This is a reproduction of the historic fanzine, The Adventures Continue No. 1, originally published in February 1988 by Don Rhoden. All copyrights and trademarks remain in effect as stated within the contents of the original publication. Note that page numbering, which was not included in the original version of the fanzine, has been added.

The Adventures Continue No. 1 was reproduced by Richard C. Potter with the permission of Don Rhoden and Jim Nolt.

THE NO. 1 ADVENTURES CONTINUE

Publisher/Editor: Don Rhoden WELCOME! Special Thanks to Randy Garrett Welcome to all of those who haven’t for his beautiful artwork; Jerry forgotten. Welcome to the children of Epperson for his editorial assistance; the 1950’s and 1960’s who remember the Dee Epperson for typing everything; real Superman, the immortal George Paul Mandell for his advice and Reeves. I am sure that George never enthusiasm. imagined, even in his wildest dreams, For my mother, who, with unerring that someday his fans would honor his devotion, taped The Adventures of memory with a publication such as this Superman for me from December, 1981 one. until July, 1985, I would like to The goals of this publication are express my love and thanks. simple: 1. To honor and preserve the memory ART IN THIS ISSUE: of George Reeves, the real Superman. Cover: Randy Garrett, Copyright 2. To offer a forum for the © 1987 by Randy Garrett. discussion of The Adventures of Line Art: Charles Wagner Superman, whether it be critical analysis or nostalgic reverie. 3. To promote the preservation, restoration, and availability of The Adventures of Superman to the public

and collectors alike. Most people who know television’s THE ADVENTURES CONTINUE #1, February 1988. Superman will tell you that All That Published semi-annually by Don Rhoden, 10422 Polk Glitters was the finale to The Street, Omaha, NE 68127. All contents copyright Adventures of Superman; nothing could © 1988 by Don Rhoden unless specifically noted be further from the truth. otherwise. All rights reserved. Nothing may be The Adventures Continue . . . reproduced, by any means, in whole or in part, This first issue of The Adventures (excluding brief excerpts used solely for review Continue is a very special one. It purposes) without written consent from the publisher. consists of interviews with many of the Single issue price $3.50 postpaid. Advertising rates, trade inquiries, and dealer/distributor foremost Superman TV collectors, discount lists available upon request. critics, and historians. These All material submitted for publication should be interviews comprise, for the first accompanied by a self-addressed envelope and time, the collected thoughts of the sufficient return postage. We assume no responsibility most dedicated Superman television for unsolicited material. All material accepted for scholars in the first and only fanzine publication in The Adventures Continue becomes devoted to TV’s The Adventures of the property of Don Rhoden unless prior written Superman. arrangements are made to the contrary. There are clubs and fanzines devoted TRADEMARK STATUS: Batman, Clark Kent, the Daily to many other TV series, among them I Planet, Jimmy Olsen, Lois Lane, Perry White, Sara Love Lucy, The Andy Griffith Kent, and Superman (and any combination thereof) are trademarks of DC Comics Inc., and are not used with Show, The Honeymooners, ad the permission of DC Comics Inc. Use of the name of nauseum. I thought it was high time any product or character without mention of trademark that the real Superman, George Reeves, status should not be construed as a challenge to such finally received the tribute due him. status. It is to his memory and to the legions of unforgetting fans to which I would like to dedicate this first issue.

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I am hoping to publish The This issue’s plugs include: Adventures Continue on at least a Galaxy Patrol, c/o Dale L. Ames, twice yearly schedule. I am in need of 22 Colton St., Worcester, MA 01601. The contributors and hope that many of you club is devoted to the Space Patrol, Tom will be able to write articles of your Corbett Space Cadet, and Captain own. Anything is game. I am also open Midnight. to artwork, suggestions, criticisms, Zacherly biography and newsletter. etc., you name it. These items are being published by Future issues will have the Louis Antonicello, 58 Giles Avenue, following departments. Jersey City, NJ 07306. 1. Letters to the editor. I also want to plug the new book, 2. Advertisements. Initially, Superman on Television, by Michael ads will be printed free, but must Bifulco, 7415 Eton Avenue, Canoga Park, pertain in someway to The Adventures CA 91303. It provides a “Comprehensive of Superman or to its cast members. Viewers’ guide to the daring exploits Items may consist of film, videotape, of Superman as presented in the TV stills, posters, memorabilia, series”. At last offering, the book was out-takes, etc. For example, the films $12.95, postpaid, but please write of George Reeves, Phyllis Coates, etc. Michael for details. I recommend his are all acceptable. All ads will be book whole-heartedly. published in a classified ad format and I am sure that some of you readers catagorized as being Wanted, For Sale, out there have your own ideas about Trade, Bid, etc. No rights are given or what you would like to see in future implied by the publisher. issues. I really want your input. This 3. Trivia. In future issues is your fanzine. I also want to invite there will be trivia questions which you to send in your answers to the will tax the knowledge of even the most interview questions, perhaps we will be devoted TV Superman fans. Readers are able to publish these responses in a invited to send in their own questions. future issue. 4. Reviews. In forthcoming All readers will be notified, by issues we will review various books, mail, when The Adventures Continue videotapes, etc. that pertain to The #2 becomes available and, in closing, I Adventures of Superman, including the hope that all of you enjoy reading this two new TV’s Best Adventures of fanzine half as much as I did putting Superman videotapes and the two which it together. will be released in February 1988. 5. Reprints. I plan on – Don Rhoden reprinting at least one classic article February 2, 1988 that has dealt with to The Adventures of Superman, in each issue. 6. Interviews with the surviving cast members. 7. Photographs. Not only do I plan to publish photographic “stills” of the principals in the scenes, but I invite the readers to send in photos of themselves in their childhood Superman and/or Clark Kent costumes. 8. Tour information. Each issue we will try to provide the address of some place that has historical significance to The Adventures of Superman with present-day photos. 9. Plugs. Occasionally we will give information on what other publications or organizations exist which may be of interest to TV Superman fans.

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REFLECTIONS ON THE PAST

Before beginning our reflections on me, and managed to get his responses in the past, some introductions are before the final cut-off date. probably in order. Charles Wagner is an old friend Paul Mandell is an author, of mine, going back many years. He and living in Brooklyn. He has written a I have traded video tapes on numerous series of articles on The Adventures occasions. Charles is a cartoonist and of Superman in Starlog, and is the author of the comic book, Cecil hard at work researching the two Superman Kunkel. He also writes a column about articles (one of which presents a the more humorous aspects of The Adventures startling perspective on the death of of Superman television George Reeves that is only hinted at in series for the Comics Buyers Guide. his interview responses). He is also Tom Nagy lives in Omaha, working on a special effects book. Nebraska. We met at a local comic shop Paul introduced me to several fans promotional event where he appeared in of The Adventures of Superman in a homemade Superman costume based on the New York area. Among these are George Reeves’s costume. Mike Rose, Robert Harvey, and Next is Jim Beaver, an author James Knolt. Mike Rose has been a and screenwriter hailing from Studio fan of the series since the Fifties, City, California. Since 1978 he has while Robert Harvey, like myself, began been working on an authorized biography his love affair with the show in the of George Reeves which he hopes to complete Sixties. James Knolt has written in the near future. several articles about The Adventures Jim Hambrick, Superman collector of Superman and also enjoys extraordinaire, has amassed enough communications with several of the Superman collectibles to cover a surviving cast members of the series. football field. A recent acquisition Mike Bifulco has just published included one of the Superman costumes a book titled: Superman on used by George Reeves in the black and Television. He was instrumental in white episodes (to go with a costume generating a lot of interest in this used in the color episodes). He has publication by notifying everyone who also loaned several items to the ordered his new book. His enthusiasm Smithsonian for use in their Superman and assistance has been greatly exhibit. appreciated. Finally, I am Don Rhoden. I live Russel Forsythe was one of those in Omaha, Nebraska with my wife and two who contacted me through Michael. He is children. I am a physician by trade, a second generation Superman fan – his but all I ever seem to do is put my addiction to the series beginning in patients to sleep (I suppose this is the Sixties. okay, since I’m an anesthesiologist). Like Russel, Randy Garrett So, before you all start nodding off, contacted me through Mike Bifulco’s let’s get started with the interviews! correspondence. A slightly modified version of the logo he designed for his own personal letterhead has been used as the logo for The Adventures Continue. I’m sure everyone will agree that Randy’s art is fabulous, not to mention it being a superb likeness of George Reeves. Gary Mantakoony is an old friend of mine from Connecticut. He supplied me with some Superman videos way back in 1984. His response to the interview questions was delayed because someone broke into his car and stole his mail, including my initial questionnaire. Against all odds, he later contacted

