Intrigue, Murder, and Hollywoodland: Film Explores the Mysterious Murder of TV’s First Superman
George Reeves became immortal for his portrayal of Superman on the first TV version of the Man of Steel, in The Adventures of Superman, but his mysterious death would immortalize him in Hollywoodland for evermore. In the movie version depicting the mysterious events surrounding the untimely demise of George Reeves, Ben Affleck will play the role of this famous leading man.
On a late June night in 1959, George Reeves was found dead in his Hollywood home, the apparent victim of a single, self-inflicted gunshot wound. His death was ruled a suicide, newspapers carried banner headlines, and as far as officials were concerned it was case closed. But the mystery of his death and rumors hinting at murder have persisted for nearly fifty years in “Hollywoodland” (which is the name that the famous sign originally showed). From the very beginning, friends and family said that George Reeves would never have committed suicide, and some evidence seemed to point to murder.
But who would want to murder Superman? And not just any Superman, as the first TV Superman George Reeves gave a score of other actors something to aspire to, delighted children around the globe, and fueled female fantasies across the country. Reeves died just three days before his scheduled wedding to beautiful Leonore Lemmon, portrayed in this upcoming film by Robin Tunney, while in the midst of a torrid affair with beautiful but perhaps devious Toni Mannix.
The femme fatale of the flick will be played by Diane Lane, who is more than perfect for the role. Eddie Mannix, Hollywood power player and husband to cheating Toni, is portrayed by Bob Hoskins. Allegations surrounding the Reeves murder label both Mannixes as suspects. The star-studded cast has their work cut out for them, playing screen legends of Hollywood’s past, but these veteran actors seem up to the task.
Adrien Brody, one of the greatest actors in Hollywood today, plays detective Louis Simo, hired by the mother of George Reeves to investigate the death that she is sure is not a suicide. As the evidence mounts (one true fact of the Reeves suicide/murder is that his body was found on top of the cartridge casing from the bullet that killed him), fans will get the chance to unravel the mystery and follow Simo through a journey that delves into the actor’s personal and acting life.
Directed by Allen Coulter, Hollywoodland will attempt to tell the true story of one of Hollywood’s greatest murder mysteries. At the time of his death, George Reeves seemed to be on top of the world. After all, he was Superman! Explore the man, the myth, and the legend of George Reeves and Superman that is revealed in Hollywoodland. The movie opens Friday, September 8, and already critics are saying the movie is Oscar-worthy.
