Its been way too long since I posted in general, but what with the continued success of the YouTube Channel, Instagram account and Restore Superman IV campaign, its fair to say Capedwonder Europe has never been busier –
That said, SUPERMANIA is where it all started and its high time I got back to what made the site so unique in the first place, the showcasing of rare and unique artefacts exclusively from the Superman Motion Picture Series. And what a great little addition to the collection the above has proved to be –
While not the original prop, this UK made & sold TIMEX Gold Ladies dress watch is the exact make & model worn by Margot Kidder in her role as Lois Lane (see portrait above courtesy Jim Bowers) Notable for its few seconds of screentime in closeup, this prop opens the pivotal ‘Balcony scene’ where the intrepid journalist is poised to get the story of the century.
Presumably obtained by the Wardrobe Dept. in 1977, this tiny, elegant timepiece was a very popular style at the time, with its pearlescent face, windup feature and metal strap. While specific details are scarce about the watch itself, it seems plenty were manufactured back in the day and can still be obtained in good condition for a reasonable price.
I couldn’t resist the temptation to pair it with the awesome replica Library card replica w/envelope (beautifully rendered by Daniel Sanchez) for the perfect ‘I spent the night with Superman’ display (sans wine & Marlboro’s!). If you can get hold of one, it makes a superb addition to your Superman replica prop collection…
Today marks Christopher Reeve’s 71st Birthday, in the year he posthumously (and somewhat controversially) returned to our screens in his most famous role. However polarizing his brief appearance in The Flash may have been, its nonetheless fascinating to see just how passionate both fandom and the moviegoing public remain about the late actor, almost two decades after his passing.
Indeed, Reeve’s Superman seems destined to live on through other mediums as we approach the 45th anniversary of the original Superman The Movie, such as the sequel to DC Comics hugely successful Superman’78, new licensed merchandise, a set of hyper-realistic statues coming from JND Studios and even a cover of LIFE Magazine.
While all this is fine testimony to his enduring legacy as the definitive cinematic Man Of Steel, perhaps the best way to honour Reeve’s memory is to donate to the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation, dedicated to spinal cord research. As the Man himself famously once said – If you choose hope, anything is possible – and your contribution to a worthy cause is exactly the kind of humanitarian act we associate with our Forever Superman.
In the 13 (count them!) years since I started this website, I have been amazed time and again just how much material continues to emerge to celebrate this enduring franchise.
While the discovery of rare stills etc. and tales from folks lucky enough to be involved in the making of these pictures keeps our interest piqued, with all the releases of the movies on physical media there is still one complete version we are yet to see.
As the self-appointed ambassador of this particular film (go to Superman IV on the sidebar for proof!) I have started a campaign to get this final chapter released in the hope that Warner Bros. can bring closure to a both to magnificent series of films, and a legion of dedicated fans.
Alan & Rob, greatest criminal podcasters of the modern era have devised a way to DESTROY Superman with none other than Nuclear Man himself, Mark Pillow star of Superman IV: The Quest for Peace!
We learn how Mark landed the role of the supervillain with the most metal hairdo of the 1980s, how he broke his foot during an epic moon battle with Christopher Reeve, his thoughts on the reaction to the film, the mythical 134 minute cut and of the gratitude and love he still holds for the movie more than 35 years later!
Although SUPERMANIA’s long-standing relationship with Propstore has been going on for some years now, after last years bumper offering of incredible artefacts from all four Superman Movies It seemed there was no chance such a feat could be repeated. Indeed, after 40+ years, how many loft finds and shed discoveries from various former crew and/or family could there possibly be? No, the 2021 auction was surely the pinnacle of what remains of available Superman ephemera. The exquisite miniatures. The hairpieces, the crystals. Even Valerie Perrine’s iconic dress. After the last visit, we all shook hands and drove home with a sense of finality – how lucky were we to see these wonderful pieces before they were scattered across the world to their new custodians?
Well. Turn’s out joke’s on me.
Not content with having just as enviable a selection as last year, Propstore have gone one better by presenting a catalogue of fresh items in this years Entertainment Memorabilia Live Auction with a complete costume from the Salkind Superman trilogy as their premiere lot. While Propstore has seen many a Super-garment pass through their hands, rarely does a complete costume (below, on a finished display, no less) become available. And quite the example it is too, with the description revealing it to be a composition of screenworn items from all 3 films, presenting a unique opportunity to own a piece from each in the franchise.
Also for Reeve fans there is the 1:1 in flight model from Superman II, an autographed still and my personal favourite lot, the two Leather-bound scripts personally signed by Reeve and donated as a prize to UK TV show Multicoloured Swapshop, where the provenance on offer is about as comprehensive as can be.
Enjoy the preview video (top) courtesy of the Capedwonder Podcast where Jay Towers and I interview Propstore CEO Stephen Lane and look out for the upcoming video on the SUPERMANIA YouTube channel as we prepare to visit the Propstore office once again at the end of this month. Until then, I will keep any predictions about next years auction firmly in check…