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The Stolen Costume was so visceral, Please give a little background I sat down with my toy typewriter and about yourself, and how long you have banged out an imaginary sequel with one been a fan of The Adventures of finger. That, I suppose, was the start Superman show. Include your first of my writing career. memory of the television series, as Another vivid memory was seeing a well as when and how you became a rerun of The Defeat of Superman, in serious Superman video collector. August 1954, as soon as I returned to Brooklyn after vacationing with my family in the Catskills. I couldn’t believe that Superman was about to die PAUL MANDELL from Kryptonite, and the lead pipe flung across Metropolis Bay whizzed in Of course, I’d like to think that I my brain for weeks on end. am the ultimate appreciator of Superman The first Superman comic book I can and George Reeves. Born in 1947, the remember buying, for ten cents, had to year of Howdy Doody and flying saucers, do with our hero being a miser. I can I started watching The Adventures of still remember Lois Lane’s remark on Superman from Day One on my parent’s the cover: “Superman, a miser? But it twelve-inch RCA. Growing up in Brooklyn can’t be! What is he doing with that (Whitney Ellsworth’s hometown) secret hoard?” The first Superboy comic generated a very special kinship for I recall had to do with his becoming a me, since Metropolis was always giant. At the end, it was only a robot depicted as a kind of ersatz New York or a balloon. I forget the far-fetched (Up until age ten, I was convinced that plot. Comic-book logic in 1954 was the stock shot of the Daily Planet wonderfully illogical. Building was actually the Williamsburg My homemade Superman costume Savings Bank on Flatbush Avenue.). I (inspired by Panic in the Sky) beat remember the older kids on the block the hell out of the one Sears-Roebuck exalting over the release of Superman was selling. It consisted of my and the Mole Men in 1951, but being sister’s blue leotards, a pair of too young to buy a theater ticket, I red-dyed BVDs, a meticulously-rendered didn’t catch it until 1953, under the “S” which I sewed onto a blue pajama guise of Unknown People. top, a red-dyed sheet for a cape (which My first memory of the series is ruined the bathroom sink), red hazy at best. The first season shows knee-high socks that went over my were visually unsettling, even when sneakers, and a yellow bathrobe belt. I they weren’t meant to be, as were other wore it under my school clothes and let shows of 1953 (What baby boomer can the kids see it under my slightly forget the sweaty hand closing for unbuttoned shirt, in the bathroom, Dragnet and Ralph Bellamy walking during recess. A true fan of Superman, through giant doors shaped like Camel it seemed, made for a schizoid cigarette packs in Man Against existence. It hung in my secret closet Crime?). Rescue was a case in for years and was probably lifted by point; the grimacing, oil-slicked face Norman Budd. of Pop Polgase, squirming under the In 1955, I was home with the mumps cave rocks with hapless Phyllis Coates, and happened to watch Art Linkletter’s gave me insomnia. It must’ve been my House Party. To my amazement, out entrée into the series. stepped George Reeves, in a tailored I clearly remember seeing the suit sans glasses. The pitch was to premiere of The Stolen Costume, prevent kids from jumping off rooftops. with a peanut butter and jelly An incident or two of that nature sandwich, on ABC, Mondays at 5:30 pm. prompted George’s appearance on the It followed Atom Squad, which was show. broadcast live from Chicago at 5:15. The death of George Reeves, on June (The end-title music for Atom 16, 1959, was unfathomable to me. Squad, oddly enough, was the same “Superman, a suicide? But it can’t be.” Miklos Rosza piece used for the fight I felt that I had lost a close friend, scenes in The Clown Who Cried and and an alter ego. I vividly remember The Golden Vulture). The effect of coming home from school on that fateful

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spoke on Monday. Noel Neill spoke on Tuesday. I was on Wednesday. Bob Shayne was on Thursday. Phyllis Coates came out of hiding and spoke candidly on Friday. Coombs’s staff desperately tried to get George’s death case reopened, but the LAPD and the coroner’s office were unwilling, based on the lack of “compelling evidence.” I suppose we will never know the awful truth.

MIKE ROSE

I have been a Superman fan for many years and I’m always happy to meet somebody who shares the same enthusiasm as I have for the series. Let me begin by saying that I am 35 years old, and can remember watching The Adventures of Superman as far back as when I first started watching television (I must have been three or Paul Mandell in his homemade Superman costume, four years old, and it is one of the circa 1957. Sixty-five pounds of Brooklyn steel. only series that I can vividly recall viewing.). As a child, I had a homemade day and seeing the lurid headline of Superman costume (later discovering the New York Post. It took weeks that a lot of kids did). It was made for it to actually register. from a pair of blue pajamas with an Gary Grossman’s book, Superman – emblem drawn on. I can still draw Serial to Cereal, came as a pleasant it today, and have been told it’s quite shock in 1975, as I had always aspired good. I can draw a copy for your to write the same (You gotta be quick magazine if you wish. I also have a in this business.). I befriended Jack snapshot of the emblem used on the 1951 Larson, Noel Neill, and Bob Shayne in credits which I photographed off the the NBC Green Room prior to their TV. appearance on Tom Snyder’s Tomorrow I always loved the show and, of Show, in November 1976. We still course, George Reeves. I considered him communicate frequently. Last January, a role model as a kid, and still think Bob and I had a handshake agreement to about him quite a bit to this day. do a book together about the I started collecting audio tapes of “blacklist” years. He’s 87 years old, the Superman episodes, around 1965, but still sharp as a tack. when I got my first reel-to-reel I learned a lot about Reeves from recorder. With the coming of VCRs, I Jack and Bob. Undaunted by Grossman’s was frantic to find other collectors book, I decided to pen my own who could copy the Superman videos for reflections of George and the show, me, since it wasn’t being aired in New which appeared, in Starlog York. magazine, as a trilogy. I regret some of the emphasis I put on George’s JAMES KNOLT physical condition toward the end of his life – we all tend to get paunchy I am 41 years old, married, with one stomachs and thin hair at forty. daughter, Lisa. I have taught in the Contrary to the article, I no longer local elementary school for the past believe that his death was a suicide. twenty years. Most importantly, I have In July 1987, WNBC disc jockey, Alan been a devotee of The Adventures of Coombs, devoted a week to The Superman series since 1953, when I Adventures of Superman. Jack Larson watched my first, thrilled-packed,

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episode. Something about George T-shirt, which I completely wore out Reeves’s characterization moved me, (and even then, I cut out the “S” and made me care. He did, in fact, make me sewed it onto another t-shirt). a better person. In 1965, I bought an audio tape I clearly remember the day I read recorder so that I could listen to the his obituary in the newspaper. I cut programs over and over again. With the the article from the paper and have purchase of a VCR in 1982, I was carried it with me for these almost treated to a picture as well. As fate thirty years. On Donahue, Jack would have it, the station carrying the Larson told of being permanently series dropped it after I had taped saddened when he learned of his only ten episodes. It was then that I friend’s death. I feel much the same discovered trading. Not every one of my way. I know my life was changed because episodes is of good quality, but I can he lived; I also know that it was at least watch and enjoy. Interestingly changed because he died. enough, some of the poorly dubbed, Through the years I have tried to grainy copies remind me of the picture contact several of the cast and crew. I received on that first television Starting in 1979, I was successful in back in 1953. It is much like going finding Whitney Ellsworth, Robert back in time. Shayne, Herb Vigran, Sterling Holloway, Dabbs Greer and Natividad Vacio. In July 1979, Gail, Lisa and I traveled MICHAEL BIFULCO to California to have lunch with Whit and his lovely wife, Jane. Later that My current occupation is in the afternoon we visited with Bob Shayne. computer field. I work for, and own a Sadly, just one month after our small part of, a company with develops visit, White passed away in his sleep. computer software for typesetting Bob and I stay in close contact, firms. My primary role with the company exchanging letters or phone calls every is to assure the quality and accuracy two or three months. Jane also keeps in of the software by isolating problems touch. Of the others, only Dabbs Greer and documenting them for the has written on a regular basis. I last programmers. I also supervise the heard from him this past summer. I Customer Support department and write forgot to mention that I also have instruction material. My off-hour letters from Jack Larson and Noel interests are in the motion-picture Neill. industry and freelance writing. Through the years I have collected I have been a fan of the Superman many video tapes. The pride of my television series since 1953. My first collection is all 104 television memory of the show goes back to when I episodes of The Adventures of was almost four years old. I would Superman. I have also recorded usually be playing out in the back yard several other George Reeves films: of our Virginia home when my mother Gone with the Wind, Thunder in would call me from the kitchen door – the Pines, Lydia, So Proudly We it was time to watch the next episode Hail, The Blue Gardenia, and of The Adventures of Superman! Blood and Sand. I also have a live My collecting activities began at age performance of Kelly, from the ten with an audio tape recorder and Kraft Television Theater (January, gradually moved into 16mm film and 1951). videotape. The first Superman episode I recall seeing was The Haunted Lighthouse. Immediately I became a fan. In 1953, my ROBERT HARVEY nephew and I made costumes for ourselves and “flew” through the skies I am 33 years old, born and raised of Pennsylvania. We lived on a small in New York City. Currently I work as farm, so there was plenty of wide open an office records retention manager. space for our activities. Over the My first memory of the Superman show years, I sent away for several of the is from the early Sixties. I would rush premiums which Kellogg’s offered. home after school to see it; my mother Among my favorites was the Superman would have the television tuned in when

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I arrived, and can remember seeing hero in action. The Deserted Village, Crime Wave, At this time, WWOR (Channel 9 and The Unknown People. I can also from New York) is the only station I recall the first episode I saw in color get to see Superman on. (The Stolen Elephant) and how I’ve always enjoyed The Adventures impressive it looked. of Superman, it provides a good I started my video collection in escape from the pressures of life. As 1979, when the show had a short revival powerful as he is, I see that he also here, then continued with a few 16mm has problems, but he is mighty enough prints and more taping of episodes from to overcome them. Los Angeles and Chicago, and I am now taping the show in its current local revival.

RUSSEL FORSYTHE RANDY GARRETT

I am 29 years old and single, As a kid in the Fifties, I grew up working part-time in the maintenance with the Superman TV series and have department of Montgomery Wards and also been a fan ever since. My first memory as the late-night janitor for a local of the show (and of television itself) racquetball club. My hobbies include is watching Crime Wave at the home collecting old records, comic books, of a friend, back in the stone-age, 16mm films of Superman, Batman, Popeye when very few people had TV sets. This and The Three Stooges. I also collect was also my introduction to the some artwork. character of Superman, and the only I first became acquainted with the representation that ever captured my Man of Steel in March 1963, when my imagination so completely. I began sister bought me my first Superman collecting photos and paper stuff over comic book. Three years later, the twenty years ago and started a Batman show premiered on television, collection of 16mm films about ten bringing about a resurged interest in years ago. In many ways, I’m still comic book heroes. “stuck in the Fifties”, having never It wasn’t until January 2, 1967 that converted to video tape. I saw Superman in Exile, my first episode of The Adventures of Superman. WSTV (Channel 9 from Steubenville, Ohio) had been broadcasting the show, weekdays at GARY MANTAKOONY 4:30, for quite some time, but I had not watched it until then. I am 36 years of age and presently Unfortunately, WSTV cancelled Superman, work as a credit manager of a water that same week. The Superman show utility in southern Connecticut. didn’t return until May of 1967. During I’ve been a Superman fan since I was that summer I saw a good number of the seven years old. My first memory of episodes. It was during this time that Superman occurred in 1958. A local New my interest in both the Superman and York TV station was showing the episode Batman shows inspired me to collect old of the Golden Vulture. comic books and draw pictures of my Eight years ago, with the purchase favorite heroes. In October 1968, when of my first machine, I decided to I was ten, I dressed as Superman for become a serious Superman video Halloween. collector. With this invention, I was Even at the age of eleven, I could able to relive all my childhood tell how much better the 1951 episodes memories. Unfortunately many of the were than those of the later seasons. television shows that I grew up with are not Superman was tougher and mightier; being aired in my area, or are really giving criminals a good out of syndication, therefore I try to fight. In later seasons, he hardly had make video connections with other any direct run-ins with crooks, which I collectors, via advertisements, in feel hurt the series. Fans deserved to different publications.

