Fans all over the world recently said a fond farewell to another one of its national treasures. You can read all about Ms. York’s incredible life and career here but to many she will always be remembered as Lara – Wife of Jor-El and Mother of Kal-El in Superman: The Movie, Superman II and Superman IV: the Quest For Peace.
With her role unexpectedly expanded thanks to Marlon Brando’s refusal to appear, her reassuring and sensitive appearance coaching her son in matters of the heart was one of the highlights of Superman II.
The autograph above was obtained for me in person by my good friend Steve Cambden while Ms. York was appearing in a play in London in the mid-2000’s and is a gift very much like the lady herself…
More the Big Red Book and the continuation of the first round the world encounter with Nuclearman II. These scenes were among those omitted for the US release but present in the European cut.
Printed in blue (presumably as a revision), this is the first instance of incorporating stills from footage already shot into storyboards I’ve ever seen..!
Second in a series of Movie-faithful replicas in 1/6 scale beginning with General Zod and concluding with Lex Luthor – Pictured above is the landmark first-ever officially licensed action figure bearing the likeness of Christopher Reeve.
Though specially produced for the adult collector, for $60, these figures are somewhat basic and doll-like in their execution. While the headsculpt is passable, the paintwork is sub-standard and the body (revised by Mattel after disastrous reception of the prototype revealed at SDCC ’09) is still disproportionately top-heavy. As stated with Zod, these are not figures for cynics and if nothing else, fill a 30-year void.
Nonetheless it is beautifully presented, the graphics of the box suitably retro and the accessories stellar (there’s something very exiting about a 1/6 Green Crystal!) with the exception of the boots (which should’ve be made from vinyl).
The costume is also an arguably reasonable representation of the screen-worn version, with nice bold chest shield replicated in yellow on the cape. Just pulled from sale by mattycollector.com, expect both this and Zod to re-appear on the site for the release of Lex Luthor in the coming months. With Hot Toys release (hopefully) fast approaching, this line will probably be notable for producing the first rather than definitive versions of these iconic characters.
My sincere thanks to Jim Bowers of Capedwonder.com who ensured this figure made a safe flight across the pond for the SUPERMANIA collection..!
Relics from a bygone pre-Multiplex age when lobby cards adorned walls and merchandise from the Blockbuster of the week would be available in the lobbies of ‘A Cinema near you.’
From the top – UK programme, US Cardbacked Brochure, The Merit Publications Warner Bros. Superman Special (not strictly a programme but nonetheless some of the best imagery and synopses from the movie available to this day!!) and Die-Cut Cast & Crew card, all splendid examples of Cinema as an event…
Welcome to 2011 and a premiere post featuring no less than set-used props from Superman: The Movie!
Acquired from the outstanding team at the Propstore of London, this set comprises of (from the top) Genuine Daily Planet typewriter paper (as seen in close-up) A Planet envelope (as carried by Clark for Lois to the changing room) a file spine and finally a sheet of notepaper.
These were all created as set dressing/functional props to litter the busy Newspaper office and used throughout all four movies. Check out Propstore’s site for even more Superman rarities!!
