CapedWonder.com.

07 August 2022; Podcast Episode #45 has Landed..!

Jim & Dolores live in Canada and not only do they have a story to tell, but they have the pictures to prove it. In Episode #45, Jay Towers & Jim Bowers head back to the falls to hear the extraordinary story behind the family of four who pop up all over the iconic Niagara Falls scene in Superman II. Why were they in the film? How did they get so many so many photos and how did their children get on the laps of Christopher Reeve & Margot Kidder. Happen to be in Niagara Falls…and Jay & Jim are very much around as usual.

Please enjoy the photo gallery below containing photos from Jim & Dolores' archive, as well as Superman II Niagara Falls screenshots that feature Jim & Delores, and their two children, Jamie & Matthew. Jim has a mustache and is wearing a striped shirt and white boat Captain's hat, Dolores is wearing a yellow blouse, and the kids are wearing red shirts and blue jean bib overalls, both with hats. The autographed "To Bill" photo of Christopher Reeve belongs to Jim's dad.

CapedWonder.com.

06 August 2022; Super Fan Letter..!

Why I Still Need Superman

I can't speak for everybody, but in recent years, I have found myself feeling a renewed appreciation, affection, and even need for Superman. I'm talking about the Superman I grew up with, on the big screen, fighting for truth, justice, and the American way. As a youth, I never fully understood what that meant. But as an older, mature adult, I get it now. I understand why the whole world embraced Superman and what he stood for. But beyond just the nostalgia for pure Americana, Superman means something more…

As a 51 year old man, it's rather freeing to realize and embrace the fact that you're never too old for WONDER. Whether it's marveling at a beautiful sunset, hearing a gorgeous concerto, or remembering the time you first discovered your favorite superhero, wonder is a chance to connect with innocence again. The fact that I still get the shivers when that S Shield streaks across the sky reminds me that I'm never too old for the simple joys of my childhood. When the bass horns of John Williams' score begin to rumble, I know that incredible things are about to happen, and I'm excited to see them, time and time again. The bottom line is you never fully outgrow your childhood, nor should you! Just because we become smarter, more well-educated, well-cultured, and more self-sufficient as adults, doesn't mean that our need to trust, hope, and believe in greater things ever goes away. Superman reminds us of that. That's why these movies resonate so powerfully, even all these years later.

Furthermore, connecting youthfully to cherished memories keeps us from becoming the jaded cynical folks that so many around us unfortunately become. We all know them. Currently, we see that cynicism degenerating more and more into "corruption, violence, and evil" to put it in Lex's terms. The timeless power of these wonderful movies is that they remind us that moments of pure joy still exist! It's in those moments of joy that we are so powerfully removed from the "real world", that we can look at it from a distance and say, "Superman wouldn't say that" or "Superman wouldn't do that" and suddenly, supposedly complex ideas like good and evil become remarkably simple.

Maybe comedians and historians are onto something when they joke about childhood being a time where we have not yet been educated enough to become idiots. We have not yet learned advanced methods to bring about our own demise. We see the borders of life as providing safety rather than unfair restriction. It's in this world that Superman exists and it's why we want to revisit him and fly with him and be like him. Superman is innocence, trust, hope, joy, and wonder. And these are things we were never meant to outgrow. That's why I still need Superman.

Blessings,

Tony La Torre

CapedWonder.com.

01 August 2022; TIME in 1977!

On August 1, 1977, TIME Magazine published a great article about the filming progress of Superman: The Movie, featuring fresh new photos shot the month previously in New York City.

Here's an excerpt from the article:
Before the movie is finished, Superman will have I) soldered together the Golden Gate Bridge, which has been cut in half by an earthquake, 2) rescued the President's airplane from a thunderstorm, 3) tamed the waters from a collapsing dam, 4) plucked a speedboat full of criminals from the East River and set it down, still dripping, on Wall Street, 5) caught a crashing helicopter in mid-air, 6) flown round the world in 90 seconds with Lois Lane in his arms, and 7) cooked a souffle for Lois with his X-ray eyes.

CapedWonder.com.

29 July 2022; Reeve Quote..!

"I am very old-fashioned and, I guess, very lucky that early I found something to attract me, something I really wanted to do. I am an actor because I'd never wanted to do anything else. I compare it to the fine art of competitive sailing. I take it seriously, but not grimly. Ultimately I act for my own pleasure, but I am aware of my responsibility to give a performance that people will enjoy."

— Christopher Reeve

CapedWonder.com.

24 July 2022; Superman IV at 35!

Jay Towers and Jim Bowers, co-hosts of the Caped Wonder Superman Podcast, Celebrate the 35th Anniversary of Superman IV: The Quest For Peace, Christopher Reeve's final performance as The Man of Steel and Clark Kent. Special Thanks to Superman IV actors Marc McClure, Mark Pillow, Mariel Hemingway, and Damian McLawhorn for joining us at the Christopher Reeve Legacy Reunion at Motor City Comic Con in May 2022! Super Thanks to editor Adeel of Steel for creating yet another stellar video for CapedWonder!

