My wife, Donna surprised me with a set of vibrant, lobby-card reprints for my birthday: the entries based on my current, cinema leanings. Donna is so observant...
Among the impressive trio is a promotional salute to the first, feature-length movie based on DC's "all-time ace of action": Superman!!!
Directed by Lee "Tobor the Great" Sholem and scripted by Robert Maxwell and DC veteran Whitney Ellsworth, "Superman and the Mole Men" stars George Reeves as the eponymous champion, his initial appearance as such, with Phyllis "Teenage Frankenstein" Coates debuting as Lois Lane. (For the record, Kirk Alyn portrayed the Man of Steel prior to Reeves in two serials, costarring Noel Neill, who'd again portray Lane after Coates exited the "Adventures of Superman" television series.)
The movie was a terrific way for Reeves to enter the franchise, since the story takes a strong and poignant stance against bigotry. Though devoid of flashy effects, "Superman and the Mole Men" still stands as one of the best and most meaningful superhero movies ever produced: one of my all-time favorites.
The movie was a terrific way for Reeves to enter the franchise, since the story takes a strong and poignant stance against bigotry. Though devoid of flashy effects, "Superman and the Mole Men" still stands as one of the best and most meaningful superhero movies ever produced: one of my all-time favorites.
Next up is a captivating slice of marketing for director Arthur "the Big Chase" Hilton's libidinous "Cat-Women of the Moon": a 3D space opera starring Sonny "Serpent Island" Tufts, Victor "the Shadow" Jory, Douglas "Macumba Love" Fowley, William "the Snow Creature" Phipps and sultry Marie "Swamp Women" Windsor.
What the movie lacks in sophistication, it compensates with plenty of fun--and plenty of enchanting Cat-Women. Its successful formula was rehashed five years later for the equally fulfilling "Missile to the Moon".
Last but not least is a variant on Robert Louis Stevenson's classic tale of dueling duality: "Daughter of Dr. Jekyll".
The sequel was produced/penned by fantasy-film specialist, Jack Pollexfen, directed by exploitation legend, Edgar G. Ulmer and stars gorgeous Gloria "I Married a Monster from Outer Space" Talbott in the titular role, teamed with Arthur "Tarzan and the Slave Girl" Shields, John "The Thing from Another World" Dierkes and monster-movie icon, John Agar. The film's antagonist is, in truth, a werewolf, but any werewolf is a Hyde at heart.
I watched "Daughter of..." on various weekend afternoons during the joyous '70s, so anything attached to it gives me warm feelings. (FYI: "Daughter of..." was double billed with another Talbott favorite: "The Cyclops".)
Donna purchased these reproductions from Filmfax, which lists many printed pieces of movie memorabilia each issue. (For the record: I used stock photos for this post, if only to share keener clarity than some in-thing, digital device could capture.) The actual cards measure 11" x 14" and are printed on high-quality, acid-free paper to simulate the look and feel of the real deal.
I'm appreciative of dear Donna for knowing me all too well. This set sure gave me a nostalgic, birthday boost. I'll cherish these swell collectibles for years to come.
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