1966 Filmation Superman
Growing up as children, there were likely handfuls of us who wished we knew Superman up close and personal, either as a father figure or someone who'd help you in time of need. Even though Superman's a fictional hero in comic books, recent catastrophic events have had the whole world wishing there were a real Superman. Let's take a journey and see how the role of Superman influenced different actors portraying the man of steel either in the movies or on television.
Superman has ranked as one of the greatest fictional characters ever to be created. When comics came onto the scene, readers got an opportunity to learn more about this hero and how he came about. The 1940's younger generation genuinely got the thrill of a lifetime by being able to see their hero in person on film at the local movie theaters. Kirk Alyn the 37-year-old actor was given his big break upon being chosen by Columbia to star as Superman in the 15-chapter Superman serial in 1948 and again in 1950. Alyn's Superman look quite resembled the comic book version of the character, with his chiseled face topped by a mop of black hair with the curl over his forehead. Film goers each got to see their hero action starting in 1948, when he battled the evil villainess known as the Spider Lady.
Kirk Alyn
The major disappointment for many fans were the flying sequences during the movie, as each time Superman needed to fly anywhere, the flying sequences were done in cartoon form. In 1950, Kirk Alyn reprised the role of Superman for the final time as battled another villain known as the Atom Man. Once again many of the flying sequences were done in cartoon form, although in some segments you got to see Kirk flying through the air. The knock against Kirk was that his portrayal of Clark Kent/ Superman, his Clark Kent portrayal had no specific distinction between him and his portrayal of Superman. Audiences of the late 1940's and 1950's thoroughly enjoyed the 15 chapter movie serials of both Superman movies.
Television becomes the new medium of family entertainment
If you were a child of the 1950's, chances are you remember the 1950’s tv shows that set the tone for our entertainment today. These shows were much loved and back in an era when choices were limited to three channels, the audience for these 1950’s tv shows was vast. During the 1950's over 160 assorted genres of television programs were broadcast throughout the nation, with legions of followers watching each episode of a specific program. The genres ranged from science fiction to western programming with assortments in between, giving in essence each family member a show they'd possibly enjoy. Parents of the 1950's often watched programs with their kids, making sure there wasn't excessive violence or possible vulgar language used.
George's Early Years
Actor George Reeves enjoyed modest success with movie roles starting in 1939, with starring in the epic movie" Gone with the Wind" as one of the Tarlenton Twins. He also worked alongside actors Ronald Reagan in two movies, and with James Cagney he worked in three movies. Movie director Mark Sandrich cast Reeves as Lieutenant John Summers opposite Claudette Colbert in So Proudly We Hail! (1943), a war drama for Paramount Pictures. He won critical acclaim for the role and garnered considerable publicity. Early the following year, George was drafted into the U.S. Army, however, he got assigned to the U.S. Army Air Force performing in the USAAF's Broadway show Winged Victory. During the duration that he served his country as many actors & athletes did, Reeves had hoped to work with director Mark Sandrich once again, however, that opportunity was dashed as Sandrich passed away during Reeves duration in the military.
Television role delivers unexpected fame
Discharged at the war's end, Reeves returned to Hollywood. However, many studios were slowing down their production schedules, and some production units had shut down completely. Meanwhile DC comics was busy making plans for a television adaption of Superman, started their search for an actor in the starring role. Actor Kirk Alyn turned down the offer to portray Superman/ Clark Kent again, as he didn't want to be forever typecast in the role. In June 1951, George Reeves was made an offer to portray both Superman/ Clark Kent, however, at first seemed reluctant to accept the role fearing families wouldn't see his work. In early 1951 George Reeves filmed the movie "Superman and the Mole Men" before filming began with the series over the summer months. In comparison to Kirk Alyn, George Reeves resembled a statuesque Greek god, even though his fleshier facial features didn't quite resemble the Superman of the comics.
Flying Effects
Superman's "flying" involved three phases: take-off, flight, and landing. Cables and wires were used for Superman’s take-offs early in filming. When George came close to suffering a concussion in the episode "Ghost Wolf" (the supporting wires snapped and he fell to the studio floor), cables and wires were discarded. Thol "Si" Simonson, who remained with the series until its end, was brought aboard and immediately made significant improvements with the special effects used. The springboard had enough force, along with subtle camera manipulation, to make it look as though he was actually taking off. The flying scenes were accomplished through a relatively few number of repeated shots. Reeves would run into frame, hit the out-of-frame springboard which would boost him out of frame (sometimes over the camera), and onto padding. The typical technique had footage of Reeves stretched out on a spatula-like device formed to his torso and leg, operated on a counterweight like a boom microphone. Techniques for landings involved Reeves jumping off a ladder or holding an off-camera horizontal bar and swinging down into frame.
