George Reeves: The Legacy of TV's First Superman

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  • Опубликовано: 26 июл 2024
  • A look back at the 1950s Adventures of Superman TV series starring George Reeves.
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Комментарии • 359

  • @jollyjohnthepirate3168
    @jollyjohnthepirate3168 Год назад +195

    There's a story out there about George Reeves playing Superman at a state fair. A little boy brought a pistol with him to see if bullets would bounce off Superman's chest. Reeves, cool as a cucumber, stays in character and tells the boy to hand him the gun......because he feared the bullets recocheting and striking other people. Truly a great actor.

    • @cryptking6283
      @cryptking6283 Год назад +36

      Yeah, it was redone in the Affleck "superman" movie Hollywoodland

    • @LexBundy
      @LexBundy Год назад +3

      lol

    • @marialanier6155
      @marialanier6155 Год назад +6

      🎉gotta love him

    • @deadstrobe
      @deadstrobe Год назад +7

      @@cryptking6283 the director originally wanted Kyle MacLachlan to play George Reeves. But the studio wanted someone more famous. Enter Ben.

    • @markfowler3057
      @markfowler3057 Год назад +8

      ⁠​⁠@@deadstrobeOh my god, I didn’t know this, MacLachlan would have been perfect. Ben Affleck did ok, although he wasn’t able to capture the presence George had when he put on the cape and costume.

  • @robert_bbiii
    @robert_bbiii Год назад +75

    Thing for me George Reeves did so well as Clark Kent is show what mild-mannered really is. It isn't nerdy or incompetent. It just means someone who isn't prone to big displays of emotion.
    You can see his Clark being a good reporter

    • @tommissouri4871
      @tommissouri4871 11 месяцев назад +2

      The characterizations by several of the other Superman actors have always annoyed me. Christopher Reeve is the worst, I believe, as he plays Clark as a wimp, klutz, and almost an idiot. A super human from another planet would hide in plain sight without acting like a bumbling idiot, which would actually draw attention to himself. He would be just like George Reeves' version, confident, strong, in command, and always knowing that at any time, he was never in danger. The bumbler the others played would have most likely never have gotten the job Clark had. No one would hire him.
      The first time Clark is in the office shows it all. George Reeves walks along the window ledge and asks Perry for the job. No experience, no references, but he still wants the job, goes and gets the story, and shows Perry he can do it.
      Christopher Reeve has the job already, which is good, because he stumbles, is annoying, acts like a Forrest Gump before FG was popular, and frankly does not exude any confidence of being able to do any job, let alone this important one.
      Most dislike Dean Cain, but his depiction of Clark as about the same. In one episode Lois said something about Superman, and Clark reminded her that Clark Kent was who he was and Superman is what he did. There were no two people in one body or split personalities.

    • @jeffreymeehan3116
      @jeffreymeehan3116 15 дней назад

      It is a characterization thing. The dichotomy between Clark and Superman and "who is the real person" is a question most modern interpretations have played with. The Classic media like Fleisher and George Reeves didn't bother with that. Christopher Reeve seems to think "Clark" is a disguise and "Superman" is the real person. That has largely reversed since the 90s. Dean Cain and his successors and the Animated forms have seen Clark as the "real person" and "Superman" as a character he plays on TV. Notice the hair product.

  • @ECO473
    @ECO473 11 месяцев назад +22

    I think George would be pleasently stunned at how much his fan base loves him to this day. God bless you, George!!!

  • @richardmark9161
    @richardmark9161 Год назад +70

    I absolutely loved George Reeves’ interpretation of Superman and especially Clark Kent.

  • @tedschmaltz4346
    @tedschmaltz4346 Год назад +33

    I was born in 1957. This was, for a long time, my definitive Superman. I became aware, later on, of the sad circumstances of his life. It's nice to see, even after all this time, some acknowledgement of his part in the whole 'superhero' cannon.

  • @Cyklopz007
    @Cyklopz007 11 месяцев назад +7

    By far the best! Nobody else even comes close!

    • @zdkris4140
      @zdkris4140 Месяц назад

      Well said n so true!!

  • @njjeff201
    @njjeff201 11 месяцев назад +8

    Being a baby boomer I spent my Saturday mornings with westerns, Sky King & of course Superman. I loved all the characters but George was & still is special to me. They all have a spot in my heart now approaching mid ‘70’s. Thank you Steve.