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Adventures of Superman in CHARLES WAGNER syndication, again in the afternoons in It was 1953, maybe 1954, and my Bloomington, Indiana during grad folks had stopped at a roadside greasy school, and once more on Chicago’s WGN spoon for supper, after spending two before the episodes were seriously days at an out-of-town union meeting, recut for more commercial spots. to which I had, for some reason, been With the magic of video recording taken along. and by begging missing episodes, I was In addition to a high-fat menu, the able to put together an edited “spoon” displayed a television on a high collection of the 104 episodes, plus shelf behind the counter. People wear Stamp Day for Superman, and a few televisions on their wrists now, but miscellaneous related programs. back then, they were a novelty to some I liked the music, I liked the of us. supporting cast, including both the It wasn’t the first episode of The crabby and nice Lois. I even enjoyed Adventures of Superman. In fact, it most of the goofball humor many writers wasn’t even the beginning of the show: consider detracting, but it was really “Sir Arthur, do you remember this George Reeves who made the show for me. place…?” demanded the ghostly face of It could have been “Clark Kent, Brockhurst, from the clouds. Reporter” and I still would have Sir Arthur McCredy fainted and watched the program. In fact, my nearly plunged his Rolls-Royce to his favorite scene is from Episode #13 – doom before Superman arrived to pull The Stolen Costume – in which over the old coot. Clark Kent races up the stairs to What special effects! What action! Superman theme music, bursts the door, What a show! and faces his would-be blackmailers. Jeepers! I was hooked. Even though George Reeves, whether in tights or a we did not get a television until 1958, doublebreasted suit, held the show. It I watched episodes, as I could, at the was a happy day when he was made the neighbors and then caught The star of The Adventures of Superman.

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TOM NAGY DON RHODEN

I’m 29 years old and I have been a I have been a Superman fan since the fan of The Adventures of Superman age of three or four, when I first saw since 1962. The Adventures of Superman on KMTV When I was four years old, KMTV (in Omaha, Nebraska), in 1960 or 1961. (Channel 3) used to run the show on It was on in the late afternoon, after Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 5:00 Popeye, which was one of my favorite and the show has been branded in my shows. When it first came on, my mother brain ever since. The Sixties Superman tried to discourage me from watching cartoons and the Batman TV show only it. “Oh, you don’t want to watch that, galvanized my desire to see more of my it’s too silly.” I remember a few hero. moments, though, from the Wedding of When WOWT (Channel 6) put Superman Superman, but didn’t get to watch on Saturday afternoons, at 1:00 in 1975 the whole thing. and 1976, I did everything I could to Eventually, I did get to watch the alter my high school job hours, so that show. The first episode I saw was The I could see it. Even then, it took Golden Vulture. After that, I was almost a year to show the black and hooked, and my life was changed. I went white episodes (the good ones). berserk. With the help of my folks, I made my own Superman insignia out of felt, which was placed on various shirts and my cape. My parents bought me several

costumes (my suits were far from

invulnerable, each quickly needing knee JIM BEAVER patches due to my Super-clumsiness). I grew up in a suburb of Dallas in I also discovered Superman comics, the Fifties and Sixties, and watched and superhero comic books in general, a the Superman show every day it was on; passion which has followed me to the originally, Mondays at 5:00 pm, then, present. Among the first Superman in my teen years, seven days a week. comics I bought were Superman #146 I was nearly nine when Reeves died, (the ultimate origin story), an event which is as memorable to me as Superman #147, Adventure Comics JFK’s death four years later. #286 (with the beloved tales of the I didn’t start collecting episodes Bizarro World), Lois Lane #26, of the series until the advent of Superboy #91, World’s Finest videotape, at about the same time as I #119 (in this one I discovered Batman, was heavily into my research for the but that’s another story!), Jimmy Reeves biography. I now have Olsen #55, and Action #281. broadcasted versions of all episodes Around 1963 or so, the television (some badly cut or transmitted) on series was cancelled and I didn’t see it tape. again until 1975, when it was broadcast on WOWT (also in Omaha). This time, however, only the color episodes were shown. I watched them, but the magic was missing. In 1981, I read Gary Grossman’s book, Superman – Serial to Cereal. JIM HAMBRICK Afterwards, I was anxious to see the I collect all Superman-related old black and white episodes that I had material, and have been for twenty-nine first seen twenty years before. years. In 1982, I finally gained access to My first memory of the television cable television and began taping series was watching Panic in the episodes. The first one I taped was Sky at the age of five. For some The Deserted Village, off of reason, I could never get that episode Chicago’s WGN. Over the next two years out of my head. I managed to complete my collection.

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I loved Phyllis Coats’s portrayal of What season is your personal Lois Lane. In 1951, George Reeves was favorite and why? at his peak, looking very tough – athletic. Also the first season’s costume was the best looking.

PAUL MANDELL JAMES KNOLT

The 1951 season, shot at RKO-Pathe I consider the second season to be on the Selznick lot, is my favorite. my favorite. I know many people perfect Most of it had to do with Robert the first, but I enjoy the human Maxwell’s hard-hitting influence and interest scripts – Five Minutes to George playing Superman straight. Doom, Superman in Exile, The Defeat of Though cheaply done, the episodes exude Superman, Panic in the Sky, and, of that film noir look and didn’t course, Around the World. There pander to the Television Code. Much of were many others, but all share one it was shot for night. common trait – each gave George Reeves To a boy of six, the gut reaction of the opportunity to project emotion, to seeing The Evil Three, Murder in Wax, show that he cared. Crime Wave and the like was unforgettable. The plots were macabre, illogical, and often frightening. They still are. A hag in a wheelchair MICHAEL BIFULCO thrust down a staircase; a psychotic woman, ala Gloria Swanson in Sunset Selecting a favorite season is no Boulevard, collecting human specimens contest, the 1951 season is my in a cellar; a girl being deprived of favorite. Robert Maxwell produced a her polio braces by an oily thug; series of classics because he was able Nazis, Mafia chieftains, New York to assemble a great cast, performing hitmen. Gritty stuff for Fifties action-packed shows on sets and television; hardly the pinnacle of locations rich with atmosphere. Clark taste, but definitely unnerving. Kent/Superman was a mysterious, Maxwell’s decision to track hard-hitting crime fighter that every mysterioso library music cues (a long kid secretly hoped would show up in story in itself) fit those episodes real life. perfectly. I am quite partial to the 1953, second season, shows, which were better produced and more carefully ROBERT HARVEY thought out. Around the World was a thrill for every kid in 1953. The music The first season (1951) is my transcription discs rented by Whitney favorite due to its straightforward, no Ellsworth for that season will always nonsense stories and character be regarded as “classic Superman portrayals. music.” I have little affection for anything made after 1953, sorry to say. RUSSEL FORSYTHE Technicolor was a sight to behold, but the scripts were mindless and My favorite is the 1951 season. The patronizing. shows were more serious. Superman didn’t take any junk from the criminals, and always put them in their MIKE ROSE place fast. The manner in which the criminals were portrayed made you I’d have to say my favorite season actually hate them; you were overjoyed is 1951. I thought the acting was when Superman dealt out their much superior in every way. The whole deserved punishment. production was better – lighting, scenery, and so on. Of course, how can you forget the great first season background music?

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JIM BEAVER RANDY GARRETT

To me, it’s a toss-up between 1951 I don’t have a real favorite season; and 1953 as to which season is my I'm not one of those people who has favorite. Certainly the strong every title memorized, along with its storylines and adul t approach of the airdate and production crew. I like the first season makes it the most early seasons, when it was a little memorable to many fans. However, the grittier and more realistic (if a show shows of 1953 are much better in terms about a guy flying around in of production quality. Even Reeves' multi-colored long-handles can ever be portrayal seems to have more depth than realistic). I hate the goofy in 1951 (when he was usually only “children's show” approach that took required to mop up the set with the bad over later . guys). The background music of the second season also makes it a notch above 1951, in some instances. JIM HAMBRICK

The first season (1951) is my GARY MANTAKOONY favorite because it had the best stories. Thomas Carr didn't hold back My favorite season would have to be on the action. 1951. The episodes were exciting and well paced. The realistic RKO lots, the taut and menacing musical scenes, DON RHODEN coupled with producer Bob Maxwell's adult, if not macabre, stories such as The 1951 season is far and away my Crime Wave and Mystery in Wax favorite. I watch the 1951 episodes made this series a classic! probably ten times to every viewing of It's a shame that the quality did the 1953 episodes and probably twenty not sustain itself later, in 1953. to thirty times as often as the color episodes. The 1951 episodes had this incredible atmosphere to them. They TOM NAGY were violent, explosive, moody, bizarre, and macabre all at once. Without a doubt, the first season After Episode #26, The Unknown (1951) was the best. There are several People (Part Two), it was mostly reasons that I feel this way. downhill, with few exceptions (mostly Superman is somewhat unknown to many from the 1953 episodes). people; the utter amazement by those Viewing the first season now, gives few people who saw him fly and do me the sensation of looking through a superhuman feats, was great to watch. time machine at a world of yesterday Phyllis Coates, as Lois Lane, wasn't that needed a violent Superman to keep so helpless. She fought for every story it safe. she was after and really argued with Clark Kent -- before they became “friendly" rivals. The new Superman What are your ten favorite comic books show her in this manner, episodes? although a bit over done (She's just too pushy and bitchy). Every one of the cast members acted seriously. This season was intended for PAUL MANDELL an adult audience. The best example is Jack Larson's (Jimmy Olsen) acting. As My favorite ten episodes? Not easy, the seasons progressed, the scripts but here goes: The Stolen Costume, called for him to become more of a The Evil Three, The Mind Machine, buffoon. Mystery in Wax, Crime Wave, Panic in the Sky, The Defeat of Superman, The Dog Who Knew Superman, The Face and the Voice, and Around the World.