George Reeves
Popular cereal agrees to sponsor program
Kelloggs Cereal agreed to sponsor the show after new producer Whitney Ellsworth agreed to tone down the violent aspect of the program, after the 2 year period that previously failed to garner the show a sponsor. On September 1952 The Adventures of Superman made it's debut across the nation. Bill Kennedy dramatically voiced the opening narration starting with "Faster than a speeding bullet! More powerful than a locomotive! Able to leap tall buildings at a single bound! ("Look! Up in the sky!" "It's a bird!" "It's a plane!" "It's Superman!")... Yes, it's Superman ... strange visitor from another planet who came to Earth with powers and abilities far beyond those of mortal men! Superman ... who can change the course of mighty rivers, bend steel in his bare hands, and who, disguised as Clark Kent, mild-mannered reporter for a great metropolitan newspaper, fights a never-ending battle for truth, justice, and the American way!" After awhile with their parents watching alongside them, kids instinctively knew when Superman came on tv in their hometowns.
Supplementing their salaries
As the television series began production, the series actors were paid a paltry $200.00 per episode. The series actors, threatening to quit production, were given a $50.00 pay raise upon making repeated requests with the shows producers. The actors from the show were allowed to supplement their income by doing Kelloggs Cereal commercials, often performing together, or with series star George Reeves by himself, and or with either of his co-stars.
Beloved by his fans
George's affection for his young fans was genuine as he took his role model status seriously, avoiding cigarettes where children could see him and eventually quitting smoking. George often showed up in his Superman costume during his many public appearances across the nation, finally received permission that he would do public appearances only as Clark Kent. George had the instinct many of his fans always wanted to see if bullets really bounced off his chest, and didn't appreciate being kicked or poked at whenever he showed up dressed as Superman.
George's Death& Legacy
Throughout the 1950's, television proved being the medium George Reeves ultimately achieved his greatest success, in comparison to all the movie roles he starred in. Even though television work during the 1950's was reportedly a shaky stepping stone for actors, it made the careers of many actors and actresses. Unfortunately George is remembered for the mysterious conclusion to his life in 1959 as he was found dead with a gun shot wound to his temple. His death was officially listed as a suicide, yet after all these years, there's been serious doubt about that conclusion. Parents and Teachers alike had a tough task explaining to the kids that George died, for many that was too much to deal with.
Causes George Supported
George Reeves also used his star status to promote more attention on the disease myasthenia gravis, and informed kids the importance of saving their money. During the second season, Reeves appeared in a short film for the Treasury Department, Stamp Day for Superman, in which he caught the villains and told children why they should invest in government savings stamps. With Toni Mannix, Reeves worked tirelessly to raise money to fight myasthenia gravis. Myasthenia gravis is an autoimmune neuromuscular disease leading to fluctuating muscle weakness and fatiguability. He served as national chairman for the Myasthenia Gravis Foundation in 1955, and was a devout supporter of "The City Of Hope" Cancer research hospital and the L.A., California division of United Cerebral Palsy. He also appeared on "The City Of Hope" and UCP Telethons on local L.A., California TV and at "The City Of Hope" parades as "Superman" in Duarte, California. George Reeves proved instrumental in establishing City of Hope, and
served as National Chairman of the “Little Helpers” campaign for the city of Hope in 1954.
Another Generation of Superman Fans
Clint Eastwood
Clint turned down role
It's recently been reported that legendary actor Clint Eastwood turned down the role of Superman/ Clark Kent after Warner Brothers president Frank Wells came calling to see if Clint were interested. Clint, who was 48 years old at the time, respectfully turned down the role stating he was too old to be wearing tights. Imagine had Clint accepted the dual and the Dirty Harry movie lines that would've been used in the movie. “I know what you’re thinking, Zod. ‘Did he use his heat-vision or his freeze-breath?’ Well, to tell you the truth, in all this excitement I kind of lost track myself. But being as either would blow your head clean off, you’ve got to ask yourself one question: ‘Do I feel lucky?’ Well, do ya, Krypton-punk?”
Imagining Eastwood as stammering, pathetic Clark Kent vying for Lois Lane, or any other woman's affections?
