Another vintage rarity from the SUPERMANIA archive – enjoy this obscure Japanese promotional centrefold from an unknown publication announcing the release of Superman II. Though the text is a mystery this tabloid-size pull-out is chock-full of typically superb imagery and various ads for merchandise…
This latest addition to the SUPERMANIA archive is a generous gift from longtime Superfan Chris King. Distributed in 1983 by Present Needs Ltd, this complete set of four promotional pinbacks were a mainstay of local comic shops for years (bagged separately on a blue backing board) and, according to Chris, available in the foyer of the cinema where the movie was screening.
Featuring sharp, colourful graphics, besides the obvious spelling faux-pas (third pic down) the most curious concoction is easily the last button (fourth pic) where a still from the computer showdown is paired with a still from the junkyard sequence for a supposed ‘reflection’ (with the help of a laughably rendered mirror).
Like many promotional items from Superman III these, although considered ‘shelf warmers’ at the time, are increasingly rare as a set today…
Enjoy this great little piece by Dan Shaw of The Black Country Bugle –
SOME children are lucky enough to meet their heroes but Phil Carr met a superhero when he was introduced to actor Christopher Reeve in 1978.
The story on the ABC Minors in our March 27 edition prompted Phil to bring along to our offices his souvenirs of a very special day.
Phil was a member of the ABC Minors at the cinema in Stourbridge in the late ’70s and early ’80s. He went on to work there when he was 16 but before that he helped out during the week, after school, polishing the backs of chairs and cleaning the carbon projectors and carbon rods that provided light for the projector.
“I rewound films onto spools after showing, and checked them by hand as I wound them back on,” recalled Phil.
“Because I’d worked so hard, the manager of the ABC, Tim Williamson, asked me if I wanted to go with him to Pinewood Studios in London. He was going there to see Derek Meddings, a model maker for a lot of films. He built a bridge for Superman, and an entire street that a lot of it was filmed on at Pinewood.”
Tim was a keen on stop animation, hence his interest in Derek’s models.
“While we were there,” said Phil, “a woman called Pat O’Brien, a PR for the Superman films, came down to see Derek Meddings. She told us they were filming Superman II, and asked if we wanted to go in and have a look.
“She took us through, popping into an office on the way to get some photographs of Christopher Reeve for him to sign.
“We went onto the set, and were told to be very quiet. They were just filming the flying scene, with Christopher Reeve and Margot Kidder. We were sworn to secrecy, but they did it by lying him down in a cast of his chest, with a green screen behind him and cameras moving around him.
“When they finished shooting and got them down, Pat O’Brien brought him over. He seemed huge, and the first words he spoke to me were ‘Well, hello down there’, as he put his hand out for me to shake. He had the tights and the boots on, and a dressing gown over the top.
“I was so star struck I didn’t say much at all. He asked me if I liked the first film, but I barely managed an answer.
“He signed the pictures, and when he signed mine he dropped the picture and trod on it. It may well have been my fault, I was pretty nervous when I passed it to him. But that footprint on the picture is from Superman’s boot.”
Bottom pic – Clean version of the signed photo. Read the original article here.
In its 31st year at the time of publishing, The 1976-77 International Film And TV Yearbook is nothing if not a fascinating snapshot in time.
A Screen International Publication (A Division of King Publications Ltd.) This doorstop- heavy tome literally houses the film industry of the age between its garish orange covers. Edited to a mere 680 pages by ‘Mr. Showbiz’ (as referred to in the introduction) Peter Noble, its a virtual Yellow Pages of cinema. Need Michael Caine’s agent? Want to book a slot in Elstree Studios? Have an enquiry for Rank Laboratories? Its all here and good for across the globe.
The impact and readership of these annuals was obviously not wasted on one Mr. Alexander Salkind, European producer of considerable reputation in what would turn out to be his prime. Never one to miss an opportunity for advance publicity, Salkind manages to solicit both covers for two upcoming projects (on the rear: The Prince and The Pauper, third pic) including a little picture that wouldn’t hit screens for another two years.
Not content with covers and spine, all three exposed sides of the volume are also stamped with the word ‘SUPERMAN’ (second pic) even if there is no mention of the film inside. Utilizing artwork that had already spearheaded a similar campaign in the pages of US screen bible Variety, (click here) the film was at this stage clearly under the direction of Guy Hamilton.
A final treat for the Superman historian was the neat addition of the bookmark – (god knows it needs one) cleverly modelled after a clothing tag for none-other than Bermans & Nathans, (bottom pic) makers of, among many other adornments, Superman’s costume…
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OymF5wST1ng&feature=youtu.be
They say you should never have regrets. They also say you should never meet your heroes. Those fortunate enough to have positive experiences with the latter only serve to make the former more poignant here at SUPERMANIA.
In 1994, with the colossus of modern-day internet fandom in its infancy, the tradition of the Sci-Fi convention was quietly going about its business celebrating all things cult Stateside as it had for decades previously.
One such celebration was the annual Dixie Trek convention held in Atlanta, Georgia, where organiser and Superfan Ron Nastrom had listened to repeated pleas of fans over the years and had finally secured the first (and ultimately final) special guest appearance of one Christopher Reeve.
Hired for a Q&A and autograph session lasting the afternoon, (read Ron’s fantastic account here) Reeve would characteristically both deny special treatment and insist on signing for all attendees – None of which could’ve forseen the significance of this event anymore than the tragic incidents that would occur less than a year later.
This latest and most precious addition to the SUPERMANIA collection shown above is a rare signed copy of Convention Life Issue #1 from that same session and has its own story –
“I was Deputy Director of Security for the “Dixie Trek” Convention held in Atlanta at the CastleGate Hotel on May 13th through 15th 1994. Christopher Reeve was a guest speaker. He had another engagement in Los Angeles about a movie project but he had already committed to the convention. On Saturday, May 15th 1994, Mr. Reeve flew to Atlanta, gave a very moving speech, then signed autographs to everyone who wanted one. He even personalized them if the person wanted it. Being that I was running Security for his appearance, I was second in line to get him to sign. (I let the Director of the Convention go first!)
Knowing Mr. Reeve needed to get back to LA, we tried to rush the crowd along. Mr. Reeve wouldn’t have that. He signed every one. That was just the kind of man he was. Extremely Gracious! He flew back to LA that night. Personally, Superman really impressed me.
I forgot to get my own program signed but I got this one for someone else on my crew. I was very busy with security. Unfortunately, she had to leave the convention before I could give it to her. Then I never saw her again. It’s been sitting in a box in my closet ever since…”
While no amount of memorabilia could make up for missing out on such an opportunity back in the day, ‘Shannon’s’ loss is now definitely my gain…