  • @kevingraham236
    @kevingraham236 5 месяцев назад +4

    George Reeves had a unique genuineness in his portrayal of Clark Kent and his alter ego "Superman" beloved super hero!
    I celebrate his life not his death!
    Rest forever in inner peace and happiness!

  • @sekaramochi
    @sekaramochi Год назад +34

    Rip George and Christopher.
    Long live superman...
    Oh and Steve
    Please please please never stop ♥️

  • @GrannyGamer1
    @GrannyGamer1 Год назад +152

    Reeves was my first experience of suicide as a child.
    I discussed it frequently with my father, a rational, atheist engineer. I never could wrap my head around it.
    Nobody talked about Reeves publicly after he died. He just disappeared.
    That scared me worse than his actual death.
    It's like our country, our culture, was so ashamed of him, like his personal crisis betrayed us.
    I've seen every episode, multiple times.
    Because, of course, despite the stigma, he was still bank in reruns.
    I could not understand how this grinning, kind, strong, quiet guy could be shunned and erased like that.
    That's more terrifying to a kid than a bullet wound to the head.
    American culture did Reeves dirty.
    That's the state of mental health in this red, white and blue hellscape.
    ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ 💲💯😢💗💪🏾

    • @davidmacphee3549
      @davidmacphee3549 Год назад +5

      "Rocketship Seven' WKBW abc network, Buffalo with Dave Thomas.
      I watched from Toronto

    • @geraldstephens6612
      @geraldstephens6612 Год назад

      There's some evidence that George Reeves might not have committed suicide; check out the book Hollywood Kryptonite.

    • @MisterJWJ71
      @MisterJWJ71 Год назад +6

      That may be why so many people believe he was murdered, because suicide was even more of a stigmatic thing than it is now. And it's still seen as "a coward's way out" and whatever else. While both situations are bad, murder seemed more "acceptable" at that time than suicide.

    • @eloiseockert9233
      @eloiseockert9233 Год назад

      There was/still is a big controversy about whether or not George Reeves committed suicide or was murdered.

    • @jayraskin
      @jayraskin 11 месяцев назад +7

      @divinelightshine I have to agree. He was excited about the new Superman season, had a fiance, left no suicide note, and gave no sign of depression. It was either murder or a real stupid accident after drinking too much.

  • @starclone4
    @starclone4 Год назад +8

    He was the Superman I grew up with !!!! 😊😊 What a great man...

  • @lisam5744
    @lisam5744 Год назад +21

    George Reeves was my first Superman. I remember watching reruns as a little kid (and as a kid, I knew how crazy the storylines were...but they were fun). I remember asking my father how come George Reeves wasn't still on TV and he told me that he had died before I was born. And that really made me sad. Christopher Reeve was the first big screen Superman I saw and I loved the movie. But George Reeves will always hold that little spot in my heart as my first Superman.

  • @StareachValcin
    @StareachValcin Год назад +17

    While I didn't watch much of George's portrayal of Superman, from what I've seen he did a good job with Superman for his time, and I definitely enjoyed his cameo in the "I love Lucy" series.

  • @KayleighBourquin
    @KayleighBourquin Год назад +46

    I wonder who George Reeves' Superman could've been, the person he could've turned to for advice or support...given his end it seems like maybe he didn't have that person in his life, despite being that person for so many others. :(

    • @xneapolisx
      @xneapolisx Год назад +8

      That's what happens to many people who help others; in times of need, no one helps them. It's one of the cruel vicissitudes of life.

    • @shallowgal462
      @shallowgal462 Год назад +5

      His murderer never saw justice.

  • @rickwallace2692
    @rickwallace2692 10 месяцев назад +5

    For me, George Reeves will always be 'The Real Superman'!

  • @SomOsog
    @SomOsog Год назад +17

    George Reeves was the Superman I grew up with. That was my favorite TV show as a child by far. To this day I still get goosebumps when I hear the opening music and monologue from the show. I feel thrilled when I hear it, like something special and exciting is about to happen. I LOVED the show!!! The George Reeves Superman helped to inspire and inform my sense of morality. For me, he will always be the best Superman.

    • @jamesperry2322
      @jamesperry2322 10 месяцев назад +1

      Amen to that!

