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.

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. 

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 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!

"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.

Joanne Siegel, Widow of Superman Co-Creator, Dies At 93

by Armand Vaquer

Above, a group photo from the Superman Week ceremony with Joanne Siegel and her daughter Laura at far right. Photo courtesy of the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors.

Sad news today in the world of Superman.

Joanne Siegel, the widow of Superman co-creator Jerry Siegel and the model for Lois Lane (drawn by Joe Shuster) died today in California at the age of 93.

Daughter Laura Siegel Larson is currently making funeral arrangements.

It was my honor and privilege to meet Mrs. Siegel in July 2001 at the Superman Week ceremony at the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors. At that ceremony, Mrs. Siegel met actress Noel Neill for the first time. Neill played Lois Lane in to Sam Katzman Columbia serials and replaced Phyllis Coates in the role on the Adventures of Superman television show in 1953.

Mrs. Siegel later joined us for a luncheon at Cafe Pinot following the ceremony.

My condolences to the Siegel family.

Noel Neil Fractures Hip

Above, Jack Larson and Noel Neil in November 2005. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

by Armand Vaquer

Some distressing news arrived this morning.

Actress Noel Neil, the original Lois Lane, broke her hip in a fall.

Neill first played Lois Lane in the two Columbia Superman serials starring Kirk Alyn and in the Adventures of Superman television show (1953-57) starring George Reeves. She is 89.



UPDATE (7/28/10): Noel Neill's manager/biographer Larry Ward gave the initial okay to post Noel's address, but has since had second thoughts. Accordingly, it has been removed. Perhaps a P.O. box may be set up.

Superman's Girl Friend, Noel Neill Honored With Statue

Above, Noel Neill and George Reeves.

Superman's Girl Friend, Noel Neill Honored With Statue

by Armand Vaquer

A special event took place at the 32nd Annual Superman Celebration.

Several hundred people gathered in Metropolis, Illinois yesterday for the unveiling ceremony of the new Noel Neill "Lois Lane" statue.

Braving heat and humidity after an early rain, the gathering honored the "First Lady of Metropolis" with a nine-foot tall statue of Neill in her signature role of Lois Lane in the Adventures of Superman television show (1951-1957).

Above, with help from "Superman" Josh Boultinghouse, Noel unveils her statue. Photo by Bill Dillane.

Metropolis Mayor Billy McDaniel said:

We have a legend in the statue on the Superman square. This is a unique statue, because this is a living legend. A dedicated lady who has dedicated so much of her life to entertainment.

In her remarks at the ceremony, Noel Neill quipped:

Nine feet tall. Whatever. None of us are over nine feet tall, not even George. But that's showbiz.

Neill, of course, was referring to the show's star, the late George Reeves.

Above, Jack "Jimmy Olsen" Larson and Noel in 2005. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Sculptor Gary Smith created the Lois Lane statue and he also created the big Superman statue which stands in the main square.

WSIL-TV has an article on the ceremony along with a video. To view them, go here.

Noel Neill will be celebrating her 90th birthday this coming November.

Illness and Injury Sideline Noel Neill

Above, Jack Larson and Noel Neill at her 85th birthday celebration in 2005. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Illness and Injury Sideline Noel Neill

by Armand Vaquer

Larry Ward, Noel Neill's biographer and manager, has cancelled Neill's spring convention appearances due to illness and injury. This was reported to day at the Superman Homepage.

She has recently been fighting a bout with a cold/flu and is slowly recovering from that. However, it was reported that she also recently took a fall and injured her right hip and leg. Thankfully, she sustained no broken bones, but it was a deep bruise and Ward told the Superman Homepage that "Traveling is not an option."

It has been reported at the Superman Homepage that her appearance at the April Wondercon is among the cancelled appearances. Noel Neill will be 90 this November.

Best wishes to Noel for a speedy and thorough recovery!

DC Comics Becomes DC Entertainment; Paul Levitz Steps Down

Above, the gathering for "Superman Week" on July 10, 2001. Paul Levitz is on the far right. Photo courtesy of the L.A. County Board of Supervisors.

DC Comics Becomes DC Entertainment; Paul Levitz Steps Down

by Armand Vaquer

In a press release, it was announced that DC Comics President Paul Levitz is stepping down and DC Comics will become DC Entertainment to be run by Diane Nelson, it was announced today by Barry Meyer, Chairman & CEO, and Alan Horn, President & COO, Warner Bros.

Publishers Weekly.com posted in part:

Paul Levitz, who has served as President & Publisher of DC Comics since 2002, will segue from that role to return to his roots as a writer for DC and become a contributing editor and overall consultant to DCE. This transition will take place as expeditiously as possible without disrupting DC’s business operations.

In his new role, Levitz will be called upon for his deep knowledge and more than three-decade history with DC Comics, both as a comic creator and an executive. Besides serving as a writer on a number of DC Comics titles, he will be a contributing editor and consultant to DC Entertainment on projects in various media. Additionally, he will consult as needed on the transition and integration of the DC Comics organization into DC Entertainment and will utilize his unique experience, knowledge and relationships with the comics industry’s creative community to help achieve DC Entertainment’s goal of maximizing the value of DC properties. Further, Levitz will advise DC Entertainment on creative and rights-holder relationships, in particular regarding the legacy relationships that have been a part of DC Comics for decades.

