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A Day with Jack Larson
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Beginning in 2010 and culminating in 2014, Jim Nolt—dedicated George Reeves fan—and his incredibly supportive friends pulled off a super celebration. Upon realizing that 2014 would have been the 100th birthdays of an incredible trio—Superman actor George Reeves, and Superman co-creators, Joe Shuster and Jerry Siegel—Jim began to plan for a weekend that over one hundred Superman fans will never forget.
The weekend began a little early as fans from all over the world gathered at the Beverly Garland Hotel on Friday night. Old friendships were renewed, and folks who’d only known each other through eMail (and a shared love of Superman) got to meet face to face.
The next morning kicked off the festivities when we all gathered in Tarzana to commemorate a very special location for the Adventures of Superman. This spot, in a quiet suburban neighborhood, was the only location shoot to feature every single principal cast member: George Reeves as Superman, Noel Neill as Lois Lane, Robert Shayne as Inspector Henderson, John Hamilton as Perry White, and Jack Larson as Jimmy Olsen. Unveiled was a granite plaque, designed by Armand Vaquer, Steven Kirk, and Jim Nolt, forever marking this unique and special location for “The Man Who Could Read Minds,” episode 29.
Many people spoke, the most notable being Stephanie Shayne Parkin, daughter of Robert “Inspector Henderson” Shayne; Laura Siegel Larson, daughter of Superman co-creator, Jerry Siegel; and the 1950's Jimmy Olsen, Jack Larson.
Stephanie “brought her dad” with her by carrying the classy, ornate cane that Mr. Shayne used towards the end of his life. She herself remembered visiting the set of that same episode as a little girl, and of being picked up and held by George “Superman” Reeves.
Laura reminisced how when her family first moved to California, her dad took them to Tarzana—which, yes, had been named after Tarzan (even this life-long Californian never knew!) Because Edgar Rice Burroughs had been such a strong influence on Jerry Siegel, he wanted to share this town with his family. We were all enthralled to realize that, for Laura, a circle had been completed, with her father now being permanently honored as a hero’s creator in the very town named after his own hero’s creation.
And Jack Larson, side-kick to our hero Superman, was present as a hero in his own right. When his car pulled up and Jack emerged, he was overwhelmed. Perhaps it was the bright sunshine. Perhaps it was seeing dozens of people gathered to honor him and his role in the most impactful television show for an entire generation. Did he know before that moment how much we all loved him? No matter, it was apparent now.
Jack was so kind, so accommodating, and so eloquent. He had not realized how big a crowd would be at this unveiling, so he could not have been prepared to give a speech. Yet when the microphone was passed to him, he rose to the occasion. He reminisced, he joked, and he let us all know that he appreciated us for remembering it all. And, consummate performer that he was, he spoke the perfect length of time: not too long, not too short. Keep in mind that Jack was 86 years old, and he still knew how to entertain a crowd.
One other guest must be mentioned: Jacqueline Hamilton, granddaughter of John “Perry White” Hamilton. SupermanBobHoliday.com webmaster, Toni Collins, had the pleasure of speaking with Jacqueline and discovered that she is a Bob Holiday fan! Jacqueline shared she inhales everything she can about her Granddad, which includes every possible angle on Superman. She was well familiar with www.SupermanBobHoliday.com and visits the site regularly.
PART 3
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