    • @zdkris4140
      @zdkris4140 Месяц назад

      I am a true die hard GEORGE REEVES - SUPERMAN- fan , collector, owning all the Adventures of Superman DVD's plus growing up in the 1950's I've watched every episode at least 10 times and my favorite, " PANIC IN THE SKY" about 50 times, I was deeply sadden when George Reeves died as at the time( I was 6) I really thought he was SUPERMAN!! Now I wish WB would remaster The Adventures of Superman to BLU RAY with more special features , even with commentaries by Mr. JIM NOLT!!
      yesss love George Reeves, n love The Adventures of Superman!!
      R.I.P. George Reeves!!!

    • @zdkris4140
      @zdkris4140 Месяц назад

      Amen!!! Well said!!!

  • @Aidenburgos
    @Aidenburgos Год назад +10

    Thank showing everyone from our generation our first and best superman George Reeves was. He truly was the true essence of how superman really is. Thank you for that . I to this day still miss George Reeves superman and the excellent job he did. God Bless you Steve. From Edwin.

  • @rexpayne7836
    @rexpayne7836 9 месяцев назад +4

    Couldn't get home soon enough, to watch Superman on tv in the 60s and 70s.😊

  • @calebleland8390
    @calebleland8390 Год назад +11

    I'm already having a tough week, and then you go and make me cry, Steve. Being born in the mid-70s, The Adventures of Superman were on in syndication in the afternoons, along with Star Trek and Batman. Those three shows were a huge part of my childhood, but you succinctly explain just what made Reeves' portrayal so wonderful. Sure, my favorite superhero was Batman, and Kirk, Spock and McCoy helped round out my moral code, but I looked up to his Superman the same way I looked up to my father. They were strong men who could do anything in my eyes, but they were both men who I knew I could feel safe with. They were protectors, and they were always there with an encouraging word or would be there to catch you when you fell. Sure, I've truly enjoyed other actors in the role, but Reeves was my first Superman. Thanks for this one, Steve.

  • @m.f.m.67
    @m.f.m.67 Год назад +27

    Congratulations. Perhaps the best, most accurate and well-spoken tribute to George Reeves I have seen. RIP George, you were the best.

  • @LarryAnderson-jx7xv
    @LarryAnderson-jx7xv 9 месяцев назад +3

    This was my show. As a boy, living in San Francisco, I was alone with my older sister (she was probably ten), when an earthquake hit. Everyone in the apartment building rushed outside. I refused because I was watching Superman.

  • @jamesb.9155
    @jamesb.9155 10 месяцев назад +6

    An excellent journalistic presentation that leaves some of us with teary eyes for sure. There really was something very special about our true and beautiful, real Superman...

  • @joanwerthman4116
    @joanwerthman4116 Год назад +15

    I remember growing up with this Superman, having been 7 in 1958. You've nailed it beautifully.

    • @danielland3767
      @danielland3767 Год назад +1

      Random question I ask to everyone when they have a comment like this.
      You were 7 in 1958, how did you see the decades as they went by?
      I'm born 1980, so I've seen the leftovers of late 60's & 70's but really came into my character in the 90's and early 2000's
      What where the 70's, 80's & 90's for you?

  • @cripplious
    @cripplious Год назад +4

    my favorite Reeves superman is he gets shot at, but ducks when something is thrown at him.

  • @cryptking6283
    @cryptking6283 Год назад +7

    This was the superman of my childhood. Loved him in I Love Lucy with the name credit as Superman. I have a polaroid photo in storage of him at a fair with Kryptonite Man who only appeared with him at live appearances. Your parting words really hit hard and true. Thank you

  • @kenhallermd8897
    @kenhallermd8897 11 месяцев назад +10

    What a beautiful tribute to the show and to George Reeves. Thank you!

  • @adamdrake1982
    @adamdrake1982 Год назад +11

    This is probably one of our best videos it felt more personal to you and seemed heartfelt, worthy of the man and subject matter contained within.

  • @BlackCatMargie
    @BlackCatMargie Год назад +10

    Great talk, Steve. I'm not a comic book reader, and George Reeves was the only Superman of my childhood. Thanks for this memory.

  • @rillip3
    @rillip3 Год назад +12

    My favourite thing about GR was that he's not the kind of bulked-up 80's Muscle Man we get these days. He wasn't going to win Mr. Universe. You'd probably see two dozen guys like him at the beach.

  • @davehad-enough2369
    @davehad-enough2369 Год назад +3

    I grew up with George Reeves Superman as my hero. When we first got TV I would be glued to it to watch the episodes every week day. While in my primary school years I was stung by an insect that would put me in hospital on the critically ill list. Every afternoon the nurses would put the Adventures of Superman on for me to watch in the ward. I purchased the DVDs a few years back and every now and then put a disc in and watch a few episodes. Still my hero.

