George Reeves' Adventures of Superman for Beginners

[Earth 2 Chris]

I still remember growing up in the 70's and believing George Reeves died jumping off a building thinking he could really fly.

That rumor was as huge as Cass Elliot choking to death on a ham sandwich

The mother of my two best friends swore that was how Reeves died, but I knew better, and actually argued with her about it. She got so mad she was ready to ban me from their house! She believed it totally.

Chris

[ODBJBG]

Hollywoodland was a big part of why I wanted to see DC do a retro Superman film. I tend to think Superman works better in the 40s and 50s than he does in modern times. Make it more pulp than modern, depower him a bit and it presents a lot of interesting ideas.

Perhaps someday WB will explore it, especially if the WW84 does good.

Jack Larson seemed to change his opinion on George's death but his story about Toni and the circumstances are all still very odd. That didn't' change.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yDLeGum6elg

[Mikey]

I still remember growing up in the 70's and believing George Reeves died jumping off a building thinking he could really fly.

That rumor was as huge as Cass Elliot choking to death on a ham sandwich

[Brue]

^Larson recanted that later in life, unfortunately. In the documentary, "Look Up in the Sky", he says he does believe George killed himself. Unfortunately that documentary is now fairly uncomfortable to watch, because it is produced by Bryan Singer, narrated by Kevin Spacey, and features on-screen interviews with comic writer/historian, Gerard Jones. Yeesh.

On most days, I honestly don't believe Reeves committed suicide. It just doesn't quite add up to me. In addition to the Mannix and Lemon theories, there's also the angle that Reeve had a really bad car accident just a few days prior, and was on strong pain medication, either of which may have put him out of his mind. So even if he did...he may not have meant to under normal circumstances. This was DC editor and Superman TV producer Whitney Ellsworth's theory.

Not to always pimp my podcasts, but Rob Kelly and I discussed Hollywoodland and the mystery around George's death on an episode of The Film and Water Podcast. It may be worth a listen to those interested. http://fireandwaterpodcast.com/podca...hollywoodland/

On suicide: there are people who die from overdose, or other improper prescription drug use who didn't intend die. This is accidental, but still suicide.
I like that hollywoodland explored possibilities and left it open. It was a well done movie.
Not knowing what happened is frustrating, but better than creating a fantasy.

[PNGwynne]

Enjoyed the podcast immensely. Thanks for the link, Chris.

[Hedji]

We started recording Superman II Movie Minute last week
Chris

I can't wait! If anyone hasn't listened to the Superman Movie Minute podcast, what are you waiting for? It'll uplift your day.

[EmergencyIan]

I agree, I couldn’t believe how believable he was a Reeves. Really a gem of a performance that’s mostly gone unseen. Maybe the best part of the movie. It could have been a better film, but I certainly recommend it. It’s well worth seeing.

- Ian

[Earth 2 Chris]

Great episode, Chris!

- Ian

Thanks Ian! Podcasting with Rob is like falling off a log. We started recording Superman II Movie Minute last week, and I think we could have talked about the whole movie in one sitting, 5 minute segments at a time!

Back to Hollywoodland, I thought Affleck did a good job of portraying George. He looked and sounded like him, especially when he was Clark Kent!

Chris

[Hedji]

Oh, I WILL have to give that a listen.

[EmergencyIan]

Great episode, Chris!

- Ian

[EmergencyIan]

Listening now!

- Ian

[Earth 2 Chris]

^Larson recanted that later in life, unfortunately. In the documentary, "Look Up in the Sky", he says he does believe George killed himself. Unfortunately that documentary is now fairly uncomfortable to watch, because it is produced by Bryan Singer, narrated by Kevin Spacey, and features on-screen interviews with comic writer/historian, Gerard Jones. Yeesh.

On most days, I honestly don't believe Reeves committed suicide. It just doesn't quite add up to me. In addition to the Mannix and Lemon theories, there's also the angle that Reeve had a really bad car accident just a few days prior, and was on strong pain medication, either of which may have put him out of his mind. So even if he did...he may not have meant to under normal circumstances. This was DC editor and Superman TV producer Whitney Ellsworth's theory.

Not to always pimp my podcasts, but Rob Kelly and I discussed Hollywoodland and the mystery around George's death on an episode of The Film and Water Podcast. It may be worth a listen to those interested. http://fireandwaterpodcast.com/podca...hollywoodland/

[PNGwynne]

I don't either and neither did Jack Larson.

[EmergencyIan]

Forgive me, Chris. I forgot to thank you for mentioning that book, which sounds quite interesting. I had no idea that it existed until you mentioned it.

By the way, I do not think Reeves killed himself.

- Ian

[PNGwynne]

Thanks for the book referral, that's new to me. I was referring to Hollywood Kryptonite as the basis for the film. I also enjoyed Larry Tye's Superman: The High-Flying History of America's Most Enduring Hero.