And now... another exciting episode in The Adventures Continue...

Come with us now on a far journey... a journey that takes us tens of miles from our hotel rooms where, many years ago, a television production crew labored with an intense fervor in the summer's sun. Here, television production was making history, and it brought forth a new series, like some others, but advanced to the absolute peak of cinematic perfection. As we near Baldwin Hills, we see, high above the city, the magnificent Scenic View with its several oil wells and winding trails. Our group, Superman's leading group of travelers, has been summoned to address the question of exactly where Clark Kent changed to Superman in “The Mind Machine.” Jim calls the meeting to order. “Fellow travelers... you have been summoned here on urgent business.”

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But first, let's go back a few hours to earlier that morning, Sunday, July 1, 2018. The first stop on our “Tour To Remember” was Patrick's Roadhouse in Santa Monica where Noel and Jack often ate and where Noel is remembered fondly and once had a special seat at table number four.

There were a number of us, but “Patrick” seemed to have no difficulty seating us and serving up a quick and delicious breakfast.

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After breakfast some of us walked to the beach where Noel used to spend much of her time while others headed toward Noel's former residence.

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And then we were off to Baldwin Hills Scenic Overview where the most exciting scenes from “The Mind Machine” were filmed. Like Carl Wagoner, we drove up the road to where the bus driver was busily fixing his brakes.

Further up, we stood in exactly the same spot George Reeves stood when he, as Clark Kent, ducked behind the shed to become Superman. [Probably August 7, 1951.]

For me, standing there and gazing down the winding road... imaging the film crew setting up the shots of Superman (George's double) leaping into the air and of Superman (George) stopping the run-away bus, was the highlight of my day.

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From Baldwin Hills it was a quick ride to Jack Larson's former house.

It's a shame to see this house currently sitting empty and deteriorating somewhat.

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There was one more house we wanted to visit.

And with the current owner's permission, we gathered in front of “George's house” to have our picture taken.

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A trip to southern California would not be complete without checking on the plaque on Wilbur Avenue in Tarzana.

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Parts of “The Machine That Could Plot Crimes” (#39, 1953) were filmed on location on the streets of Los Angeles. Two prominent locations were at the intersection of Jesse Street and Sante Fe Avenue.

The area has changed since 1953, but there were still enough landmarks (the street sign for one), to let us know we were at the right location.

A quick re-enactment of the scene with Clark and Lois will be included in the special features section of the Noel Neill – Jack Larson Tribute DVD.

On Seventh Avenue we found the location where Superman (George Reeves) pushed the truck away so the crooks could get through.

Below, Brad Shey took elements from 1953 and placed them in photos taken on July 1, 2018.

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Next stop, the the Henson Studio, formerly the Chaplin Studio (1416 N. La Brea Avenue) where this scene from “The Big Freeze” was filmed. The gate is exactly the same.

And on our Sunday Tour, the real guard at the gate was just as friendly as “the guard” in 1955. He seemed to be amused by our visit and was happy to open and close the gate so Steve Shapllo could come inside to take on the role of the guard who spoke with Kent (Brad Shey) about coming in to snoop around.

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By this time the sun was sinking in the west, but we had one more place to visit... George's star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

And so our day ended. Truly... A Tour To Remember.

Posted: July 12, 2018
Jim