  • @Veteran007
    @Veteran007 11 месяцев назад +3

    The Superman episodes were great because they didn't venture into all those fantasy characters that modern super heroes contend with. People can relate fighting real crime in the streets without having to invent super villains. We are surrounded by villains, fight them.

  • @WideWorldofTrains
    @WideWorldofTrains 11 месяцев назад +2

    I loved watching these in the early 60's then at that time my oldest sister told me Superman wasn't real! I was so mad a her and to this day I tell her she ruined it for me, she is now 72 years old.

  • @hesthatguy
    @hesthatguy Год назад +28

    I love this "Greatest X Ever" series so much. Steve, you have real passion for these characters.

  • @look4lec
    @look4lec Год назад +8

    this was way more touching than I expected... I wish I'd known him as more than the bad CGI cameo in The Flash. Thanks Steve.

  • @MarkbyMarkAFosterPhD
    @MarkbyMarkAFosterPhD Год назад +10

    Very well done. I attended a lecture by Noel Neill in the early 1970s. Surprisingly, only about 20 people showed up. I asked Neill a question. If I could have predicted how she would respond, I would have thought of something else to ask her. That would have been easy. Superman was my favorite show as a kid. The question concerned the semi-controversy over George's death (given his mob connections). She cried.

    • @danielland3767
      @danielland3767 Год назад +1

      Mob connection?

    • @daelen.cclark
      @daelen.cclark Год назад +2

      She had lectures?
      What were they like?

    • @eloiseockert9233
      @eloiseockert9233 Год назад

      @@danielland3767 There was a strong possibility George Reeves dealed with loan sharks from The Mafia. And the possibility he was murdered rather than comitted suicide and it was covered up quite well...

  • @dancalabrese3523
    @dancalabrese3523 24 дня назад +2

    When I think of Superman, it's the George Reeves version that comes to mind for me. He was the best Superman ever! This was an excellent video.

  • @time9293
    @time9293 Год назад +6

    Supes going after that asteroid was awesome looking.

  • @markwilliams2620
    @markwilliams2620 Год назад +4

    Those gorgeous suits. George knew a good tailor.

  • @user-sq4jz9up6g
    @user-sq4jz9up6g 11 месяцев назад +3

    A Retro Superman would be great

  • @jimnolt-TAC
    @jimnolt-TAC Год назад +4

    As someone who has spent almost my entire life loving George Reeves and working to keep his memory alive, I found your video to be exceptionally good, Steve. I especially like your closing remarks. This Saturday, July 29, 2023, almost 90 fans will gather in Los Angeles to shine a light once more on George Reeves, the People's Friend, and to remember his legacy. In my opinion too, George Reeves was indeed the best Superman.

  • @alanfischer1948
    @alanfischer1948 Год назад +16

    THIS WAS GREAT! Bravo, Steve...and excellent presentation with real affection and sincerity for the actor and the show

  • @idova
    @idova Год назад +17

    Again another fantastic video essay, I need to be honest here, when you do one of these, you almost bring a tear to my eye. Growing up in Australia during the 70's this was the superman that i first saw (yeah i know in many ways Australian tv was way behind the times back then), the way you described the series sent me back to then time, damn good work

    • @lawriemillar4932
      @lawriemillar4932 11 месяцев назад

      Fellow Aussie here, but maybe a decade older LOL
      CBN8 (Orange) showed:
      Superman - George Reeves defined Superman to this Aussie kid
      The Lone Ranger - Clayton Moore defined him
      Hopalong Cassidy - William Boyd
      ABC Channel One:
      Robin Hood AND William Tell - Richard Greene was both.
      Memories of hot summers and cold winters and being home to sit in front of the 24 inch B&W HMV TV, whilst mum cooked tea.

  • @larrybliss8330
    @larrybliss8330 Год назад +13

    A fine, touching tribute. I can't help thinking that if more and better mental health resources had been available, he might have lived to a ripe old age.

    • @eloiseockert9233
      @eloiseockert9233 Год назад

      There was controversy about his death. The majority of his fans don't believe it was suicide...

