It was in early 2001 when Jim Nolt and Armand Vaquer would begin their efforts to organize a celebration to recognize the 50 year anniversary of Superman and the Mole Men and the Adventures of Superman with the Los Angeles Board of Supervisors. The film released in theaters proved to be an immediate success with audiences and as a result 24 half-hour episodes were ordered for a new medium called television.

When it seemed like the event was actually taking on momentum, Laura Siegel Larson, daughter of Jerry and Joanne Siegel, contacted the organizers and asked if it would be OK if she and her mother could attend. An immediate response was sent with an excited "Yes, of course."

Along with the numerous elite cast members and special guest stars of the film and television series, it was an honor for the TAoS fans to also meet family members of a co-creator of the character Superman. While the entire group was relatively small, the memory became everlasting.

The group gathered at the Kenneth Hahn Hall, located in downtown Los Angeles. One very memorable moment while waiting for Supervisor Michael Antonovich to begin his business was a wonderful conversation I had with Laura and Joanne. Ms. Siegel asked if I would like to hear the story of when she met George Reeves. Of course I was wide-eyed, since I had suspected the Shusters and Siegels had not ever visited the production set of the Adventures of Superman.

Ms. Siegel went on to tell how George introduced himself to her in a night club, asking her if she would like to go dancing once her shift as a cigarette-girl was over. Of course she said yes. Now this occurred at a time when both were single. Ms. Siegel noted how charming and fun George was throughout the night. She also described him as a perfect gentlemen in every way. It wasn't until many years later, sometime around 1953 / '54 that Joanne and her husband were walking into the National Periodicals building in NYC that Joanne realized the man walking out of the same doorway was none other than George Reeves. George seemed to be in a rush and determined to be elsewhere. He totally missed seeing Joanne. Joanne pointed out George to Jerry, and before he finally agreed with his wife to say hello to George, the actor was already making great strides down the block. Knowing they couldn't catch up to George, Joanne was of course disappointed she missed her opportunity to personally say hello to her friend from years ago.

It is common knowledge the creators of Superman had their ongoing lawsuits for years with National over the copyrights of the character. George Reeves also had his own disappointments with his monetary gains when National gave him a pay increase per episode, but only to realize the number of episodes were reduced by half. Not to mention his "piece of the action" hand-shake-agreement with Robert Maxwell that was ignored with the departure of the producer by 1953. This fan has wondered at times if the Siegels and Mr. Reeves had made time for each other would George have taken up the cause to help. Most likely nothing would have changed, National being what they were. But imagine the newspaper headlines: Superman Joins Forces to Help His Creators!! Knowing what we do now about George Reeves and his belief to help others, this doesn't seem out of character.

TAC is saddened by the passing away of Ms. Joanne Siegel. May she rest in peace.

Lou - 2/16/2011

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