Dec 13, 1952: TV Forecast in the Chicago area published an article entitled Who Needs Flying Saucers. The series premiered on Chicago's WENR just three months prior. I wonder if the writer is making reference to The Secret of Superman near the end. Earlier he mentions that George Reeves is 28. Hmm.
Nov 18, 1940: Father is a Prince was released. George Reeves appears with Jan Clayton & Grant Mitchell. Comedy focuses on John Bower & daughter, Connie. Bower is an opinionated fuddy-duddy whose daughter is quite interested in a young, glib fellow named Gary Lee (Reeves).
Contrary to what was reported in Hollywood Kryptonite, George Reeves did receive credit in a voice-over at the end of the episode: "Our guest star tonight was George Reeves, star of the Superman series." This credit was deleted from the syndication version that first appeared after George's death.
11/15/56, George Reeves filmed Lucy And Superman. According to Michael Hayde, the idea was conceived soon after Superman began its 1956 season. Whatever Goes Up wrapped Nov 10, and this I Love Lucy classic was filmed in front of a live audience on Nov 15. First aired on CBS Jan 14, 1957.
In the month leading up to Halloween, I returned to Let The Right One In by John Ajvide Lindqvist. I love this story, wonderfully translated by Marlaine Delargy. Only wish my Swedish was good enough to read the original. When I finish I'll again watch the film w/ Lina Leandersson and Kåre Hedebrant.
Today, November 3, 2025, is Lois Smith's 95th birthday. Lois Smith played Helen Bessolo in "Hollywoodland," and her TV and film credits stretch all the way from 1951 to the present day. Happy 95th to Lois Smith.
10/28/02: Actor-director, Lawrence Dobkin (Swami Amada in The Man Who Could Read Minds) died at 83. Dobkin married 3 times: Frances Walker (1942 - 1960), Joanna Barnes (1962 - 1967), and Anne Collings (1970 - ). Appeared in many TV shows & 65 films. Directed shows from Donna Reed to The Fall Guy.
On October 20, 1996, Jack Larson appeared as Jimmy Olsen in "Brutal Youth", an episode of LOIS AND CLARK: THE NEW ADVENTURES OF SUPERMAN (and after 45 years was again carried by Superman).
October 15 -- Remembering John Hamilton who passed away on this date in 1958. John Hamilton's career on stage, screen, and television spanned decades. He is probably best remembered for his portrayal of Perry White in the Adventures of Superman.
We know much from the cast sheets given to me by Art Weissman & from chats w/ Phyllis, Jack, Dabbs Greer, Whit Ellsworth, Bob Shayne, & research done by Gary Grossman, Michael Hayde, Mike Bifulco, et al. But questions remain. Maybe they'll be answered some day. For now, let The Adventures Continue.
Sat 10/13/51
On this final day of the first season, only a few process shots with John Hamilton, Jonathan Hale, Frances Morris, Tom Fadden, Phyllis Coates, Jack Larson, the unidentified photographer, and George Reeves remained.
Fri 10/12/51
The only supporting players working this day were those who appear on Krypton; none from the regular cast were on the sheet.
With this done, only one more day remained.
Thurs 10/11/51: Second day devoted to Evil Three. Process shots with Hamilton, Hale, and Reeves done on Sat, Oct 13. Kent's side of both phone conversations & Superman's arrival at hotel done on this Thurs. And so just two more days of first season work remained for cast of Adventures of Superman.
Wed 10/10/51. Almost all of Evil Three was filmed on Wed & Thurs (with Jonathan Hale returning Sat for process shots at cliff, in front of hotel, & in the woods). According to the cast sheet, Minerva Urical (sic) was originally cast as Elsa, & Howard Freeman as the colonel.
Tues 10/9/51: Don't know the order, but it was on Oct 9 that Kent sought a job on the Daily Planet, rescued "the guy" (Dabbs Greer) at the airport, and brought him in for an interview. White and Henderson had their exchange of words, and Superman delivered Walter Canby to White's office.
Mon 10/8/51
So began the first season's final week of filming. Relatively easy day. Supporting players: John Eldredge, Phil Van Zandt, and Al Eban.