  • @markkeats6302
    @markkeats6302 8 месяцев назад +2

    What an extraordinary documentary about George Reeves, the true Superman. Thank you so much for bringing TAOS back to me at my older age. I was only 4 years old when George died & my parents in shock when they read the NY daily news of his passing. Very sad day & I didn't fully understand his death until I was 7 years old. Love the fact that TAOS lives on. Chris Reeve played an amazing Superman & Clark Kent las close to comic book as possible & Superman 1 B.
    Superman was my hero, idol growing up & could not wait to watch Superman after school.
    I still can't believe he took his own life & always will suspect potential foul play.
    I miss both George & Christopher so much. It aches me they both could not fulfill their golden years in peace & see how much they were loved.
    RIP

  • @jarrod0090
    @jarrod0090 Год назад +2

    George's take-offs are still the best out of all the Supermen. That fucker would bound out of those windows. And he could bust through a wall like no other.

  • @jeff11030
    @jeff11030 12 дней назад +1

    Steve, you are a wonderful writer. Your tribute to Superman and the character of the show was so heart-felt. Thank you.

  • @stephendaurie9344
    @stephendaurie9344 Месяц назад +1

    Used to watch reruns of this show back in the 60s, it was on every afternoon when I came home from school. There were a few times the TV wasn't working, or I wasn't allowed to watch it, I would listen to it on a radio that picked up TV channels. Brings back a lot of memories

  • @rixx46
    @rixx46 Год назад +3

    When I worked on SUPERMAN (the Donner version) I met Noel Neil who played Lois lane in the original TV series. She and Kirk Alyn played the parents of Lois in the Smallville train cameo. She told me she was convinced that George R was murdered - that in no way was he suicidal. She played the original Lois with Kirk Alyn, too!

  • @martinmax1589
    @martinmax1589 6 месяцев назад +1

    Well done Steve! I grew up watching George Reeves playing Superman! He was the best! I would run around the house with a towel for a cape and jump off the furniture until my mom would yell at me to stop before I hurt myself. I wouldn't do that again until the next day then get into trouble again!

  • @ariadnavigo
    @ariadnavigo Год назад +4

    I've never watched him. In fact I'm not a Superman fan at all and didn't know of George Reeves's existence. However, the love and passion you convey on this video is so magical that I can feel he needs this tribute and needs to be remembered. Thank you, Steve ❤

    • @edryba4867
      @edryba4867 11 месяцев назад +1

      Try watching a few installments of the show. You just might see why Steve, our host, was moved to make this video.

  • @alexj3709
    @alexj3709 7 месяцев назад +1

    George Reeves' Superman was not only great TV for us when we were kids, he was such a great role model. Always on the side of doing what is right and being truthful and showing us how that always works out for the best. I don't see any such role models for children in all the rubbish they watch these days.

  • @MegaTurkeylips
    @MegaTurkeylips 10 месяцев назад +1

    As a kid, I had two things to look forward to after school. Back to back. Sitting on the floor in front of the B&W TV, I would watch the Adventures of Superman followed by the first Japanese anime to be broadcast in the US, Astroboy. What a line-up. I am 68 and those were the days.

  • @vicmartinoofficial331
    @vicmartinoofficial331 9 месяцев назад +3

    Good video here "Steven Shives" telling us all about the legacy of TV's first Superman: George Reeves. Good work!

  • @mikeoyler2983
    @mikeoyler2983 Год назад +2

    I remember watching this in the early 90s when it was on Nick at Nite.

  • @bsharp3281
    @bsharp3281 Год назад +3

    Those were different times for actors. The show made have made him famous as the character, but without residuals, etc, actors counted on work for money. Today we see how being famous for a character has value, but back then it could be a curse in your future.

  • @royhowze4023
    @royhowze4023 2 месяца назад

    I am 70 and I have always measured the Superman actors with George Reeves. He was superman. All these others that have played him I have had to force myself to follow the movie and their characters. Thanks for this article and the extensive coverage you studied and reported on this character, this actor.

  • @josephmillraney1061
    @josephmillraney1061 Год назад +3

    Steve, I couldn't wait to come home and watch Superman (with him in the staring role) ever day. I loved that show.

  • @stevencohen-musial2380
    @stevencohen-musial2380 11 месяцев назад +1

    That was a great commentary on your part. It truly captured both the actor, Geroge Reeves, playing the role of Superman, while at the same time,
    describing the Superman, Lois Lane, Jimmy Olson and Perry White's characters and interactions and their incredible adventures together.
    I was very young, about 5 years of age, when I started watching Superman in the early 1960's, obviously as re-runs. I was unaware of the "drama"
    until I got older. Everything you said about the Superman role was spot on.....that is EXACTLY what came across the television.