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MIKE ROSE RANDY GARRETT

My ten favorite episodes would have My favorite episodes are Panic in to be The Mind Machine, Crime Wave, the Sky, Crime Wave, Superman in Exile, Mystery in Wax, The Evil Three, Panic Ghost Wolf, Human Bomb, The Face and in the Sky, Riddle of Chinese Jade, the Voice, Perry White's Scoop, The Secret of Superman, The Face and the Mind Machine, No Holds Barred, and Voice, Superman on Earth, and The Mysterious Cube. Superman in Exile.

GARY MANTAKOONY JAMES KNOLT My ten favorite episodes are: My favorite ten episodes? At the Superman on Earth, Night of Terror, top of the list would have to be The Mind Machine, No Holds Barred, The Panic in the Sky and Around the Runaway Robot, Riddle of the Chinese World. Jade, The Human Bomb, Czar of the After that, in no particular order, Underworld, Crime Wave, and Unknown are: The Lucky Cat, The Man in the People. Lead Mask, Shot in the Dark, Defeat of Superman, A Ghost for Scotland Yard, The Evil Three, The Case of the TOM NAGY Talkative Dummy, and Ghost Wolf. If you asked me this same question My ten favorite episodes are: tomorrow, I may not name the same ten Riddle of the Chinese Jade, A Night (there are so many I enjoy). of Terror, Panic in the Sky, Five Minutes to Doom, No Holds Barred, The Mind Machine, The Ghost Wolf, Superman in Exile, The Evil Three, and Star MICHAEL BIFULCO of Fate. My ten favorites, in no particular order, are: Crime Wave, The Mind Machine, Panic in the Sky, The Golden Vulture, Double Trouble, Night of JIM BEAVER

Terror, Semi-Private Eye, The Deserted I don't have all the titles in my Village, The Face and the Voice, and head, and I don't have any terribly Czar of the Underworld. special favorites. Superman on Earth, The Mysterious Cube, Divide and Conquer, Superman's Wife, and Panic ROBERT HARVEY in the Sky immediately come to mind, but I like the series more as a whole, My favorite ten episodes, in order, than as individual items. are: The Unknown People (Part I), The Unknown People (Part 2), The Mind Machine, Superman in Exile, Panic in the Sky, The Golden Vulture, Around the JIM HAMBRICK World, Flight to the North, The Seven Souvenirs, and The Perils of My favorite episodes are: Panic in Superman. the Sky, The Unknown People, The Face and the Voice, The Haunted Lighthouse, The Mind Machine, Mystery of the Broken Statues, Divide and Conquer, The Stolen RUSSEL FORSYTHE Costume, The Case of the Talkative

My ten favorite episodes (all from Dummy, and Crime Wave. 1951): The Stolen Costume, The Evil Three, The Monkey Mystery, The Birthday Letter, The Secret of Superman, No DON RHODEN Holds Barred, The Deserted Village, Mystery in Wax, C2ar of the My favorite episode of all time is Underworld, and Superman on The Evil Three. Cecil Elliot's Earth. laughter still sends chill s up and down

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my spine. In no particular, the next I enjoyed Phyllis's screams. Golly nine are: jeepers, did she have good lungs! On Night of Terror -- What a the other hand, Noel Neill could show bitching ending. much annoyance at Clark Kent's The Mind Machine -- Keeps you on shortcomings. In my mind, it's six of the edge of your chair. one, half-dozen of another. The Secret of Superman -- Reeves fools the audience very convincingly when he drinks the powerful "amytal MICHAEL BIFULCO compound." Mystery in Wax -- The suicide My preferred portrayal of Lois Lane theme here ironically foreshadows is that of Phyllis Coates. Her Reeves' own fate eight years later. performance complimented George Reeves The Human Bomb -- "Now it's my beautifully. Noel Neill was very good, turn to blow up!" but she had the disadvantage of Czar of the Underworld - - "... So progressively weaker stories. I often I can show you how movies are made." wonder how Phyllis Coates would have Crime Wave -- "Now you can print handled some of the later episodes. that statement Mr. Canby wanted you to print. There is no number one crime boss in Metropolis,.. anymore!" Panic in the Sky - - This episode really conveyed a doomsday atmosphere (especially to a four year old). A Ghost for Scotland Yard -- Guaranteed to give a kid nightmares. I must admit that, at any time, my answers change depending on my mood.

Which portrayal of Lois Lane did you prefer?

PAUL MANDELL

My favorite Lois Lane? Phyllis Coates had 'em all beat by a mile. She's still as foxy as ever -- my first television crush.

MIKE ROSE

I really loved Phyllis Coates's Lois Lane. Not that I dislike Noel Neill, it's just that I prefer Phyllis Coates's portrayal.

JAMES KNOLT Twenty years later, Paul puts the squeeze Lois Lane? The only comment I can on Noel Neill and Bob Shayne. Taken at make is that I think Phyllis Coates was NBC-New York for Tom Snyder's "Tomorrow" a wise choice for the first twenty-six show. Photo by Allan Asherman. episodes, and Noel Neill for the remaining stories.

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ROBERT HARVEY TOM NAGY

Noel Neill is my choice as Lois Phyllis Coates's Lois Lane wasn't so Lane, primarily for her charm and helpless. She fought for every story warmth. she was after and really argued with Clark, when they were not so "friendly" rivals. The new comic books show her in RUSSEL FORSYTHE this manner, although a little too much. She's just too pushy and bitchy. I liked Phyllis Coates's Lois Lane the best. I liked the way she looked and also admired how down-to-earth and JIM BEAVER sassy she could be, but also how very tenderhearted and compassionate she When I was a kid, I liked Noel Neill could be. a lot more; I thought she was prettier and nicer. As an adult, I think Phyllis Coates's character is a lot more RANDY GARRETT interesting and real.

It is really impossible to compare the two portrayals of Lois Lane. JIM HAMBRICK Phyllis Coates's Lois Lane is perfectly suited to the type of stories Phyllis Coates. done in 1951. However, a similar interpretation would have been jarring in later episodes, such as Tomb of DON RHODEN

Zaharan, in which a lighter approach Both actresses were wonderful, Noel was required. Coates was such a good Neill made me feel very secure as a actress that she could have easily child while Phyllis is Coates was always adapted to the new story lines. The too abrasive, like a mean elementary public at large may always remember school teacher. As I grew older, I Noel Neill as Lois Lane, but I've preferred Phyllis Coates's character to Always loved Phyllis is Coates just as the one Noel Neill played because it much. was far more believable. The 1951 Lois Lane is still the closest, by far, to the original Siegel and Shuster Lois In GARY MANTAKOONY Action #1. I am a fan of both Phyllis Coates Today, in 1988, Phyllis Coates is and Noel Neill; however, I feel that the unsung heroine of The Adventures of the Coates's portrayal was superior. Superman.

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Who is your favorite director? GARY MANTAKOONY

My favorite director was Tommy Carr.

PAUL MANDELL TOM NAGY

Since the megaphone for the vintage Favorite director? All together now! season was shared by Lee Sho1em and Tommy Carr! Tommy Carr, it's hard to pigeonhole either of them as a favorite director. A toss of a coin would probably land JIM BEAVER heads up for Roll 'em Sholem, since my favorite shows had him in the hot seat. Probably Tommy Carr, but I don't see My favorite writers were Ben Peter much directorial difference in the Freeman and Jackson Gillis -- Freeman episodes, at least nothing that isn't Did the best of the grisly 1951 shows, probably more attributable to the Gillis (of Perry Mason fame) wrote script writing . the more intriguing 1953 episodes.

JIM HAMBRICK

MIKE ROSE Tommy Carr.

My favorite director was Thomas

Carr, but also I like Lee Sholem's work DON RHODEN on the show. Tommy Carr was my favorite director, with Lee Sholem running a close second JAMES KNOLT (Sholem probably could have won, if he had directed a few more episodes). My favorite director had to be Tommy

Carr.

MICHAEL BIFULCO

Favorite director goes to Tommy What are some of your favorite Carr, with Lee Sholem a close second. moments or vignettes from the episodes?

ROBERT HARVEY

Tommy Carr is my favorite director; PAUL MANDELL he's good all around, but excels at action scenes. Favorite Vignettes: George's famous furtive move when he lands in front of Beverly Washburn's

house in Superman and the Mole Men. RUSSEL FORSYTHE Superman's masterful "electrocution" Thomas Carr. Scene in Crime Wave. George's punchout of Professor Joe Mell, in Crime Wave, and his truly RANDY GARRETT pissed dismantling of the "electrocution machine" (Mell would Tommy Carr was the best Superman later assist Whit Bissell in turning director, followed closely by Lee Michael Landon into I Was a Teenage Sholem. Werewolf).