CapedWonder.com.

19 July 2022; An ICON!

This incredible photography session of Christopher Reeve by Bob Penn occurred 45 years ago this month atop the Hotel Mayflower and at Pier 5 at Brooklyn Bridge Park (a 15-minute walk from the Frisky the cat filming location) in New York City! The pointing photo is, in my humble opinion, the VERY BEST one ever shot of a live-action Superhero.

CapedWonder.com.

17 July 2022; Podcast Episode #44 has Landed..!

In Episode #44, Jay Towers & Jim Bowers have a great conversation with actress Ellen Bry. Before Spider-Man, St. Elsewhere, Star Trek: The Next Generation, Deep Impact and countless films and TV shows, Ellen was the stunt double for Margot Kidder while filming the Metropolis scenes in New York for Superman: The Movie & Superman II: The Richard Donner Cut. Ellen is a great storyteller. From the Fruit Stand on 42nd street we get all the filming secrets and more! Jay & Jim take a Metropolis Leap of Faith! Look out below!

Click here to listen, or click on the Spreaker player below.

CapedWonder.com.

07 & 08 July 2022; A Swell Day and a Mugging, 45 Years Ago!!

7/7/77: Richard Donner filmed his first footage in New York City of Christopher Reeve and Margot Kidder in the lobby and the exterior of the Daily News Building. Real-life film critic Kathleen Carroll and real-life entertainment reporter Rex Reed also shot their cameo appearances that day.

7/8/77: Richard Donner filmed Christopher Reeve and Margot Kidder's exterior portion of the mugger scene in New York City. Donner also filmed the end portion involving Ned Beatty's introduction to the film as Otis at the corner of Pike and East Broadway, in Manhattan. The end tag would not appear in the theatrical version of the film, but was restored for the extended TV broadcast in February 7-8, 1982 (and in subsequent TV broadcasts) and the extended TV cut Blu-ray in October 2017.

Did you know that Superman Director Richard Donner and Assistant Director / Second Unit Director Dave Tomblin walked past the camera in this New York City scene in the extended cut of Superman: The Movie?

CapedWonder.com.

14 June 2022; Flag Day..!

In the United States, Flag Day is celebrated on June 14. It commemorates the adoption of the flag of the United States on June 14, 1777 by resolution of the Second Continental Congress. The United States Army also celebrates the U.S. Army birthday on this date; Congress adopted "The American Continental Army" after reaching a consensus position in the Committee of the Whole on June 14, 1775.

CapedWonder.com.

13 June 2022; Caped Wonder Stuns City..!

On this day – June 13, 1977 – Richard Donner shoots Perry White's meeting with his reporters about the story of the century. Christopher Reeve, Margot Kidder, Jackie Cooper, Marc McClure, and numerous extras are on call for the shoot. The end tag of Jimmy and the copy boy will not be seen until the extended TV broadcast in February 1982. (By the way, this particular shot is NOT in the extended cut of the movie.)

CapedWonder.com.

09 June 2022; Superman '78 Hardcover..!

Superman '78 hardcover edition with all six issues…release date is July 19, 2022! Pre-order today!

CapedWonder.com.

09 June 2022; Each Costume is Unique..!

No two original, screen-worn Christopher Reeve Superman movie tunics are exactly alike. Photography by Jim Bowers. Experience the definitive costume article by Martin Lakin from Supermania: CapedWonder Europe by clicking here.

CapedWonder.com.

07 June 2022; Keep It Vintage..!

40 years of photography has been a very joyous experience for me! Archiving and restoring vintage photography is of particular interest, both Superman and non-Superman related. I recently scanned this vintage Superman: The Movie Kodak Ektachrome slide. Compare the raw scan (top, scanned with no color or contrast settings engaged in the software), my preferred adjustments (middle), and overdone adjustments (bottom). It's all up to interpretation; I lean towards "keep it vintage". Enjoy!

CapedWonder.com.

05 June 2022; Marc McClure Auctions his Superman IV Script..!

Jay Towers and Jim Bowers, co-hosts of the Caped Wonder Superman Podcast, present a very exciting opportunity for all Christopher Reeve Superman Movie, Movie Script, and Movie Autograph Collectors!

Marc McClure ("Jimmy Olsen") has decided to donate his personal copy of the Superman IV: The Quest For Peace production-used script for auction, with net proceeds to benefit the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation.

Marc McClure presented his original production-used Superman IV script on stage at Motor City Comic Con for the Christopher Reeve Legacy Reunion on May 14, 2022.