  • @allanolley4874
    @allanolley4874 Год назад +4

    So what I learned from this about the Adventures of Superman is that in the opinion of one Spokes-tiger "THEY'RE GREAT!"
    So have we ever seen the Kool-Aid man and Superman at the same, maybe that's his secret identity?

  • @jan-rs6im
    @jan-rs6im Год назад +4

    until this moment i've never felt about superman the way i do about star trek - but you did that for me - truth justice and the american way - if only that could be good for all - thanks as always for your excellent work - in solidarity with workers ever, especially those on the picket lines, SI SE PUEDE

  • @theteioh05
    @theteioh05 Год назад +2

    My first live action Superman - and one of the best IMHO.

  • @williamrodriguez7551
    @williamrodriguez7551 Месяц назад +2

    I like George Reeves I grew up in the 60 s watching Superman on television. But Let's get something clear and straight. The Best Superman Ever I Mean Ever Is The One And Only Mr. CHRISTOPHER REEVES. May God Bless Him . In This And Or Any Lifetime. Christopher Reeves Is Was Always Will Be The Best Superman

    • @georgepitcher136
      @georgepitcher136 10 дней назад

      Christopher Reeve. Not Reeves. Different last name than George Reeves.

  • @Shootingstarcomics
    @Shootingstarcomics 11 месяцев назад +1

    My favorite Superman. He did some crazy stuff on that show.

  • @Conn653
    @Conn653 11 месяцев назад +1

    I grew up watching George Reeves "Superman". Loved every episode! The current remake, Superman & Lois, is more detailed, entertaining and delves into life's experiences in a marvelous way. Played by Tyler Hoechlin and Bitsie Tulloch who give a wonderful performance. 🙂

  • @rickbrookes9491
    @rickbrookes9491 Год назад +3

    I love these “best ever” episodes. This one really got me in the feels, especially how much feeling Steve puts into his narration.

  • @Laceykat66
    @Laceykat66 11 месяцев назад +1

    I totally agree with you that Reeves' portrait of Clark Kent was as instrumental to the show's success as his portrait of Superman. Clark had his own life with his own friends. He was respected for the job he did and who he was as a person, not just the "mild-mannered" guy we have to put up with before SUperman arrives. You could almost do complete episodes with Clark as the protagonist, something forgotten in the modern incarnations (minus Smallville of course).

  • @cavebearstudio6517
    @cavebearstudio6517 Год назад +7

    To be fair Perry White not only had an alien maid but also paid an alien reporter.

  • @stewartrussell1951
    @stewartrussell1951 8 месяцев назад +1

    What a fantastic presentation. I was aware of most of the facts presented as a lifelong fan of George Reeves' portrayal of Superman, but this was extremely well done and entertaining. Thank you. Certainly no disrespect to the other actors but, as it was with Clayton Moore and Jay Silverheels as the best Lone Ranger and Tonto, George Reeves and Superman are one and the same in my book. George Reeves was something special!

  • @RonaldGibson699
    @RonaldGibson699 Год назад +2

    I hadn't watched any Superman-related content for a long time until I started watching "Smallville" Monday night. Glad that there will be a new movie.
    No one will ever do it better than George Reeves.

    • @Willpower-74205
      @Willpower-74205 Год назад

      In the Season 6 finale, Clark and Bizarro have their fight at Reeves Dam, an homage to George Reeves. 😎👍

  • @araguet
    @araguet 10 месяцев назад +1

    Thanks for this, for me he was the best Superman ever. Saludos desde Buenos Aires.

  • @carlcleary548
    @carlcleary548 11 месяцев назад +1

    I was born before Superman was television when it was on tv I watched it all the time 😊love it

  • @hch49
    @hch49 11 месяцев назад

    Thank you. Very well done. George Reeves to me was (and is) the definitive Superman. Always will be. Thanks again!

  • @fredericmartin7148
    @fredericmartin7148 11 месяцев назад +1

    To Steve Shives ... your soliloquy at the end of the video was beautifully said. Very nice, indeed.