Regular cast, only George Reeves & Robert Shayne for a few Crime Wave scenes. Four remaining days, completion of Evil Three and Superman On Earth.
Sat 10/6/51: Walter Canby tried to take care of Superman in a little place he had rigged up at Dover's Cliff near Willow Falls. Establishing shot is Villa de Leon along Pacific Coast Hgwy. Superman kept appointment & the prof turned on the current. Also Clark comforted his mother after Eben died.
After Fri, 10/5/51 only 7 days remained for Superman's season one. What started on July 10 would come to an end. Anthony Caruso was back, and only day Roy Gordon (Abner) and John Maxwell (police chief) were scheduled, so their scenes at the trailer. Superman visited Henderson at the Mark Stevens.
Thurs 10/4/51
Crime Wave. John Eldredge but not John Hamilton so scenes with them together were NOT on this day's schedule. Bobby Barber worked one day only, so equally sure that Canby told the boys "from here on in everything goes. Pour it on."
Czar of the Underworld. Parking lot scenes.
Wed 10/3/51
Riddle of the Chinese Jade - Superman rescued Lily, Wong, & Lois ... Henderson got a kiss on each cheek.
Czar of the Underworld - With George already in costume for Jade, all he needed to do was drop in on the Czar & duke it out with Tommy & Ollie. (I was wondering when you'd do that.)
10/2/51
Parts Czar of the Underworld, Riddle of the Chinese Jade, & Superman On Earth. Kent & Insp argued, arrived in Hollywood, witnessed murder, broke into Greer's apt. Kent left Smallville.
Lily abducted.
Morris & Fadden, all but process shots.
Barbara Fuller found out "who’s closest to him.”
Mon 10/1/51. Work began on Czar of the Underworld & Riddle of Chinese Jade. Scene with gunmen and matching scene in Kent's office filmed. All of Jade done on MTW but Paul Burns not needed on Tues. So scenes with Wong & Greer & some scenes in Lu Sung's shop done on Mon. Abduction of Lily on Tuesday.
September 26
1941: "Superman" -- first Max Fleischer cartoon to feature Superman was released.
1941: "Man at Large" released. George Reeves as Bob Grayson. Elisha Cook, Jr., who later Homer Garrity in "Semi-Private Eye," appears as hotel clerk.
1952: First broadcast of "The Haunted Lighthouse."
It was on this date, September 23, in 1957 that production began on what would be the final season of the Adventures of Superman. First up ... "The Last Knight."
Fri 9/21/51: final day for this group of eps. Cast had following week off; back on Oct 1 to finish season. This day Quinn took the call from Kent & searched thru files for camps w/ WELL in the name. Superman visited those camps. Garvin got hit on head & then the closing scene in Garvin's office.
Thurs 9/20/51 George Reeves was in Superman costume for 2 rescues this date. In Haiti he rescued friends from the wine press & freed Dr Masters from behind wall. Also rescued Jimmy & Lois from forest fire in Oregon. Next day .... off to the Restwell Tourist Cabins. It seems his work is never done.
Wed 9/19/51 Kent is back in Haiti with Wm Johnson & Leland Masters. Masters notes that P White & his sister have SIMILAR cranial structures; fails to notice Kent & Superman have SAME cranium! Johnson asks, "Who's this ugly brute?" Should be him as voodoo doctor but it's actually man in coat and tie.
Tues 9/18/51: Ghost Wolf
John Hamilton wasn't on the schedule so scenes in his office must have been done on the coming Thurs or Fri, and action scenes were generally held for the end of the week. That eliminates the forest fire. What's left are most of the "talky" scenes for this date.
Mon 9/17/51 - Entire week devoted to Drums of Death & Ghost Wolf, with Drums of Death taking the lead. All scenes featuring George Hamilton as Dr. Girarde done today (as he worked Mon only). Mabel Albertson worked Mon & Wed. Everything else is more problematic as players worked multiple days.
Fri, 9/14/51
Was last workday of this week. Therefore, a good day for the fight scene that ends of Night of Terror. But first Kent had to question Oscar. Jimmy then arrived at the Restwell Cabins, Babyface stopped by, and finally Superman dropped in. Notice use of stunt doubles for Sully and Mitch.