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George's deadpan announcement in MIKE ROSE Crime Wave: "There is no number Some of my favorite scenes from the one crime boss in Metropolis... show are: anymore!" Mind Machine - Great fight scene George busting through the door and followed by Superman lifting a plane. I knocking out Frank Jenks, in Stolen must have played this one over fifty Costume (a scene which literally put times. George on his ass when the crossbeams Crime Wave - The whole montage didn't break on cue). of great fight scenes, flying shots, George's magnificent full-frontal and episodes clips from the first year takeoff in Unknown People. 1951! How can you beat it? George busting through Luigi No Holds Barred - What I Dinelli's window in Czar of the consider to be Reeves's greatest fight Underworld. scene: "Alright boys, the party's The amnesiac Clark Kent with his over..." shirt precariously opened, near Jimmy, Golden Vulture - Pirates chasing in Panic in the Sky. Clark around the ship, and another The singular shot of his fall great Superman fight scene. through the glass shower stall in Night of Terror - Superman Panic. crashing through the ceiling and Clark Kent, wearing the Superman beating up the bad guys (once more, a costume and glasses, as his amnesia great fight scene). clears in Panic, underscored by Ronald Unknown People - Superman Hamner's magnificent music cue protecting Luke Benson from the "vacuum "Menace." cleaner" ray gun. The extended shot of George Reeves's Deserted Village - Clark Kent profile as he flies (in rear running over fences after hearing a projection, holding box) toward the gunshot. asteroid in Panic (to the tune of

"Eerie Night").

Clark Kent jumping over a picket fence in Deserted Village. JAMES KNOLT The frenetic punchout at the end of Night of Terror (although it was The Haunted lighthouse - The mostly a double in long shot), and knife being bent on Superman's chest. Reeves's solid right hook, finishing it The Birthday Letter - The off. closing scene of Superman flying with The only scene of Superman reaching Cathy. for his Kent clothes concealed in his The Mind Machine - Superman cape (Night of Terror). stopping the bus. George's Bronx bruiser portrayal of The Stolen Costume - What else? Boulder in The Face and the Voice. Clark crashing through the door. Clark Kent trying desperately to The Evil Three - I can recall change into Superman, running around the unedited version where Elsa is the pirate ship in The Golden pushed down the cellar stairs. Vulture. Shot in the Dark - The photo of Kent walking the plank. Clark changing to Superman. George's riveting dialogue when he The Defeat of Superman - Lois explains about the radium daggers in crying over the prostrate Superman. The Seven Souvenirs, Panic in the Sky - The opening His passionate X-raying of Judy of the shirt, Superman wearing glasses. Nugent's eyes during surgery, in The Machine That Could Plot Around the World, and the Crimes - Lois following Clark. rear-projected flight over Paris and The Big Freeze - Superman, after Arabia. being frozen, walking through the streets as Clark Kent before he had a chance to apply make-up.

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Night of Terror - Superman Leap onto studio catwalk in Czar changing to Clark as Jimmy waits at the of the Underworld. door. The atomic plant sequence, withering All That Glitters - George's flowerpot sequence, and airplane final look into the camera. sequence from Superman in Exile. The observatory liftoffs from Panic in the Sky. The pool hall scene in MICHAEL BIFULCO Semi-Private Eye. The fight scene and sense of humor Writing about my favorite moments as Kent "drowns" in The Golden could fill a book, but here are a few Vulture. off the top of my head: The sour look and comment when about Lois Lane's first confrontation with to drink the explosive liquid for the Clark Kent regarding his ability to get second time in The Whistling Bird. a story before she could, in Superman The flight sequence and closing gag on Earth. from Around The World. Panic in the Sky as Lois and The blast furnace sequence in The Jimmy show Kent around the Daily Big Freeze. Planet, trying to restore his lost memory. Panic in the Sky when it looks as if all is lost, Jimmy points to the RUSSEL FORSYTHE sky and announces Superman’s timely arrival. My favorite moments from certain The Golden Vulture as Kent episodes include: snoops around the loading dock and The Stolen Costume - The two ship, all the while great background criminals who have Superman's stolen music setting the mood. costume, Ace and Connie have captured Ghost Wolf when Lois takes Clark Kent's detective friend, Candy. charge and insists on bunking with Kent Realizing he can't change to Superman, and Jimmy. Kent crashes through Ace's apartment Semi-Private Eye whenever Jack door at super-speed, knocking out Larson is on camera. Candy, and Ace fires three bullets at Clown Who Cried when Jimmy is him (which, of course, bounce off Kent, being intimidated by Hercules, and who looks at Ace with a proud smile). later when he walks away from the The Evil Three - The Colonel, restrained Hercules, after pulling out not knowing who Superman is, strikes at one of his beard hairs, whistling the Man of Steel with his sabre, which confidently. of course breaks on impact. Superman picks up the Colonel, tosses him to the ground and takes off. Later in the same episode, the other ROBERT HARVEY criminal, Macey, is holding Perry and Jimmy hostage in the basement of the Some of my favorite moments are: old run-down hotel. Arriving at the The confrontation with Luke Benson hotel, Superman grabs Macey by the outside little girl's home in The collar demanding he tell him Perry and Unknown People. Jimmy's whereabouts or he'll break The bus sequence, fight sequence and every bone in his body. Macey attempts airplane sequence from The Mind to wrestle Superman, but, once again Machine. the Man of Steel has no time for crazed The fight sequence from No Holds criminals like Macey and picks him up Barred. and throws him over the hotel counter. Kent's leap over picket fence in Mystery in Wax - Superman The Deserted Village. crashes through Madame Selena's hideout The confrontation and stranding of to rescue her captives when her husband the villains in The Stolen Costume. fires a gun at Superman. The Man of Confronting the Colonel and Macey in Steel quickly subdues Selena's husband. The Evil Three. Selena tries to retaliate, by grabbing Lift-off in The Ghost Wolf. the gun. but Superman, showing he has

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no time or respect for such a demented TOM NAGY women, grabs her, disarms her and tosses her to Inspector Henderson. My favorite action scene is when Superman jumps into the air and flies. In particular, any scene with dramatic background music (or no music at all) RANDY GARRETT which shifts to the beginning trumpets of the flight music, and Superman There are many magic moments in the leaping out of the window. Superman series. The ones I remember After this, my favorite individual most are: scene is in Riddle of the Chinese Superman and Professor Roberts Jade when Superman beats the hell out watching the meteor approach in Panic of the smartass crook, who stole the in the Sky. statue. Superman forcing his way into the nuclear reactor room in Superman in Exile. Kent finding his extra costumes in JIM BEAVER the secret closet in Panic in the Sky. I liked Superman splitting in two in The free-for-all fight at the end of the jail cell (Divide and Conquer); No Holds Barred. when he passes through The Mysterious Cube, when he threatens to bounce Inspector Henderson around the room like a basketball in Three in One; when he flies to Egypt to get a plant GARY MANTAKOONY from the pyramid (in Star of Fate); whenever he stops a plane or a car; My favorite moments from The especially when he makes a diamond from Adventures of Superman include the coal; when Jimmy got his leg stuck rescue scene from Superman on behind his head (in No Holds Earth, with Dabbs Greer; the fight Barred). scenes in Night of Terror, No Holds Barred, Czar of the Underworld, Crime Wave, and Unknown People. There are also sensitive scenes, JIM HAMBRICK such as Clark Kent saying goodbye to Corky in The Dog Who Knew Superman; The scenes I particularly enjoy from Noel Neill's apparent remorse in the series include: Superman dying in The Defeat of The fist fight in Golden Superman; Sarah Kent saying goodbye Vulture; to her son in Superman on Earth. George's acting in The Face and Phyllis Coates demonstrated herself the Voice; as a great actress. and the superior The furnace scene in The Big Lois Lane, in Mystery of the Broken Freeze; Statues, where Tris Coffin tries to Any outside flying take-offs from make her devulge [sic] the location of a the first season; missing key. Her altercations with George's punches; Frank Richards, in Night of Terror; All That Glitters (George's last her determination to free Pop Polgase words in the episode) - "Maybe I never in Rescue; her repartee with Peter will..." Brocco when she's drugged and questioned about Superman in The

Secret of Superman; her contempt for DON RHODEN Madame Selena, and subsequent fight, in Mystery in Wax; and, of course, one Superman jumping out of the of the all lime. screamers in The storeroom window in the 1951 episodes. Runaway Robot. The hair-raising fist fight, and last second rescue of Lois and Jimmy, in Night of Terror.

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The fight in The Mind Machine What season do you feel is "Kranek - get away from that machine!"" the worst and why? Kent pretending to be drugged in The Secret of Superman. Phyllis Coates's face never looking lovelier than it did when she was being questioned by Dr. Ohrt in The Secret PAUL MANDELL of Superman. "All right boys, the party's over," Unequivocally the last shot at in No Holds Barred. Eagle-Lion, later the Fred Ziv Studio. The unveiling scene, in Mystery in Paper-mache sets and props, lousy Wax, with Perry, Lois and Clark, when special effects, dumb scripts (even for Kent sees the wax dummy of Perry White kids), poor George looking quite with his X-ray vision first. inappropriate as the Superman we once Superman questioning the Colonel, in knew. The Evil Three, immediately before getting smashed across the chest with the Colonel's sabre. The eerie laugh of Elsa in The MIKE ROSE Evil Three, with the crazed fight Many fans may hate me for saying scene between Macey and the Colonel. this but I really don't like most of Superman crashing through the window the color years of Superman. I do like and beating up Dinelli and his henchmen one or two of the episodes, but they do in Czar of the Underworld. not compare with the black and white Superman carrying a wounded mole man shows. (while three others follow) down a I have to say my favorite season was dilapidated [sic] black-and-white street of the first (1951), I guess because of Silsby, his cape billowing in the wind, all of the action, adventure, and in The Unknown People (Part 2). mystery they contained. Seriously, I An amnesiac Clark Kent standing with prefer Robert Maxwell's concept of how his partially opened shirt, revealing Superman should act to Ellsworth's. I his costume, talking to Jimmy in Panic enjoyed the more violent fight scenes in the Sky. and the "serial look" that they had. The eerily illuminated figure of George's tough dialogue delivery was Superman standing dejected on a superior to the softer version the next mountain top in Superman in Exile. year.