  • @howardhudson5475
    @howardhudson5475 Год назад +1

    Some of my favorite Superman comics were him and Jimmy Olson going down into the Bottled City of Kandor and them becoming a Batman/Robin type of hero in the City. WOuld love to see one of those as an episode

  • @bubbaschwartz121
    @bubbaschwartz121 Месяц назад

    Great job Steve! Thank you! George Reeves' Superman was my hero and my favorite show as a child and my wife and I still watch the Adventures of Superman to this day when it's on.

  • @graffffik
    @graffffik Год назад +3

    Spoiler he makes a cameo in "The Flash" Movie, so does virtually all live action supermen, Though In most cases they are using clips from shows/movies

  • @VicMartino
    @VicMartino 11 месяцев назад +2

    Steve Shives videos are always interesting and informative and enjoyable to watch. Keep up the good work Steve Shives and I'll "we'll" keep watching your videos here on You Tube.

  • @cassiedevereaux-smith3890
    @cassiedevereaux-smith3890 Год назад +2

    Oof, you lost me when you said that it was better than animated flying. I. ADORE that switch. It's one of my favorites. Yeah, it's noticeable, but magical to me. Thrilling, in all the ways today's CG enhances superhero films, and just how seamless it isn't makes it all the more charming.

  • @TheMikemedia
    @TheMikemedia Год назад +4

    One of my favorite Reeves portrayals of Clark Kent, the man, is the apartment scene with Private Detective, Candy Meyers (Frank Jenks) in season 1, episode 13: The Stolen Costume. Substitute the fantastical costume for some other McGuffin like secret military plans, and you’ve got a mature action drama.

  • @primocorona4331
    @primocorona4331 11 месяцев назад

    For me he really is still the best Superman ever. This video is a great overview of the show and Reeves' work on it.

  • @JeffFrmJoisey
    @JeffFrmJoisey 11 месяцев назад +1

    For me, George Reeves is the only Superman. The rest are just copies. Even as an adult I would look to find when Superman was on; some college years I’d make my class schedule to let me watch a few times a week, and hoped it’s slot wouldn’t change when the schedule kicked in. I lived in the NYC suburbs was only on TAOS was only on Channel 11, WPIX, usually in the 4:30 slot, but starting as late as 5:30. Thank you for this wonderful look back at one of my most favorite shows of all time 😃!!!

  • @bladestar2322
    @bladestar2322 Год назад +1

    I was born in 57, so I didn't get to see Superman on TV. I finally got all the seasons of the George Reeves Superman when I was 60 years old. That was 5 years ago. What's weird, I had a very vivid Superman 2 dream, and it was George Reeves Superman. And he had help with Zod, Ursa, and Non.

    • @stanleykijek6983
      @stanleykijek6983 Год назад

      I was born in '53 but reruns of Superman were common from the mid 1960s and 1970s on regular TV stations looking to show low budget programming. Later it could be seen on Networks such as Nickelodeon.

  • @SuperboyBeyond
    @SuperboyBeyond Год назад +5

    Always been fascinated by George Reeves' story. Back in April we had an expert/historian of George Reeves (Lou Koza) on our podcast. It was less of an interview and more of a chat. But i think it's an interesting watch. If you're interested.

  • @DJFone
    @DJFone 3 месяца назад

    Really well done, Steve. Glad you noted how respectful, polite, and fatherly Reeves made both of his characters.

  • @user-sq4jz9up6g
    @user-sq4jz9up6g Год назад +2

    For my generation George Reeves was Superman His strange death still puzzles me

  • @renatocorvaro6924
    @renatocorvaro6924 Год назад +1

    I should go back and watch this series. Haven't seen it since I was a kid.

  • @MovieMakingMan
    @MovieMakingMan 11 месяцев назад +1

    Great video. I agree with you. George Reeves was the best Superman ever.

  • @jefferylarson3218
    @jefferylarson3218 11 месяцев назад +1

    Watched as a kid. Thanks for this heart warming vid.

  • @bjmajor
    @bjmajor 11 месяцев назад

    DEFINITELY the best Superman, ever!!! Thank you for the great video and tribute.

  • @joelsilverstein21
    @joelsilverstein21 11 месяцев назад

    This was an awesome tribute!!!Steve Shives, Thank you! The older I get, the more i think that Reeve's Superman offers a subtle and nuanced take on the character, unknown since.

  • @ShikiKiryu
    @ShikiKiryu Год назад +5

    Would you do one of these on Wonder Woman next maybe if you havent got plans already? As much as I love your Trek content, I adore your passion, knowledge, thoughts and insight in these kind of videos just as much. Always an enjoyable watch and listen.

