The Super Museum

Above, the main entrance to the Super Museum. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

by Armand Vaquer

With this year's Superman Celebration coming up on June 7 -10 in Metropolis, Illinois, it would be a good idea to show what the town's Super Museum has to offer you. I visited Metropolis in November 2016 to attend the memorial service for actress Noel Neill. 

Along with the Super Museum, the town also has a statue honoring Noel, which I also visited. 

Here, with some updates, is my 2016 article on my visit.

Following my visit to the Noel Neill Lois Lane statue, I headed to Harrah's Casino alongside the Ohio River for breakfast. After breakfast, I went to the square next to the Massac County Court House where the giant Superman statue and Super Museum are located.

Above, yours truly with the Superman statue, who is ready for Christmas.

Upon arrival, I found that the Superman statue was wearing a Santa Claus hat. There were already Christmas decorations on the fence surrounding it. A couple were viewing the statue and photographing it. They asked me to take some of them with the statue, so I obliged. I had them take some of me with it as well.

Above, the store of the Super Museum. Photo by Armnd Vaquer.

Once we were done picture-taking, I headed off to the Super Museum. Inside, is a large store filled with all kinds of Superman and super-hero goods. I bought a magnet for The Beast. While roaming around the store, I ran into Noel's biographer, Larry Thomas Ward. I didn't recognize him right off as he had his hair cut much shorter than the last time I saw him two years ago.

Above, Larry Ward talks to museum owner Jim Hambrick's daughter. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

We exchanged greetings and he marveled that I drove all the way from L.A. to Metropolis. I then paid my admission fee (just $5.00) to enter the museum. Before going in, I asked the lady at the counter if it is okay to photograph inside. It turned out that she's the daughter of the museum's owner/operator Jim Hambrick. She said that I can take all the pictures I wanted. (I always ask permission to take photos whenever I go into a museum. Some allow it and some don't.)

"Relics" From the Adventures of Superman TV Show:

Upon entering the museum, I first saw a big display case of assorted Superman toys. I made a right turn and immediately came upon the Adventures of Superman television show section. It contained many photographs and props from the show. I took some photos of the displays. I then headed down to the next section, which was (more or less) dedicated to the first screen Superman, Kirk Alyn.

Above, Kirk Alyn Superman display. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Following this, I headed further where I found props and memorabilia from the Christopher Reeve Superman movies, including one of his costumes.

Above, a Christopher Reeve Superman costume. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Next, was a section dedicated to the Broadway Superman show of the 1960s. Ahead was a new separate room of Superman items which was dominated by a huge figure of Doomsday, the "critter" that killed Superman in the comic books in 1992.

Above, the Supergirl room. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Then, I reached a room dedicated to Supergirl. All incarnations of the Supergirl character were in this room, but mainly the Helen Slater Supergirl movie. If there were anything pertaining to the current Supergirl television series in there, I certainly didn't see any. (Keep in mind that this was in 2016. They may have artifacts of the Melissa Benoist Supergirl show now.)

Above, an actual "lead" mask from "The Man In The Lead Mask" episode. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Further on, was another section of photographs and memorabilia from the George Reeves Adventures of Superman television show including a "flying pan" from 1951-53, a "lead" mask from the 1953 episode, "The Man In The Lead Mask", a color George Reeves Superman costume and the "Mr. Kryptonite" costume worn by Gene LeBell in 1957 during a county fair tour.

Above, a George Reeves color Superman costume. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, a costume worn by Gene LeBell during the 1957 county fair
 tour with George Reeves and Noel Neill. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Also in this section were some original art by Curt Swan, Dick Giodano and others. There were more Superman memorabilia from over the years in this section, mainly toys and figures.

Above, the "flying pan" device used by George Reeves from 1951 to 1953. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

After this, I exited the museum and re-entered the store.

The museum is a must-see for Superman fans of all ages.  It is worth a visit!