On a more personal note, I met Paul Levitz on July 10, 2001 at the Los Angeles County Hall of Administration when we celebrated the 50th Anniversary of the Adventures of Superman television show starring George Reeves. Along with Levitz, we had actors Jack Larson, Noel Neill, Robert Rockwell and Jeff Corey participate in the celebration. Mrs. Joanne Siegel, the widow of Superman creator Jerry Siegel and their daughter Laura and Mrs. Betty Shayne, widow of Bob Shayne, and their daughter Stephanie, also participated.

Following the L.A. County ceremony, led by Supervisor Mike Antonovich, we headed to Cafe Pinot for a luncheon. I was the organizer of the event and luncheon, with a big assist by Jim Nolt, who secured the V.I.P.s.

I was dreading having to collect the luncheon tab from those who attended (plus some extra for the V.I.P.'s lunches), but Paul Levitz, unwittingly and unexpectedly, came to my rescue by picking up the entire tab for the luncheon. He mentioned to Lou Koza that he was grateful that we got Superman on the front page of the Los Angeles Times the day before (actually, it was the Daily News).

This event still is fondly remembered by those who attended. I would like to extend my best wishes to Paul Levitz for further success in his future endeavors and, also, another thank-you for picking up the tab at the luncheon.

Meeting The Original Batgirl

Above, Yvonne Craig as Barbara Gordon and her alter ego, Batgirl.

Meeting The Original Batgirl

by Armand Vaquer

One of the nicest dividends in getting involved in Superman (or any cinema) fandom is the opportunity to meet various celebrites, past and present.

One such opportunity came in November 2005 at Noel Neill's (she's the original Lois Lane, in case you forgot) 85th birthday party (below) at the Beverly Garland Holiday Inn, in Studio City, California.



Noel's party was sort of like a mini-superhero gathering. Lou Ferrigno, the original Incredible Hulk was there, as were Jack Larson (Jimmy Olsen of the Adventures of Superman) and Yvonne Craig, the original Batgirl from the Batman television series starring Adam West and Burt Ward. Patti Andrews, of the famous Andrews Sisters, was also in attendance.

Batgirl was debuted in Detective Comics #359 (cover date January 1967). Barbara Gordon, the daughter of Gotham City's police Commissioner Jim Gordon, took on the guise as Batgirl. William Dozier, the producer of the television series, asked DC Comics for a new female character to use in the show. So editor Julius Schwartz and artist Carmine Infantino created the Barbara Gordon Batgirl.

Batgirl was introduced in Batman's final season in 1967 with Craig as Barbara Gordon/Batgirl. Although the show was campy, Craig's version of Batgirl remains to this day a fan favorite.

Craig starred in several films, which included roles with Elvis Presley in It Happened At The World's Fair and Kissin' Cousins and In Like Flint (the sequel to Our Man Flint, both with James Coburn) as a Russian Ballet dancer.

Above, a swimsuit shot of Craig from the 1960s.

Along with Batman, she also appeared in other television series such as McHale's Navy, The Man From U.N.C.L.E., The Big Valley and Wild, Wild West, amongst others. She appeared covered in green make-up in an episode of Star Trek.

When her acting career slowed down, Craig co-produced industrial shows and worked in real estate.

Now 72, Craig runs her own website where fans may obtain autographed photos and read about her career with a 1960s feel.

Introducing "Adventures of Superman" To Newbies

Introducing "Adventures of Superman" To Newbies

by Armand Vaquer

I was perusing an Adventures of Superman message board in which a member was introducing his wife to the show. He sought out recommendations from other fans on which episodes to show her in order to get her hooked. All of the recommendations are good ones and I am echoing them and making my own recommendations.

To start off, Adventures of Superman was the show for baby-boomers. George Reeves to the boomer generation was the Superman for them. While many liked Christopher Reeve's portayal of Superman (many disliked his Clark Kent, though), it really was George Reeves who captured their hearts.

The first season was filmed in 1951 and starred George Reeves (Clark Kent/Superman), Phyllis Coates (Lois Lane), Jack Larson (Jimmy Olsen), John Hamilton (Perry White) and Robert Shayne (Inspector William Henderson). The 1953-57 shows are essentially the same cast, except Noel Neill replaced Coates as Lois Lane as Coates decided to pursue another television series.

Now, getting back to what episodes to introduce the show to someone who never saw the show, such as a young child or even an adult living in a vacuum. Most of my recommendations are from the 1951 and 1953 black & white shows with the final two from the color years.

1. "Superman On Earth" (1951) chronicles the story of how Jor-El and Lara rocketed their infant son Kal-El to Earth just before the planet Krypton was destroyed and how Clark Kent got hired at the Daily Planet.