I really don't have any year that I

think is the worst.

JAMES KNOLT

I suppose the 1956 season rates as the worst with me. The plots were thin and the acting subpar. Gregory Moffet in The Stolen Elephant was not good. I just can't imagine any boy getting so excited over a game of marbles or not knowing what an automobile registration looks like. Did he really believe it was an elephant registration number (J24Y97)? Close Shave left much to be desired as well. Ditto for The Man Who Made Dreams Come True.

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MICHAEL BIFULCO TOM NAGY

The worst season is the last season. The worst season had to be the third Even Tommy Carr couldn't save it. Poor season of color episodes. writing, bad sets, and an aging George From the second season of Reeves really pulled it down. semi-serious, black and white episodes to the implausibly humorous, color shows, and the lame directing, it is ROBERT HARVEY easy to understand why George Reeves appears disappointed. I feel the fifth season (1956) is This season also introduced the the worst because the stories are unflattering, color costume. Where is geared more towards children (Tin the muscle padding? Why do the trunks Hero, The Prince Albert Coat, The come up on his waist so high? Worst of Stolen Elephant, and Mr. Zero). all, why was his cape tucked behind his shoulders instead of in front (like his tan and brown costume from the black and white episodes)? RUSSEL FORSYTHE

In my opinion, the 1956 season is the worst. By that time the show had JIM HAMBRICK become too comic and childish and Superman had lost most of his original The last season was the worst charisma. It seemed like the producers because the stories were weak and were trying to return the show to the George looked overweight and tired. I direction of the 1951 season, but the also disliked Noel Neill's Bozo-red damage was already done. hair.

DON RHODEN RANDY GARRETT

To me, the worst season is 1956. 1956. Some shows are unbearable even for a diehard fan like me. Mr. Zero, Close Shave, Tin Hero, and so on, are just awful. George looks fantastic, probably the What are your ten least best he ever looked, in the color favorite episodes? episodes (while the scripts are terrible). The 1957 shows are pretty bad with Reeves looking a bit out of shape, but overall, 1956 is the bigger disappointment. PAUL MANDELL

My least favorite episodes? Well... GARY MANTAKOONY The Atomic Captive (I still hallucinate on this one), The Stolen I feel that the worst season of Elephant, Joey, All That Glitters, The Adventures of Superman was The Brainy Burro, Superman Week, Dagger 1956. The shows were silly, boring and Island, The Gentle Monster, The Tomb of for the most part insipid - Mr. Zaharan, and Mr. Zero (zero). Zero and The Stolen Elephant are standouts.

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MIKE ROSE RANDY GARRETT

My least favorite episodes (all The worst show has to be Mr. color shows, by the way) are: Joey, Zero, followed by Brainy Burro, Topsy Turvey, Jolly Roger, Tin Hero, Atomic Captive, Tin Hero, Close Shave, Prince Albert Coat, Stolen Elephant, Stolen Elephant, Whatever Goes Up, Mr. Zero, The Tomb of Zaharan, The Wedding of Superman, Bully of Dry Brainy Burro, and Atomic Captive. Gulch, and Flight to the North.

JAMES KNOLT GARY MANTAKOONY

Again, in no particular order, my My least favorite episodes are: Least favorite episodes are: Close The Unlucky Number, The Talking Clue, Shave, The Stolen Elephant, Mr. Zero, Joey, Prince Albert Coat, The Stolen The Deadly Rock, Three in One, The Elephant, Mr. Zero, Gentle Monster, Brainy Burro, Tin Hero, Disappearing Test Of A Warrior, Superman Week, and Lois, The Man Who Made Dreams Come Double Trouble. True, King for a Day, and I've just Counted ten so I'll stop.

CHARLES WAGNER MICHAEL BIFULCO Reeves was great! Neill was great! My least favorite episodes are as Coates was great! Larson was great! follows: Mr. Zero, Wedding of Most of the stories were okay too, Superman, Through the Time Barrier, except maybe just a couple episodes Test of a Warrior, Topsy Turvey, The that I love to hate. Brainy Burro, Man Who Made Dreams Come Oh, shudder the day when Chuck True, Gentle Monster, Jolly Roger, Connors showed up in Metropolis and The Stolen Elephant. (Episode #63, Flight to the North) and began bending horse shoes, introducing himself as Sylvester J. Superman, and giving the Man of Steel ROBERT HARVEY swell advice like "You're liable to get My least favorite ten episodes (in hurt flying around like that." order) are: Mr. Zero, The Atomic Mostly, I am glad that Connors is Captive, Tin Hero, Disappearing Lois, better known for gunning down people Through The Time Barrier, Joey, The with his Winchester. Jolly Roger, Topsy Turvey, The Superman Then - be sure to get your insulin Silver Mine, and The Brainy Shot first - there is Joey (Episode Burro. #66), in which a pathetic lass is almost forced to part with her beloved race horse. But, after quick action by philanthropist Perry White and

Superman, this bizarre love RUSSEL FORSYTHE relationship is saved and the mortgage My least favorite 10 episodes are: on the horse ranch properly paid. Rescue (1951), Five Minutes To It wasn't just the girls who were Doom (1953), Jet Ace (1953), dopey. How about - for gosh sake! - Jimmy Olsen, Boy Editor (1953), Johnny Wilson who finds The Stolen Through The Time Barrier (1954), Elephant (Episode #89) in his barn The Jolly Roger (1956), Mr. and jumps to the conclusion that it is Zero (1956), Dagger Island a birthday present from his goofy (1955), Whistling Bird (1953), and mother. Mrs. Wilson, who had spent her Topsy Turvey (1955). last dime buying Johnny a bag of marbles, was no help either. I'm glad I did not have to shovel up after that one.

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The topper has to be Episode #52 (Around the World). Both Mr. and What mistakes, miscues and Mrs. Carson apparently refused to errors have you been able to take their medication and what a mess detect? that little Annie was. Of course, Lois wasn't much better when she started blubbering because Ann was blind. But, wait! Have you watched prime-time PAUL MANDELL television lately? Maybe these episodes weren't as bad as I thought. Mistakes? Plentiful but fascinating: P.S.- Remember Episode #88, The The incomprehensible lack of mental Prince Albert Coat? Now that was linkage on the past [sic] of Mr. Big et al in really awful...maybe... Crime Wave, when Barbara Fuller's 8mm footage shows Kent running into the Famous Pathe alley and emerging as Superman. TOM NAGY A hot splice in the rear-projected footage of trees as Superman talks to Out of the fifty-two color episodes, Kentucky Colonel Jonathan Hale in The I hate forty-five of them. Evil Three. The many intercuts of stock-shot Clark Kent removing his hat by the storeroom, when he had no hat to begin JIM BEAVER with.

No question that Mr. Zero is my The shadow of Mrs. Carmady falling least favorite episode, though Flight on the sky backdrop of Moose Island as to the North with Chuck Connors as she first exits the house in The Sylvester Superman is a pretty close Haunted Lighthouse. second. I also hated the old professor The table lamp shattering in who repeated a phrase at the end of Henderson's office a beat before the every sentence. rifle fires in Czar of the Underworld. Professor LaSerne's dialogue flub in Divide and Conquer (George moves JIM HAMBRICK right along). No one recognizing Kent, sans My least favorite episodes are: glasses, as Superman in Panic in the Mr. Zero, All That Glitters, The Sky and The Golden Vulture (what Gentle Monster, Flight to the North, amazing illogic). The Bully of Dry Gulch, Peril by Sea, An old crook actually mouthing his Superman's Wife, The Atomic Captive, crony's lines in the car just before The Magic Secret, and Peril in Superman clunks their heads together. Paris. Professor Ladislav spending

three-quarters of an episode trying to

wet his whistle; Olsen driving right DON RHODEN into a nuclear holocaust; Superman My least favorite episodes are: "reversing" the explosion (poor The Prince Albert Coat (Confederate George); everything else in Atomic bonds? You bet...), Close Shave Captive. (for the lobotomized), Mr. Zero, Ed Cobb not connecting Clark Kent The Brainy Burro (where's Mr. Ed?), scuttling behind a rock and emerging a The Atomic Captive (belongs with beat later as Superman in Rescue. those government radioactive films from The "race of supermen" living on the Fifties), Joey and The Stolen Krypton, so advanced that they must Elephant (I hate animal shows), rely on torches, instead of Peril By Sea (Great Caesar's Ghost, electricity, on the Cat Women of the how ridiculous!), The Talking Clue Moon set used in Superman on (Henderson's kid has the lamest hobby Earth. I've ever heard of), and Topsy George visibly puppeting Carmelita's Turvey (I need some dramamine), head in The Brainy Burro. 23

The mind-boggling TV room with no moment, what her exact words were, but one in it, except a seated dummy for she obviously meant that Mr. White sent the televising of Superman Week. Jimmy on his errand. Bank guard, Buddy Mason, trying to Of course, the way Superman raised say something in English about a sink the bathysphere in Perils of turning purple (also Superman week). Superman is scientifically incorrect. The pilot, Steve Carr, believing Kent's story that he had passed out airborne, oblivious to the busted jaw he must've acquired by Kent's punch in The Mind Machine. The sound effect of Superman flying refusing to stop when he lands by the MICHAEL BIFULCO rocks in The Haunted Lighthouse; no sound effect in another show. Once again, mistakes sighted in the Clark Kent's chalk breaking as he series would fill a book, but my solves the rhebus in Missing favorites are Superman's chest insignia Statues. reversed in scenes where his direction A piece of fishline pulling a of travel was photographed incorrect. flaming piece of paper into the gas leak in Rescue (you weren't supposed to see this on the twelve-inch screen). The girl untying Jimmy the Kid from his chair, after his hands are free. Oh, well ... love it or leave it. ROBERT HARVEY