Above, this is just a small fraction of the Superman goods on display. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

I took many more photos inside the Super Museum. I will probably post them in a separate blog post in the near-future. For the museum's website, go here.

As I mentioned at the beginning, I visited the Noel Neill Lois Lane statue before touring the Super Museum.

Here's a photograph of it:

Above, Noel Neill as Lois Lane. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Rondo Voting Ends Sunday Night!

by Armand Vaquer

Above, from the Los Angeles Daily News.

Only a few more days left before the end of the balloting for the 2014 Rondo Hatton Classic Horror Awards. According to the awards adminstrators:

Balloting ends Sunday night at midnight, April 19. Many categories remain too close to call. So you can still make a difference.

Please vote for the Superman Celebration (Ballot Item #21) as "Best Fan Event."

To vote, go to: http://www.rondoaward.com/

Superman Celebration "Best Fan Event" Rondo Awards: Voting Ends In 13 Days!

by Armand Vaquer and Brad Shey

Above, a smart voter! By Brad Shey.

To vote, go here. (Best Fan Event category is number 21.) Voting ends at midnight April 19.

Superman Celebration Plaque Dedication

by Armand Vaquer

Above, Jack Larson addresses the plaque dedication attendees. Photo by Steven Kirk.

Last month, the Tarzana area of the San Fernando Valley in Los Angeles County saw the dedication of a plaque commemorating the 100th birthdays of Superman creators Jerome Siegel & Joe Shuster and Adventures of Superman star George Reeves.

Above, the plaque is unveiled by (standing) Jacqueline Hamilton, Jack
Larson, (kneeling) Stephanie Shayne Parkin and Laura Siegel Larson. Photo
by John McCoy-Staff Photographer, L.A. Daily News.

The location was selected as it was the only location shoot of the Adventures of Superman television show to feature all cast members. It was in 1953 that the location shoot took place for "The Man Who Could Read Minds" episode.

The plaque was dedicated by Jack Larson (Jimmy Olsen), Laura Siegel Larson (daughter of Jerome Siegel), actress Stephanie Shayne Parkin (daughter of Bob "Inspector Henderson" Shayne), actress Beverly Washburn (who appeared in Superman and the Mole Men) and Jacqueline Hamilton (granddaughter of John "Perry White" Hamilton).

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Many in attendance at the plaque dedication wore George Reeves-style Superman shirts. If you would like a t-shirt in the George Reeves style, here's the information:

Contact Charlie Rose at charliecrose@gmail.com to order.

Rare George Reeves Photo Acquired

by Armand Vaquer

Above, Armand with a photo of George Reeves with his rifle collection. Photo by Jes.

This week, I managed to obtain a photo print (the details of which are confidential) from a photo shoot by former 1930s child actor Bill Seay (known then as Billy Seay) (1922-2012) of Adventures of Superman star George Reeves in his Benedict Canyon home.

Reeves is pictured in a tuxedo (sort of like James Bond, but this pre-dates the first Sean Connery Bond, Doctor No, by 3 years) with his rifle collection.

The photo was taken during a photo shoot by Seay purportedly on the weekend before Reeves's June 16, 1959 death. The photo session included the below well-known photo of Reeves sitting on his front porch.

Above, George Reeves on the front porch of his Benedict Canyon home.

It is a nice print and I will be matting and framing it shortly.

Superman Plaque Dedication August 16

by Armand Vaquer

Above, the photo image that will be on the plaque. Created by Steven Kirk.

Celebrating the 100th birthdays of Adventures of Superman actor George Reeves, Superman creators Jerome Siegel and Joseph Shuster and over 60 years of the Adventures of Superman, a plaque will be dedicated Saturday, August 16 at 5400 Wilbur Avenue, Tarzana, California. The dedication will begin at 9:00 AM.

Above, (from left) Robert Shayne, John Hamilton and George Reeves at 5400 Wilbur Ave. in 1953.