Christopher Reeve wins coveted role
Reeve was initially turned down for the role, as casting director Lynn Stalmaster, had put Reeve's picture and resume on top of the pile for the movie producers to preview hoping he would be chosen for the role. After persistent pleading by Lynn Stalmaster, Reeve was granted an interview with the movie producer Ilya Salkind and director Richard Donner. With Reeve being 6 ft 4 inches tall, he was considered too skinny and required bulking up for, as he refused having to wear rubber muscles under the suit. Christopher received help from British weightlifting champion David Prowse, as David supervised an intense two month training regimen. David Prowse appeared in the original Star Wars trilogy outfitted as Darth Vader with actor James Earl Jones providing Darth Vader's voice, with Jones dubbing Vader's dialogue in postproduction due to Prowse's strong English accent being unsuitable for the role.
Christopher Reeve
Life in the U.S. had changed over the past 20 years, as the public's perception of how a man carried himself changed. Christopher Reeve was relatively new on the scene as far as being an A-list actor was concerned. With his portrayal in the dual role, everyone waited to see how he'd be accepted by movie goers. As the new Superman movie was being shown in theaters across the nation, Christopher received positive reviews for his portrayal of both Superman/ Clark Kent. Superman the movie did exceptionally well at the box office, grossing over $300 million, thus becoming a hit movie for Christopher.
Comparison's to George Reeves
His toughest critics, however, were the television viewers of George Reeves show who didn't shower Reeve with positive reviews. George Reeves fans felt that Christopher's Clark Kent was portrayed as too mild mannered and wimpy. George had portrayed Clark Kent as a individual who proved caring, but, also tough when required. Movie goers initially believed Christopher and George were somehow related, however, that wasn't the case. Christopher would star in three other succeeding Superman films with the latter two proving box office disappointments.
Causes supported by Christopher, and his legacy
On May 27, 1995, Reeve became a quadriplegic after being thrown from a horse in an equestrian competition in Virginia. He required a wheelchair and breathing apparatus for the rest of his life. He lobbied on behalf of people with spinal cord injuries, and for human embryonic stem cell research afterward. In my opinion Christopher Reeve became a real Superman, not for his portrayal on film, but for making the U.S. Congress aware that there needed to be more attention and research focused on spinal injuries. Reeve had used his star status as a means of promoting awareness around the country during the remaining duration of his life. Christopher was also active in political and charitable causes, and also supported such causes as Amnesty International, and Save The Children. He was also highly involved in environmental issues. Reeve's fans across the nation grew to have a more profound respect for him after witnessing him not giving up on himself or his family.
Even though the deaths of both George & Christopher were the results of separate tragedies, both actors are looked upon as the Superman of their respective generations. Each actor gained their perspective fame through the mediums of television and the theater for portraying a fictional hero, something neither actor probably thought possible at the time.
Television's 2nd attempt involving a program featuring Superman
Another attempt at a television involving Superman was made in 1993, when actor Dean Cain won the title role of both Superman/ Clark Kent. Dean's path to an acting career had as much predictability as a knuckleball. Dean in 1984 had attended Ivy League school Princeton, participating in such sports as volleyball and football, finally graduating in 1988 with a Bachelor Associates Degree in History.
Immediately after graduating, Cain signed on as a free agent with the Buffalo Bills, an NFL football team, but a knee injury during training camp ended his football career before it began. With little hope of returning to sports, he turned to screenwriting and then acting, shooting dozens of commercials and appearing on popular television shows.
Dean Cain
Superman returns to television
In 1993 Dean accepted his biggest role to date as Superman in the television series Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman. Deborah Joy Levine wrote and directed the series that lasted only 4
seasons. Once again the comparisons arrived on scene as this latest induction of Superman would face stern critiquing from the George Reeves fans, who grew with the The Adventures of Superman during the 1950's. Even though it's been 40 years since the original series debuted across the nation, it was going to be interesting seeing how this series would perform.
Dean himself was naturally well built and didn't require additional foam muscles to make him appear intimidating to the bad guys. During the peak years of this series,15 million viewers watched the program each week. The program also paid homage to the original show by redoing some selected episodes and having two of the original cast members, Jack Larson & Phyliss Coates appeared in a few episodes. The 1990's version was completely different from the original version, as this one focused on a blossoming relationship between its two star reporters. There were often comparisons to the original show in the way the main characters were portrayed, as this latest television version only lasted 4 seasons.