With regards to mistakes, miscues and errors, I have noticed: microphone shadows, blown dialogue, continuity MIKE ROSE errors, reversed negatives, out of I know there were a lot of mistakes synch sound for liftoffs and landings, left in Superman episodes but I have springboard sound, sound of running off only spotted a few, decorated area of soundstage floor, In Shot in the Dark, you can see excessive sweat stains, and noticeable a man kneeling in the right corner of padded shirt outlines. the room when Clark is putting out the A specific example is in The fire in Billy Grey's supply room. Birthday letter. As Kent calmly In Mind Machine, Superman ducks, leaves Lois Lane's office, cut to when a gun is thrown at him. outside hallway as he excitedly crosses to stock room door and enters, then cut to window as Superman leaps out, having spent no time changing. JAMES KNOLT

The Man Who Could Read Minds is filled with a mixture of daytime and night scenes. It is also easy to see that a double was used for John RUSSEL FORSYTHE

Hamilton as Perry White drives into one In many episodes Clark Kent removes of the early scenes. his glasses in front of his friends but In Superman Week, there is a none of them recognize him as Superman. strange conversation between Lois and Also, for some reason, the later color Perry. Lois says something about having episodes do not have the titles printed to phone them all, and Perry replies on the films. I thought they might have that there is no time for that, she been edited, but after talking to a will have to phone them instead. fellow collector he told me that they Three in One also contains a didn't print the titles. I assume the glaring error by Noel Neill. She says, titles only appear on the film leaders. I believe, that Clark is still missing but that Mr. Kent has sent Jimmy out for something. I can't recall, at the

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RANDY GARRETT DON RHODEN

It's not surprising that repeated You can see the spring board at the viewings of the series will reveal bottom of the screen, after Reeves mistakes in the show, the same is true leaves the Colonel, in The Evil of Gone With the Wind. Three. In Drums of Death, Johnson is When Murray and his mobsters leave looking at a snapshot supposedly of their car, it rolls backwards because voodoo witch doctor. This scene leads the driver forgot to set the parking to two boo-boos. First, the photo is brake in No Holds Barred. said to be an enlargement from a piece Drums of Death - Clark flies out of movie film which Perry's sister has of his hotel room in Haiti which looks made. The film, when screened by Perry exactly like the storeroom in the Daily and Clark, shows the witch doctor Planet. peaking through some bushes, while the George bangs the head of Dinelli photo shows him standing still in front (actually a dummy) on a brick wall when of a wall. Johnson slowly lowers the he lands back at the studio in Czar photo after looking at it and this of the Underworld. reveals the second mistake in the The newspaper says Dr. Hurley was scene. The photo he is looking at is the fourth suicide when he was only the obviously a portrait of a distinguished third in Mystery in Wax. looking gentleman in a suit and tie. In All That Glitters, it is Another goof to watch for, depending obvious that the mouse is being pushed on how the picture is framed, is the against its will, rather than pulling appearance of the spring board in the heavy cabinet. several of the 1951 take offs. When Superman knocking over the vault Reeves bounces off of it, it rebounds into door on his way out of the room after frame for a second. rescuing Hugh Beaumont in The Big Squeeze.

GARY MANTAKOONY Compare, if you will, the The two glaring mistakes that George Reeves versus Christopher standout in my mind are the scenes in Reeve Superman. The Talking Clue with George and

Three in One with Noel Neill.

PAUL MANDELL TOM NAGY

While the color episodes have the It's quite unfair to compare George most errors, I have noticed, in The Reeves and Christopher Reeve as Evil Three, after Superman thrashes Superman. Chris is a "today" actor with the Colonel, the springboard he jumps lots of latitude for the role, and he on for the takeoff bounces into view. is a very good Superman. George had a unique acting style and persona - he deliberately chewed his lines and JIM BEAVER flaunted an arsenal of theatrical devices. Some people admired this, There is an episode where, in a others did not. Still others may have flying sequence, Reeves' cape catches found it embarrassing. Acting in on a wire holding him up. Fifties television cannot (and should not) be compared to acting in the movies of the Eighties. Nevertheless, when George played it straight, in his JIM HAMBRICK leotards, he was Superman. For all

How can you want to put down Chris's finesse in the role, he is an anything about the television show? overgrown Superboy with an overbite.

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I'd like to think that George a type of role that is very difficult Reeves's crime-busting in Crime to carry off successfully. To Wave and warmth in Around the appreciate his talent, consider the World was everything Maxwell and portrayals of other superheros (or even Ellsworth had hoped Superman would be Superman) in the movie serials or on the tube. feature films - either wooden or overplayed to the point of parody.

MIKE ROSE

To me, comparing George Reeves to RUSSEL FORSYTHE

Christopher Reeve is like comparing I like George Reeves portrayal of kryptonite to apples. George was, and Superman much better than Christopher always will be, Superman in the flesh. Reeve. Of course I grew up watching Anything else is a poor imitation. George Reeves. I feel George Reeves's 'Nuff said. Superman is much more down to earth and appears tougher, especially during the 1951 season. Christopher Reeve tried to JAMES KNOLT make too much of a dramatic role of There is no comparison between Superman I feel. George and Chris to be made. Well, yes there is. Christopher Reeve's portrayal of Clark Kent is abominable. The current movie series seems to entirely RANDY GARRETT miss the feeling of closeness which There is no comparison between existed between the cast in the George Reeves and Christopher Reeve. As television series. Clark cared for Lois an actor. Reeve is very limited, even and Jimmy. Perry White looked after all wooden at times. His interpretation of of them, even Clark in many ways. The Clark Kent as a clumsy nerd is totally movies miss the point entirely. It was overdone to the point of being silly. that feeling of warmth that intrigued His Superman is too mushy, much like me. Alan Alda as the Man of Steel (?). He looks completely plastic with his spit curl hair do and big rubber galoshes. I'll have to admit that my opinion of MICHAEL BIFULCO Mr. Reeve is based only on the first Superman film since I've refused to see This would be a good subject for a the sequels, but to me his performance future article in the newsletter. is a fiasco. Simply stated, though, I would say Obviously I'm a big fan of George Christopher Reeve acted the part of Reeves. The main strength of the show Superman - George Reeves was Superman! and I feel the reason it is remembered After growing up with the television so fondly is his ability as an actor. series, trying to imagine anyone other The character he created was then [sic] George as Superman would be like tremendous. Totally heroic, yet humble trying to imagine anyone other than and considerate of others. At times he Charlton Heston as Moses. was stern, but never flat or cardboard.

His Clark Kent was a pleasure to watch

also. Level-headed polite, and down to

earth. Reeves's performance insures ROBERT HARVEY that the Superman series will always As far as I'm concerned, there is no have a warm spot in the hearts of fans. comparison. Chris Reeve has developed a The new movies, I'm afraid, won't be better build, but his smirking boy so fondly recalled. scout approach is a poor substitute for George Reeves' sincere, thoughtful, and determine portrayal [sic]. As a child I was thoroughly convinced that he was Superman, and as an adult I've come to appreciate his wonderful performance in

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GARY MANTAKOONY way to go, since we're supposed to believe that nobody recognizes Superman George was already thirty-seven when once he puts on his glasses. Reeve has he became the second live-action more fun in the role than Reeves did, Superman, where Chris was only in his and that fun is contagious, but then twenties. George was a more seasoned George had a lot less to work with, actor with such pictures as Gone with got paid less, and had to do it six the Wind and So Proudly We Hail, days a week for six years! So it's no to his credit, whereas Chris was a wonder Chris seems a little fresher in relative unknown. George had the the part. ability to play Clark Kent with both Despite a certain difference in timidity, strength, and humor and their talents, I'll watch George Reeves Superman with acute forcefulness [sic] and in Superman or anything else any day of agi1ity. Chris, though very appealing, the week over Christopher Reeve, and no generally lacks his predecessors offense to Chris. credibility and appears to me to be very bland.

JIM HAMBRICK

TOM NAGY George is, was and always will be The Original Superman. George is tough, but a friend in the Christopher Reeve would have made a first and second seasons. He is always good Superboy. full of energy. Chris is gentle, friendly, but more cautious to use his powers. The special effects used in the DON RHODEN movies are good, the Eiffel Tower Christopher Reeve tried hard and rescue scene, from Superman II, does a good job of playing a yuppie being the special effect most Superman. The take-offs are never reminiscent of the television series. spectacular, and are more like Unfortunately, most of the special Tinkerbell floating off. He is effects are slow-paced, the flight good-looking, and in the first three take-offs are poor, and the flying films, had the appropriate physique. He music stinks. Chris Reeve is nice, but resembles the Curt Swan-John Byrne a wimp compared to George Reeves. comic book version of the character. He As a postscript, Chris Reeve's "S" plays a sensitive, Phil Donahue and insignia sucks. Alan Alda, kind of Superman. George Reeves, on the other hand, was a man's man. He looked like the old Wayne Boring-Joe Shuster version of the JIM BEAVER character. His takeoffs were George Reeves, for the most part, spectacular (at least in the first two played Kent and Superman exactly alike, seasons), and in the first season, his and very honestly and straight-ahead, portrayal was forceful. He couldn't be not kidding the character at all. He duped by anyone. In 1951, Reeves played was not an extraordinarily subtle or the role straight. gifted actor, but he was nevertheless In closing, compare Reeves' profile quite a good one, and he did solid work with Reeve's. After that, does anyone on the show, especially in its early need further convincing? days, before the sameness of the work, day in and day out, began to wear on him. Christopher Reeve is certainly the better actor of the two, with a terrific ability to find tiny nuances in a role, and he plays Kent and Superman as two totally different people, which is probably the better