The site of the plaque was chosen as it was used in 1953 for a location shoot of the Adventures of Superman "The Man Who Could Read Minds" episode. Here, all principal characters of the show, Clark Kent (George Reeves), Perry White (John Hamilton), Lois Lane (Noel Neill), Jimmy Olsen (Jack Larson) and Inspector Bill Henderson (Robert Shayne), were filmed. Go here for details.

At the time of this writing, attending the plaque dedication are Jack Larson, Beverly Washburn, Laura Siegel Larson and Stephanie Shayne Parkin. More will be announced as confirmations are received.

The public is invited.

Superman Plaque In Tarzana, California

by Armand Vaquer

Tomorrow's early morning (well, not that early) task is to order the plaque commemorating the 100th birthdays of George Reeves and Superman creators Jerome Siegel and Joseph Shuster. The plaque dedication will be held on the morning of August 16.

The plaque will have this photo (created by Steven Kirk):

And, the text (by Jim Nolt and Armand Vaquer) will read:

ADVENTURES OF SUPERMAN Production years: 1951 - 1957 Producers: Robert Maxwell/Bernard Luber and Whitney Ellsworth Episode #29 "The Man Who could Read Minds." Script by Roy Hamilton.  Directed by Tommy Carr.  

A portion of this episode was filmed in June, 1953 at 5400 Wilbur Avenue, Tarzana, CA., and is the only location scene to feature all five main characters:  Editor Perry White - John Hamilton; Reporter Lois Lane - Noel Neill (who replaced Phyllis Coates after the first season); Cub reporter Jimmy Olsen - Jack Larson; Inspector Wm. J. Henderson - Robert Shayne; and Reporter Clark Kent/Superman - George Reeves. 

A police stakeout scene was filmed at this location and a fight scene between Jimmy Olsen and the phantom burglar were filmed on Wilbur Ave. Additional chase scenes were filmed on Linnett Street. 

Dedication of this plaque, provided by fans of the "Adventures of Superman," was held on August 16, 2014 to commemorate the 100th birthdays of George Reeves and Superman creators Jerome Siegel and Joseph Shuster and over sixty years of the "Adventures of Superman." 

If there are any changes to the above, they will only occur if there are problems with space on the plaque. 

Tribute Comics Honor George Reeves and Christopher Reeve

by Armand Vaquer

The word legendary is often too easily tossed about these days. Sometimes it is a fitting description of someone, and sometimes it isn't.

In the cases of Superman actors George Reeves and Christopher Reeve, it is a fitting description. As such, Bluewater Productions is producing two comic books in tribute to Reeve and Reeves.

Here's what the Superman Homepage says about the books:

Bluewater Productions is releasing a new comic book biographies on two legendary men of steel, Christopher Reeve and George Reeves. Tribute: Christopher Reeve is released this week in conjunction with the release of the Man of Steel DVD. 

In January is releasing another comic book on the life of another hero, Tribute: George Reeves written and drawn by M. Anthony Gerardo . The book can be pre-ordered on iTunes and Comic Flea Market today.

To read the full story on the Tribute books, go here.

Superman Plaque Dedication

by Armand Vaquer

Above, Robert Shayne, John Hamilton and George Reeves in Tarzana.

Jim Nolt has posted at The Adventures Continue website a notice on the Adventures of Superman plaque dedication celebrating "the one-hundredth birthdays of George Reeves, Jerry Siegel, and Joe Shuster; 60 years of the Adventures of Superman; and twenty-five years of The Adventures Continue."

The dedication will take place on August 16, 2014 in Tarzana, California. The public is invited.

Above, the plaque location.  Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The location of the plaque was chosen as it was the only location shoot featuring all five stars of the show: George Reeves, Jack Larson, Noel Neill, John Hamilton and Robert Shayne.  I am handling the arrangements for the making of the plaque and its mounting.

Actor Jack Larson (Jimmy Olsen) has already confirmed his attendance at the dedication.