Dean Cain was likely the best choice for this role at the time the program was made, as George Reeves, Kirk Alyn, Christopher Reeve were for their respective roles as the man of steel.
Dean Cain hasn't suffered the curse of Superman as both George & Christopher did, as he has been able to sustain a successful acting career, with both movie and television roles. Dean has a son named Christopher Dean Cain (b. June 11, 2000) with former girlfriend and Playboy Playmate Samantha Torres. His son is named after his stepfather, film director Christopher Cain. He was previously engaged to country singer Mindy McCready in the late 1990s.
Special Effects Masters
National Comic Publications had been unable to obtain the services of special effects wizards, The Lydecker Brothers, Howard & Theodore creators of all sorts of nifty vehicles, gizmos and miniature sets during the 30s, 40s and 50s. The Brothers worked for Republic Pictures for nearly 4 decades creating memorable special effects sets along the way. Because of budget constraints at the time, we often wonder what could've been had the Lydecker Brothers created the special effects for the adventures of Superman during the 1950's.
The use of special effects used on the Superman serials of 1948 & 1950, on the 1950 television series, the late 1970's and 1980's array of 3 additional Superman movies, including the 1990's updated version of the adventures of superman, all had their pluses and minuses. Kirk always flew & landed in cartoon form whenever an emergency came about, while George, who initially flew on a wire harness before it snapped during filming of the episode Ghost Wolf, ended up using a flying pan that was controlled away from the camera. Even though the special effects used on the early Superman serials and television show seem out dated today, it makes you appreciate how far they've advanced. Christopher and Dean both used cable harnesses for their flying and landing sequences in their respective roles.
Will superman return to its glory form of yesteryears
The Superman franchise has suffered in recent years, without showing any indicators of improving in the future. Superman returns, the latest installment of Superman movies, didn't perform as well at the box office as had been anticipated by those connected with the making of the movie. Brandon Routh, an unknown actor, was cast in the role of the man of steel. Dana Reeve, wife of Christopher Reeve, believed Routh's physical resemblance to her late husband was striking. To obtain the muscular physique to convincingly play Superman, Routh underwent a strict bodybuilding exercise regimen. Both Jack Larson and Noel Neill made cameo appearances as a bartender & Gertrude Vanderworth in the latest Superman movie.
Brandon Routh
Superman Movie scheduled for Dec, 2012 release
British actor Henry Cavill is slated to play the role of Superman/ Clark Kent on the big screen in a movie scheduled to be released Dec, 2012. It's tough to specifically pin point why Superman movies have performed so poorly at the box offices in recent years. Henry will be measured against the actors who portrayed Superman in the past, as many of us wonder how different this upcoming movie will be.
Shall any of the directors or producers take a risk with making the upcoming movie on the edgy side, as done during the first three seasons of the original adventures of superman. The toughest critics shall be the viewers of the original television superman, as all succeeding actors have been measured against George Reeves, who many baby boomers consider the gold standard of the Superman role.
Director Zack Synder who's in charge of the upcoming Superman movie, recently mentioned that he plans on going in a new direction with the upcoming Superman movie. The real question is will this future Superman movie bring movie goers to the theaters or will it be another box office disappointment. It's hoped the movie will revive the struggling Superman franchise that has struggled mightily in recent years. Even though Zack won't pay tribute to the actors who've portrayed Superman on film and on television, I hope he remembers that without those actors of yesteryear, many youngsters could never have gotten to see their favorite superhero in person. Each actor had their own style that they brought to the role of Superman/ Clark Kent, as some simply standout from the others, let us see what uniqueness Henry Cavill brings to the role.
Sources:
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/George_Reeves
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christoper_Reeve
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dean_Cain
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kirk_Alyn
http://www.supermanhomepage.com
http://bit.ly/exCvly - tribute website to George Reeves
http://news.yahoo.com/entertainment
http://lat.ms/fIrdiJ Clint Eastwood article
Immediately after graduating, Cain signed on as a free agent with the Buffalo Bills, an NFL football team, but a knee injury during training camp ended his football career before it began. With little hope of returning to sports, he turned to screenwriting and then acting, shooting dozens of commercials and appearing on popular television shows.
Superman returns to television
In 1993 Dean accepted his biggest role to date as Superman in the television series Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman. Deborah Joy Levine wrote and directed the series that lasted only 4
seasons. Once again the comparisons arrived on scene as this latest induction of Superman would face stern critiquing from the George Reeves fans, who grew with the The Adventures of Superman during the 1950's. Even though it's been 40 years since the original series debuted across the nation, it was going to be interesting seeing how this series would perform.
