Jack Larson (Jimmy Olsen), Stephanie Shayne Parkin (daughter of Robert Shayne, who played Inspector Henderson on the show), Laura Siegel Larson (daughter of Jerry Siegel) and actress Beverly Washburn (who appeared in Superman and the Mole Men).

Above, the arrival of Jack (Jimmy Olsen) Larson. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Jim Nolt and I shared the M.C. duties at the dedication. Since I couldn't M.C. and take pictures at the same time, I handed off my camera to Steven Kirk, who was also a member of the event planning committee.

Above, Stephanie Shayne Parkin with her father's cane. Photo by Steven Kirk.

Stephanie Parkin spoke of the episode as being the first time she and her brother were able to visit a location filming of the show and brought along a framed display of snapshots of that visit. She also brought along her father's cane. When she spoke she had me hold the cane for her. If there are any photos of me floating around holding a cane, that was Bob Shayne's cane, so you won't get the wrong impression.

Above, Jack Larson addresses the gathering. Photo by Steven Kirk.

Laura Siegel Larson spoke of her father's admiration of Tarzan creator Edgar Rice Burroughs and that her father wanted to visit his grave when the Siegel family moved to California.

Jack Larson spoke of his memories of the show and the dedication jogged a memory of his fight with the phantom burglar a few doors away on Wilbur Avenue.

Above, the unveiling. Photo by Steve Brant.

When it came time to unveil the plaque to those assembled, we had Stepanie Shayne Parkin, Laura Siegel Larson and Jacqueline Hamilton, the granddaughter of John Hamilton (who played Daily Planet Editor Perry White on the show) do the honors. They were joined in the unveiling by Jack Larson.

Above, following the ceremony, I provided some background information to the Daily News. Photo by Steven Kirk.

Among those in attendance were Gary Grossman, who wrote the first book on the Adventures of Superman, "Superman, Serial To Cereal" and actor/writer Ted Newsom.

Following the plaque dedication, everyone headed to the Beverly Garland Hotel for a luncheon. More on the luncheon in another blog post.