The cost of the plaque and installation is $1,000. Donations are now being accepted and the progress toward our goal will be reported here. Contributions may be made by check or money order:

Jim Nolt
6-L Foal Court
Lancaster, PA 17602

or via Pay Pal at my alternate e-mail address: JIMNOLT@COMCAST.NET

Superman's Japanese Voice

David Stewart posted this at The Adventures Continue Facebook page:

JUL 19 1959 Toru Ohira, the Japanese voice of "Superman," watches the late George Reeves as he supplies the Japanese dialogue. Credit: AP Newsfeatures Photo.

The Adventures of Superman was said to be the number one television show in Japan at the time.  Emperor Hirohito was a fan and sent George Reeves a fan letter.

Kudos to David Stewart for the find!

Phyllis Coates To Be Honored At Cinecon 48 September 2

by Armand Vaquer

Above, Phyllis Coates and Armand in 2007.  Photo by Carl Glass.

Actress Phyllis Coates will be honored with a Career Achievement Award September 2 at Cinecon 48 in Hollywood.

 From Cinecon.org:

Phyllis Coates, Samantha Eggar, Carleton Carpenter and Richard L. Bare will be honored with a Cinecon 48 Career Achievement Award at our celebrity banquet which will be held at the Loews Hollywood Hotel (formerly the Renaissance Hollywood Hotel) on Sunday evening, September 2, 2012.   

Above, George Reeves and Phyllis Coates.

Coates played Lois Lane in the Superman and The Mole Men (1951) full-length motion picture, which served as a pilot for the Adventures of Superman television show starring George Reeves.  She played Lois Lane in the show's first season.

For more on Cinecon 48, go here. 

Superman Plaque Project 2014

by Armand Vaquer

Things are moving pretty fast and productive with the Adventures of Superman historical marker/plaque project.

Plans are taking shape to celebrate the 100th anniversary of George Reeves's birth in 2014 and part of the celebration is to dedicate a plaque at the spot of a location shoot for the 1953 episode, "The Man Who Could Read Minds."

Today, I am pleased to report that I obtained the verbal okay from the property owner of the house where the stake-out for The Phantom Burglar was set up to place the marker/plaque on his property in Tarzana, California (above photos).  We will formalize this later.

The plaque dedication will take place in August 2014.  The actual date will be on or about August 16.

Besides this, what remains to be done is to set the dedication date, raise the funds to have the plaque made and make it, and organize the dedication ceremony.  Jack Larson has already indicated that he will participate in our celebration events as will Beverly Washburn.

We will solicit contributions for the making of the plaque from the fans.  Details will follow on how much we'll need to get it made once a design and cost are determined.

Since the Hollywood Walk of Fame now charges $30,000 for each star, having a marker in this manner is a lot more cost-effective.  The marker/plaque's text will name the show's actors.  I am also planning to work in Phyllis Coates into the text as she was the first season's Lois Lane.

This is like old times!  11 years ago, I worked with The Adventures Continue editor and publisher Jim Nolt on "Superman Week" at the L.A. County Board of Supervisors.  Now we've teamed up again for this project!

On This Date: "Adventures of Superman" Premieres In L.A.

by Armand Vaquer



It was a hair under a year before my time, but on this date in 1953, the Adventures of Superman starring George Reeves, Phyllis Coates, Jack Larson, John Hamilton and Robert Shayne premiered in Los Angeles on KCEA-TV Channel 7 (the forerunner of KABC-TV).

The premiere episode was "Superman On Earth," which chronicled Jor-El and Lara's sending the baby Kal-El to Earth before the planet Krypton exploded.

The episodes that followed were the ones that Robert Maxwell and Bernard Luber produced. These were rock 'em, sock 'em crime dramas and not kiddie shows.

"Adventures of Superman" Anniversary Day

by Armand Vaquer


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

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

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

Above, Supervisor Antonovich with Jack Larson and Noel Neill.