2. "The Birthday Letter" (1951) is about a crippled little girl who writes a letter to Superman asking him to take her to the county fair. Unfortunately, she falls prey to some counterfeiters.

3. "Five Minutes To Doom" (1953) is about a man who is framed for a murder and is about to be executed unless the crack Daily Planet staff finds the evidence to save him and nail the real killer.

Above, "Superman In Exile."

4. "Superman In Exile" (1953). After getting a runaway atomic reactor under control, Superman finds himself radioactive. He has to find a way to rid himself of the radioactivity in time to save Lois from some jewel thieves.

Above, "Panic In The Sky."

5. "Panic In The Sky" (1953) has the Earth threatened by an asteroid (possibly a huge chunk of Krypton) that Superman must stop. Superman loses his memory after his first encounter. Will he regain it in time to stop the asteroid?

6. "The Dog Who Knew Superman" (1953) has Superman befriending a mobster's dog and trying to prevent his secret identity from being exposed.

7. "The Machine Who Could Plot Crimes" (1953) has Sterling Holloway as an inventor of a mechanical brain who has the talent to plot successful crimes. Some location work in downtown Los Angeles is featured.

8. "Semi-Private Eye" (1953) has Jimmy Olsen becoming a shamus to solve Lois Lane's kidnappng. Jack Larson's favorite episode.

9. "Around The World With Superman" (1953) has Superman trying to convince a blind girl that there is a Superman and restore her eyesight to take her on a world tour.

10. "The Seven Souvenirs" (1954) has Superman trying to figure out what is behind a plot involving souvenir knives sold by a quirky old man.

11. "The Wedding of Superman" (1955) has Superman proposing marriage to Lois Lane, but some criminals have other plans for the couple at the wedding. Noel Neill's favorite episode.

All Adventures of Superman episodes are now available in four DVD box sets, including the original theatrical version of Superman and the Mole Men (1951) and the special U.S. Treasury promotional episode Stamp Day For Superman (1953).

Today Is Jack Larson's Birthday

Happy Birthday Jack Larson!

by Armand Vaquer

Today is the birthday of the most popular live-action Jimmy Olsen: Jack Larson.

From Richard Potter:

Jack Larson was born in the Los Angeles Hospital in Los Angeles, California. In his teen years, Jack became interested in acting and remembers that even before he finished classes at Pasadena Junior College, he and Debbie Reynolds signed with Warner Brothers the same week in May 1948. Jack left Warners two years later and appeared in a play called "The Great Man" with Albert Dekker. In September 1950, Jack appeared with Edgar Buchanan in a live television show called Country Editor. Note: Jack gives 1933 as the year birth, but public records indicate he was actually born in 1928.

Left, Jack Larson and George Reeves.

When Jack's agent told him about the Adventures of Superman show in 1951, Jack initially didn't want to do it. But he changed his mind when told, "Take this! Nobody's gonna see it!" But after Adventures of Superman was became a hit when it finally aired in late-1952/early-1953, Jack found himself mobbed at restaurants and in the subway by young fans of the show.

Above, Jack Larson speaks at Noel Neill's 85th birthday luncheon in Studio City in 2005.

When the show ended in 1957, Jack found himself hopelessly typecast and so he decided to change careers. Jack became a successful playwright and movie producer (Urban Cowboy was one of his movies).



In his later years, Jack came to terms with his Jimmy Olsen fame and embraced it. He often says with a laugh, "I could win the Nobel Prize but my obituary would say, "Best known as Jimmy Olsen."" He often appears with his co-star Noel Neill and appeared as a bartender in Superman Returns. In 2001, he attended the "Superman Week" ceremony at the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors celebrating the show's 50th anniversary (above). He is currently working on his autobiography.

Happy Birthday, Jack!

Website Promoting Noel Neill Statue Opens

Noel Neill and Armand, above, at the Los Angeles County Hall of Administration in July 2001 for "Superman Week."

by Armand Vaquer

A new website supporting the efforts in erecting a statue of Noel Neill at the Super Museum in Metropolis, Illinois has been opened.

From Noel Neil Statue.com:

In 2005, The Metropolis Chamber of Commerce, Metropolis Illinois, the Home of Superman, announced the formation of "The Noel Neill Statue Committee".

The committee's sole purpose is to spearhead and oversee the construction of a life-size bronze statue of Noel Neill as "Lois Lane" to be placed in Metropolis, Illinois. The model for the statue is below.



The idea is to acknowledge Noel's contributions to the Superman Celebration as the "First Lady of Metropolis" and her portrayal of Lois Lane in the Serials and the TV series of the 1950s, "The Adventures of Superman" with an honorable and permanent gesture of love from the citizens of Metropolis and from her countless fans around the world.

The concept was presented to Noel at her 85th Birthday Party held in North Hollywood, California and, with Noel's blessing, a competition for the design of a Noel Neill as Lois Lane statue was thrown open to Sculptors everywhere!

For $75.00 each, commemorative bricks will be placed at the base of the statue. Ordering information is available at the website.


Above, Noel Neill and George Reeves: two television icons.