Dean himself was naturally well built and didn't require additional foam muscles to make him appear intimidating to the bad guys. During the peak years of this series,15 million viewers watched the program each week. The program also paid homage to the original show by redoing some selected episodes and having two of the original cast members, Jack Larson & Phyliss Coates appeared in a few episodes. The 1990's version was completely different from the original version, as this one focused on a blossoming relationship between its two star reporters. There were often comparisons to the original show in the way the main characters were portrayed, as this latest television version only lasted 4 seasons.
Dean Cain was likely the best choice for this role at the time the program was made, as George Reeves, Kirk Alyn, Christopher Reeve were for their respective roles as the man of steel.
Dean Cain hasn't suffered the curse of Superman as both George & Christopher did, as he has been able to sustain a successful acting career, with both movie and television roles. Dean has a son named Christopher Dean Cain (b. June 11, 2000) with former girlfriend and Playboy Playmate Samantha Torres. His son is named after his stepfather, film director Christopher Cain. He was previously engaged to country singer Mindy McCready in the late 1990s.
Special Effects Masters
National Comic Publications had been unable to obtain the services of special effects wizards, The Lydecker Brothers, Howard & Theodore creators of all sorts of nifty vehicles, gizmos and miniature sets during the 30s, 40s and 50s. The Brothers worked for Republic Pictures for nearly 4 decades creating memorable special effects sets along the way. Because of budget constraints at the time, we often wonder what could've been had the Lydecker Brothers created the special effects for the adventures of Superman during the 1950's.
The use of special effects used on the Superman serials of 1948 & 1950, on the 1950 television series, the late 1970's and 1980's array of 3 additional Superman movies, including the 1990's updated version of the adventures of superman, all had their pluses and minuses. Kirk always flew & landed in cartoon form whenever an emergency came about, while George, who initially flew on a wire harness before it snapped during filming of the episode Ghost Wolf, ended up using a flying pan that was controlled away from the camera. Even though the special effects used on the early Superman serials and television show seem out dated today, it makes you appreciate how far they've advanced. Christopher and Dean both used cable harnesses for their flying and landing sequences in their respective roles.
Will superman return to its glory form of yesteryears
The Superman franchise has suffered in recent years, without showing any indicators of improving in the future. Superman returns, the latest installment of Superman movies, didn't perform as well at the box office as had been anticipated by those connected with the making of the movie. Brandon Routh, an unknown actor, was cast in the role of the man of steel. Dana Reeve, wife of Christopher Reeve, believed Routh's physical resemblance to her late husband was striking. To obtain the muscular physique to convincingly play Superman, Routh underwent a strict bodybuilding exercise regimen. Both Jack Larson and Noel Neill made cameo appearances as a bartender & Gertrude Vanderworth in the latest Superman movie.
Superman Movie scheduled for Dec, 2012 release
British actor Henry Cavill is slated to play the role of Superman/ Clark Kent on the big screen in a movie scheduled to be released Dec, 2012. It's tough to specifically pin point why Superman movies have performed so poorly at the box offices in recent years. Henry will be measured against the actors who portrayed Superman in the past, as many of us wonder how different this upcoming movie will be.
Shall any of the directors or producers take a risk with making the upcoming movie on the edgy side, as done during the first three seasons of the original adventures of superman. The toughest critics shall be the viewers of the original television superman, as all succeeding actors have been measured against George Reeves, who many baby boomers consider the gold standard of the Superman role.
Director Zack Synder who's in charge of the upcoming Superman movie, recently mentioned that he plans on going in a new direction with the upcoming Superman movie. The real question is will this future Superman movie bring movie goers to the theaters or will it be another box office disappointment. It's hoped the movie will revive the struggling Superman franchise that has struggled mightily in recent years. Even though Zack won't pay tribute to the actors who've portrayed Superman on film and on television, I hope he remembers that without those actors of yesteryear, many youngsters could never have gotten to see their favorite superhero in person. Each actor had their own style that they brought to the role of Superman/ Clark Kent, as some simply standout from the others, let us see what uniqueness Henry Cavill brings to the role.
Sources:
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/George_Reeves
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christoper_Reeve
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dean_Cain
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kirk_Alyn
http://www.supermanhomepage.com
http://bit.ly/exCvly - tribute website to George Reeves
http://news.yahoo.com/entertainment
http://lat.ms/fIrdiJ Clint Eastwood article
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