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

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

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



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





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

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

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

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

Superman: Tampering With An AMERICAN Icon

by Armand Vaquer


When Jerome Siegel and Joseph Shuster created Superman, they created a quintessential American icon.

The term "Truth, Justice and The American Way" is synonymous with the character.

Rocketed to Earth as an infant by his parents, Jor-El and Lara, to escape the planet Krypton's destruction, the child's rocket landed in middle America and was raised by Jonathan and Martha Kent. The baby, Kal-El, was raised as Clark Kent with wholesome middle American values and became the champion of justice and the defender of the weak and oppressed.

When Clark Kent reached manhood, he moved to the city of Metropolis to begin his career as a Daily Planet news reporter and as Superman. Thus began an American icon, recognized throughout the world.

DC Comics, co-owner of the Superman character with the heirs of Siegel and Shuster, is publishing Action Comics #900. In this anniversary issue, the story has Superman fed up after a clash with the federal government.

Says Superman, “I am tired of having my actions construed as instruments of US policy.” He plans to make his announcement before the United Nations: "I intend to speak before the United Nations tomorrow and inform them that I am renouncing my U.S. citizenship."

Messing with an icon is tricky business. And this has become a controversy already. It is like having George Reeves standing in front of the United Nations flag, not the American flag, to many people.


According to Fox News:

"Besides being riddled with a blatant lack of patriotism, and respect for our country, Superman's current creators are belittling the United States as a whole. By denouncing his citizenship, Superman becomes an eerie metaphor for the current economic and power status the country holds worldwide," Hollywood publicist and GOP activist Angie Meyer told FOX411's Pop Tarts column.

In the same article, Superman's publishers defended the storyline:

"Superman is a visitor from a distant planet who has long embraced American values. As a character and an icon, he embodies the best of the American Way," DC's co-publishers, Jim Lee and Dan DiDio said in a statement to FOX411.com. "In a short story in ACTION COMICS 900, Superman announces his intention to put a global focus on his never ending battle, but he remains, as always, committed to his adopted home and his roots as a Kansas farm boy from Smallville."

Still, would Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster approve of this?

Before people get upset over this, one thing to remember: in comics, nothing is ever permanent. A character may get killed off, but quite often is brought back to life in another storyline. Sooner or later, Superman will reclaim his American citizenship.

Also, while everyone is aghast over this tampering with Superman's iconic American image, keep in mind that Clark Kent is still an American citizen.

UPDATE: A friend emailed this message (don't know if he read this blog post yet):

George Reeves never would have renounced his citizenship!

Sgt. George Reeves
U.S. Army Air Corps.1943

The email was titled, "George Reeves...Patriot!"

Thoughts On The Superman Re-Boot

by Armand Vaquer


It will be interesting to see how Brit Henry Cavill (above) fills Superman's red boots in the upcoming Superman re-boot movie.

Will he be able to suppress his British accent enough to convincingly convey that he was raised in the midwestern section of the United States? ("I say, old chap, I'm fighting the never-ending battle for truth, justice and the American Way!")



To me, for a super-hero movie to work is that the actor has to look and act as if the comic book character stepped out of the pages of the comic and onto the silver screen. In the post-Kirk Alyn era, only George Reeves (left) and Christopher Reeve (below, right) had that quality (although I despise Reeve's Clark Kent portrayal). None of the other Supermen had this quality. Dean Cain didn't look at all like Superman and his costume was wrong (especially the buckle and boots).






Brandon Routh did not convince me that he was Superman (Superboy, maybe). Cavill looks more mature and more like Superman than does Routh in my opinion. How he handles the role is an open question. We will have to wait and see.

Another thing that would have to happen for me to be convinced that I am watching Superman on screen in the new movie: jettison the Routh Superman costume with that awful collar, dark coloring and those awful Speedo trunks! The costume would have to look more like Christopher Reeve's costume with its bright colors.

Above, Brandon Routh in his awful costume from "Superman Returns."

Will the producers take note? Again we'll have to wait and see.