Mollie Lane

Classic Movies and Televison

The George Reeves Memorial Reunion Dinner
June 17 - 18th, 2011

Reporter - Mollie Lane

It could only be compared to a pilgrimage to Bethlehem.   They came from California, New Mexico, Arizona, Nebraska, Florida, North Carolina and yes even New York.  Hosted by Jim Nolt who supports The Adventures Continue Website, about 40 passionate fans of George Reeves and the series "The Adventures of Superman" gathered in New York City to celebrate the 60 anniversary of the production of the show which began with the filming of Superman and the Mole Men in July of 1951.  You can view the list of attendees here.  The first season of Superman was filmed in August of 1951 and finished in October of the same year.  The film later became a two part episode as part of the first season collection.

Beginning actually the night before, fans began to arrive in New York with the majority staying at the Novotel Hotel in the theatre district.  A small gathering collected in the lobby for a chat that would last into the wee hours of the morning.  Joining the group was Stephanie Shayne who is the daughter of Robert Shayne who played Inspector Henderson in the series.   Stephanie is an accomplished actress in her own right mostly as a voice over artist but also has the unique distinction of having been the only female lyricist for Motown, having written the lyrics for songs by the group Rare Earth in the 1970's.  Stephanie is honored by Mollie Lane also for her passion for animal rights and the rescue of homeless dogs and cats.

Photo of Robert Shayne with Stephanie in the lower right hand inset.  Photo collage courtesy of Eddie Caro.


Attendees gather at the Novotel Hotel in NY on Friday June 17 with Stephanie Shayne (far right).  Pictured here also are Richard Potter, Joe Kruzynski, Eddie Caro, Bill Kane, Jim Nolt and Alan Asherman of DC Comics.

The following afternoon the group gathered at the Paley Center for Media who graciously allowed us to reserve a private room to view 3 episodes of Superman to get the group in a super mood.


Fans of George Reeves gather at the Paley Center for Media to watch and discuss three episodes of Superman including Superman and the Mole Men, Jimmy Olsen Boy Editor and The Perils of Superman.  Special thanks to Mark Ekman and the staff at the Paley Center for making this a successful and memorable event!

Dinner was held at the Olde Castle Restaurant at 160 West 54th Street.    Free parking at the nearby garages was made available thanks to Brad Shey, Senior Vice President of Rudin Management
Jim Nolt treated the group to a special slideshow presentation containing video captures from all 104 episodes of the show during dinner.  Jim also added the surprise of getting Jack Larson who played Jimmy Olsen on the show to join us by telephone.  Jim's right hand man for this event was his daughter Lisa Copenhaver who did a great job in helping her father stay organized by attending to small details from taking pictures, creating a fun "superman" crossword puzzle for the group and making sure dad didn't forget to eat in the course of all the excitement.


 Making a special appearance was TV / Radio personality Joe Franklin.  Joe Franklin in his lifetime has met anybody who is anybody in show business so of course he met George Reeves who appeared on his Television show in the 1950's.  Joe is quite the comedian and got the crowd laughing and was also enough of a sport to pose for pictures outside with some of the guests along with members of the NYPD 911 first responders unit.

Joe Franklin with Stephanie Shayne along with NY's finest first responders. 




After dinner, Stephanie Shayne was presented with a special gift, a pendant with the NYPD logo denoting "inspector" on it in honor of her father's inspector role on Superman.  There was some time for a Q&A with Stephanie and for folks to chat, sign each other's autograph books and dream of the next time we can all get together in one room.  But it was too short.  But the mission was accomplished which was to remember a show, an actor and the ensemble cast and crew that changed the lives of so many children in the 50's and 60's who watched, remember, and will continue to do so as long as God enables them to do so.  Hopefully another reunion is now in the making.  So boys and girls, don't miss the next thrill packed episode!