  • @bazzarr
    @bazzarr 6 дней назад

    When I was born in 1957, my parents had a huge party for me in our backyard in southern New Jersey. At the time, my father was the president of a private club called the RDA club in Philadelphia. All the biggest stars in entertainment would play and go there, and my dad got to know all of them.
    It was through this that George Reeves ended up being at my very first "birthday" party. (It wasn't really a birthday party, as I had just been born). A funny story that I still talk about to this day is when my brother, who is 9 years older than me, was so excited that SUPERMAN himself was in his backyard eating and drinking, and he was going to meet him! So after my brother got the courage to walk up to him and say hello, he said that George turned around and was mean and drunk to him LOL!!! What I think happened was, the whole thing was probably just a little boy getting to meet his hero in real life and instead of him being like on TV, he was a little drunk which in my brother's mind, made him mean.

  • @stephenperretti8847
    @stephenperretti8847 Год назад

    Thank you. Your discussion was excellent.
    Superman was my favorite TV show EVER. I missed only one episode. I watched Howdy Doody each weel to be sure that I didn't miss even a moment of the introduction, which I can still recite.
    Thank you, thank you very much.

  • @user-gj9uq3kb7y
    @user-gj9uq3kb7y Год назад +2

    He is one of my favourites

  • @marieroberts5664
    @marieroberts5664 Год назад +2

    Steve, you really pulled my heart strings on this one. You made me weep, with deep appreciation for the good man who was, and the character that he left behind for examples and solace. Thanks.
    You and I are in complete agreement...George Reeves played Superman, as both a human with extraordinary alien powers, and as an extraordinary human, that others could aspire to be.
    Which is why I could scream about Henry Cavill and his version. All the wangst! But while I can understand the doubts and questions and even the screw ups, I will say forever that what Snyder got wrong was CLARK'S optimism and Sups hope, that he could make a difference in the world. He was born to a couple who sent him away to strangers in a strange place, out of hope, hope that he would survive to find a better life. He was found and raised by the same kind of people his birth parents were, kind, loving, hopeful and determined to make their lives and the lives of those they touch better. That's what Snyder never understood...Superman is hope; he is the best of humanity and he is very human. But he's not a god, and never pretends to be. He's your best friend, your best neighbor, your favorite uncle, the greatest teacher (the one who wins the awards and gets the students to win too). The only people he scares are the bad guys. He puts everyone at ease.
    So sad that he was let down by those in his life. The best we can do is be there for those who may be struggling, in George Reeves memory, if for nothing else.
    Wish I could up vote this one a thousand times.
    Again, thanks.
    PS. Hope this new guy is American... I think personally, that being American, not just playing American, can show, so a good American actor can up the ante. Just my opinion.

  • @veronicado1016
    @veronicado1016 Год назад +3

    THIS WAS AMAZING! Thank you Steve well done ❤

  • @corywilliams2255
    @corywilliams2255 21 день назад

    One of the little things that I loved about the Richard Donner SUPERMAN (and it was a scene that was restored to its longer version in the television release and the director's cut of the film) was the scene in which the teenager Clark Kent played by Jeff East was running alongside a train on his way home. A little girl on the train saw him. As it turned out, that little girl was Lois Lane and she was travelling with her grandparents played by Noel Neil and Kirk Allyn.

  • @richardrosenthal9552
    @richardrosenthal9552 11 месяцев назад

    George Reeves was a great Superman and Clark Kent. As a kid I watched the Adventures of Superman whenever it was broadcast. As a comics fan I felt that the portrayal of him used the comics design of the character as a background support for the stories, not the stories themselves. George Reeves played his characters better than anyone else would or could have at the time. Christopher Reeve brought Superman back to prominence at a time when a hero was needed. Both of them gave their generation a man that you believed could fly and do unbelievable feats to save the day and lives. I wish the movie makers of today would take note of these portrayals and let Superheroes be like them in today’s movies. Instead of trying to create new heroes from the old versions, use those versions to enhance the new.

  • @TheTerryGene
    @TheTerryGene Год назад +1

    This then nine-year-old child burst out in tears when I saw the headline about George Reeves’ death. George Reeves was MY Superman (much as I love Christopher Reeve’s interpretation).

  • @Tolly7249
    @Tolly7249 Год назад +2

    You've convinced me to go track down and watch the series. Sounds like the Reeves Superman is exactly what I like about the character.