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side of Sheriff Stanley Andrews when What is your critical reaction the PR man informs him of all the to the release of Superman and "publicity" he will get by not the Mole Men? calling in the police. The missing dialogue by Walter Reed does well in heightening overall anxiety. George's monologue about potential hysteria, prior to his magnificent "Peter Pan" takeoff, is great (other take-off shots and fight scenes used George Fisher and a variety of other stuntmen). The opening long shot of Silsby was either a freeze-frame or a painting in the movie; yet in Unknown People, trees billow in the wind. You can see the composite effect of water on the arroya [sic] downshot done by optical man, Jack Rabin, who died on May 25, 1987 (Rabin, not Thol Simonson, was responsible for putting together the flying shots in 1951). Also peculiar in the film is a different sound effect PAUL MANDELL for George landing behind Jeff Corey near the dam. The familiar “whoosh” The video release of Superman and wasn't tracked in until it became a the Mole-Men was a treat and a two-part show. disappointment. My feeling is that even Sometimes ruthless editing works diehard aficionados could only view it best. The pursuit of the mole man by as a curiosity piece. Superman and Benson and his mob was much too long in the Mole-Men was typical of the the movie, and the serio-comic double- Lippert packages of the period (Robot take of a local spitting out his coffee Monster and so on) with its comic book at the sight of the running creature title backgrounds and uninspired music. doesn't redeem its length. Of note is Most interesting was the opening flag my mother's old Electrolux vacuum shot of George in the movie; I had cleaner used as a "laser weapon." I always assumed that it was shot for the wish she had kept it, as it was series. Bud Kennedy (the familiar recently exhibited in the Brooklyn "apocalyptic voice" behind the series's Museum as an art deco objet d'art. opening titles and previews) narrated Superman and the Mole Men was a the movie. Kennedy can be seen in long-awaited rediscovery. Though one Crime Wave, behind the radio mike, wishes that there could have been more when a bulletin is issued. in the way of missing dialogue and The original music, by Darrell Superman action Scenes. Calker (of Woody Woodpecker fame, no less), was adequate, but nothing compared to the good old library tracks. The chilling mysterioso MIKE ROSE and frenetic passages in Unknown People made it scary, particularly the I was thrilled beyond words when clamorous cue used for the chase into Superman and Mole Men was finally the burning barn, and the eerie one released. I missed seeing it as a when Phyllis is sees the mole men at the child, being born in '52, but I had window. always wanted to see what was cut from Some of the dialogue scissored out the television version. Needless to for television is amusing. For say, Warner answered my prayers by instance, Phyllis is observes the creature finally releasing it on video. has the head of a human and "the body I thought the music in it was of a mole" (how she can equate a felt terrible, compared with the music used zippered body suit with a mole is in the series, but as a whole, I found anyone's guess, but it justified the it really enjoyable, and it was great title). You get to see the "seamier" to see the edited scenes.

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JAMES KNOLT RUSSEL FORSYTHE

I thoroughly enjoyed Superman and I think it’s good that Superman and the Mole Men. I purchased a copy, and the Mole Men has been released on watch it often. For many years I tape. It helps to keep memories of the anticipated its release, but never series alive. My only complaint is thought I would ever see it. that, when they originally filmed it, I also feel that Superman and the they didn't have Perry White, Jimmy Mole Men was good for the added Olsen or Inspector Henderson in the dialog and different opening. Even the movie. music was more appropriate than the repetitious score used in Unknown People. Now, I suppose as part of the RANDY GARRETT Fiftieth Anniversary, Warner Home The video release of Superman and Video is releasing two volumes of the Mole Men will keep George Superman videos, including four Reeves's Superman in the public eye, television episodes. Volume One has but the show is really not a true Superman On Earth and All That representation of the series as a Glitters. Volume Two has Crime whole. It lacks both Perry and Jimmy, Wave and Perils of Superman. Each and the familiar "planet" surroundings. volume also has a Fleischer cartoon. Cheap production values, represented by They will be available November 25th the animated flying shot, also hurt. for the price of $29.98 each (I also However, all of these short comings are run a small mail-order video company). overshadowed by Reeves's tremendous

performance.

MICHAEL BIFULCO JIM HAMBRICK I was very happy to learn of the recent release of Superman and the I thought it was great stuff! Mole Men. Taken within the context of I have been waiting for fifteen the times, it is a very good show. years to see Superman and the Mole Certainly, 1 missed the television Men released. music so obviously absent from the film, but it was fun to see the whole story uncut. My only negative reaction was the price. I don't feel it will DON RHODEN ever get a fair chance to reach the I loved every second of Superman masses with such a high ticket. and the Mole Men. Although the music We'll see. was not near as good as the television music, I still enjoyed it. It reminded me of the old Fifties science-fiction movie music heard on the late shows of ROBERT HARVEY the last twenty years. I was very pleased to have the The only bad thing about the film chance to see Superman and the Mole was that it was too short. I was hoping Men in its original form. I feel that for all sorts of stuff, like an it plays better in its reworked form extended fight scene where Superman for television - the extra scenes takes the guns from the vigilante mob. (aside from Superman and Lois Lane The cassette's high price will keep behind the girl's house) add little to many people from buying it, and also the story, and the music is hardly prevent many video rental outlets from memorable. stocking it, insuring a high profile for Christopher Reeve's Superman and not George Reeves's portrayal.

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What imaginary episodes or MICHAEL BIFULCO scenarios would you like to have Imaginary episodes I would like to seen? have seen are most of the second season shows with Phyllis Coates as Lois Lane.

PAUL MANDELL ROBERT HARVEY

It would've been nice to have had Some imaginary scenarios I'd like to Superman pitted against an arch villain have seen include an encounter with like Luthor (a mean, non-Gene Hackman, Brainiac and a team-up with Batman or Luthor) or a Braniac. But when you the Justice League of America. realize how dumb fantastical characters were penned by the Chantlers and "Whit" Ellsworth in the final season, leaving RUSSEL FORSYTHE them alone was a blessing. With bad guys like Dan Seymour, Tony Caruso, I would like to have seen Superman Frank Richards, and the Runyonesque battle Lex Luthor. I would like to have heavies of the vintage episodes, I'd seen a flashback episode in which say that George Reeves had his hands Superman recalls how he and Luther had full for quite a spell (even Joe Kirk - been boyhood friends, then how Luther Baccigalupe in the Abbott and Costello became Superboy's enemy after the Boy show - had it in for Kent in Czar of of Steel blew out a fire in Luthor's the Underworld). lab causing the boy scientist to lose It's sad that Ellsworth chose to all his hair. play down the series with bumbling Ben Weldons and insipid Pepperwinkles rather than pit Superman against the RANDY GARRETT gritty characters that populated Dragnet and Racket Squad. Even I've always felt that the miniscule sadder is that late bloomers, who budget of the Superman series was a remember The Adventures of blessing in disguise. The lack of money Superman, lean towards the color ruled out Luthor and his comic book episodes. Bob Maxwell may have gone cronies since any of his inventions over the line in 1951, but the man had would have wiped out the budget for a nerve - the kind of nerve that we whole season. babyboomers enjoy so much. Similarly, invading aliens and monsters were impractical. Because of this Superman's adventures were kept more believable. MIKE ROSE As a kid I always felt that the

It would have been nice to bring stories could have actually happened, more of the comic book characters to especially the first two seasons. The the television series, but I'm happy only story I wish had been done was the that they didn't. I think it would have proposed full-length movie. I've always taken away from the originality of the wondered what more money and filming series. time would have allowed the crew to create. Of course, if the script had been on the level of the last few color JAMES KNOLT seasons it's just as well the George Reeves Superman movie never came to be. I especially liked when George worked with children, such as Judy Ann Nugent and Isa Ashdown. Therefore, I TOM NAGY think there should have been more of those. Besides a "Superman versus Luthor," and a team-up with Batman and Robin, any super-powered villian [sic] would have

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been neat. tied to a chair or table screaming? In the Fifties, the villains were Picture this in a dark brooding Maxwell earthlings, straight from real life. episode with the menacing background music reaching its peak. In other words, Superman with a “Frankenstein” JIM BEAVER motif. A Lex Luthor just as fiendishly I always wanted Batman to show up on sadistic as the one now appearing in the series. Byrne’s Superman comics. Lana Lang appearances. Help me out: What red-haired (or you can die the JIM HAMBRICK hair) actresses of the Fifties do you think could have portrayed Lana Lang? Superman vs. Brainiac and Mr. Mxyztplk. More Superman feature films, or even the completion of the proposed films Superman and the Ghost of Mystery Mountain (1954) DON RHODEN and Superman and the Secret Planet (1957). Imaginary episodes (don’t let me get I feel computerized graphics will started!)… eventually enable filmmakers to create More Maxwell episodes… new movies with long-dead stars such as No color episodes at all, black and Humphrey Bogart, George Reeves, or white suits the 1951 episodes better. Marilyn Monroe. Future generations may More Phyllis Coates. be unable to distinguish real actors Modern love scenes between George and from computer- generated ones. A “new” Phyllis. Adventures of Superman series (done A Bizarro episode. Can you imagine a in the Maxwell flavor, of course), with Bizarro George Reeves, fighting against a George Reeves in the leading role would George Reeves Superman, in gritty even be possible. black-and-white, with Phyllis Coates It doesn’t hurt to dream…

ROLL THE CREDITS

Well, that’s it for the first issue magazine might be a good way to spread of The Adventures Continue. the word.” I would like to close with an Anyone else out there have any interesting question posed by James thoughts on this? I think it’s a great Knolt, who wrote: “There is one other idea for June 1989. matter which you might be able to help In addition, Jim Beaver welcomes any with. As the thirtieth anniversary of correspondence related to George Reeves George’s death approaches, I would like for his upcoming biography. You may to do something to let the world know contact him at 6546 Hollywood Blvd, that he is not forgotten. I though #201, Los Angeles, CA 90028. perhaps a full-page ad in Variety See you next issue. or the LA Times might be appropriate. What do you think? It – Don Rhoden could be paid for by his fans. Your

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