This one-of-a-kind Superman movie collectible has been in Marc McClure's possession since the filming of Superman IV: The Quest For Peace wrapped in 1987.

This production-used script was recently autographed in black Sharpie pen by all of the celebrity guests at the Reeve Legacy Reunion in May 2022: Marc McClure (Jimmy Olsen"), Aaron Smolinski ("Baby Clark Kent"), Sarah Douglas ("Ursa"), Jack O'Halloran ("Non"), Mark Pillow ("Nuclear Man"/Superman IV), Mariel Hemingway ("Lacy Warfield"/Superman IV), and Damian McLawhorn ("Jeremy"/Superman IV). Damian's autograph appears on the last page of the script.

The front page of this production-used script reads "SUPERMAN IV" / Screenplay by Mark Rosenthal & Lawrence Konner / Story by Christopher Reeve and Mark Rosenthal & Lawrence Konner/ REV. THIRD DRAF August 30, 1986 / c. 1986 Cannon Films, Inc. and Cannon Int'l. B.V.

All original script pages are complete, in-tact, and 100% readable. There are 125 pages total, 44 of which are printed on pink paper (the remaining are printed on white paper). One page has a vintage notation ("Introduces himself, Jimmy Olsen, Photographer").

The original 8.5 inch by 12 inch blue folder (with front window) shows some wear due to being production used, and is also in-tact.

This production-used script is 100% authentic with photographs and video to prove authenticity from Marc McClure. The video can be seen on CapedWonder.com and various social media platforms.

Good Luck Bidders and Stay Super!

Bid on eBay today!

CapedWonder.com.

02 June 2022; Photos Galore…!

Here's some of our most favorite recent photos for your viewing enjoyment…!

CapedWonder.com.

21 May 2022; Christopher Reeve Legacy Reunion RECAP…!

Our Christopher Reeve Legacy Reunion at Motor City Comic Con was an Incredible Success! The Celebrities and Super Fans Shined Brightly & brought us Smiles, Laughter, and Great Stories! Glorious Nostalgia at its Very Best!

Please enjoy our great recap video and videos by Martin Lakin from CapedWonder Europe/Supermania'78.

Click here to see the photo gallery…

CapedWonder.com.

08 May 2022; Christopher Reeve Legacy Reunion…!

See you in Novi, Michigan for the Christopher Reeve Legacy Reunion at Motor City Comic Con, May 13-15, 2022!

CapedWonder.com.

17 April 2022; Podcast Episode #43!

It's the 35th Anniversary of Superman IV: The Quest For Peace and Lacy Warfield has returned to the Daily Planet. In Episode #43, Jay Towers & Jim Bowers are thrilled to chat with Mariel Hemingway about her role in the Reeve Legacy of films. How did Margot Kidder help Mariel become a mom? What about all of those extra scenes of Lacy? What does she love about meeting fans? Mariel was so much fun and helps the guys preview her appearance at the Christopher Reeve Legacy Reunion in Detroit for Motor City Comic Con (May 13-15, 2022). How could one podcast be so square and so delicious?

CapedWonder.com.

15 April 2022; Chris Reeve's Star is 25!

25 Years Ago Today, April 15, 1997, in Hollywood…

I was so thrilled for Christopher Reeve and his family because he was getting a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame! It was such an honor and privilege to be able to attend and photograph the ceremony!

Afterwards, there was a private party held for Chris. I presented him with a custom-made Plexiglas Superman shield autographed by many Superman stars who knew and loved Chris. He asked me to read their messages aloud to the party attendees, and I was all too happy to oblige. I also presented Chris with the Superman of Metropolis Award and a Certificate of Appreciation from the Metropolis, Illinois Mayor, Beth A. Clanahan.

It was an incredible day to be with Christopher, wife Dana, and son Will, Glenn Close, Jane Seymour, Jack Larson, Gerard Christopher Reeve, Marc McClure, Yvonne Blake, and Richard Donner! Making new friends on that day like Lynn Anderson made the experience extra special!

Notice Richard Donner in the white shirt and Marc McClure in the green shirt.

Click here to read more and see many more photos.

Notice Richard Donner in the white shirt and Marc McClure in the green shirt.

CapedWonder.com.

CapedWonder.com.

28 March 2021; CapedWonder & Superman: The Movie Anniversaries!

CapedWonder.com Celebrates its 20th Anniversary Today! BIG Thanks to all of *YOU* for many years of WONDER-ful Friendship and Support from around the world! We are indeed all part of the same Super Team! Stay Super!

45 years ago today, March 28, 1977, filming on Superman officially began. Despite a nagging head cold, Marlon Brando arrived on C Stage at Shepperton Studios at 8:30 that morning to begin filming his first scenes as Jor-El for the two Superman films. Brando was draped in black velvet – as seen in this photo – and filmed teaching Kal-El via an education crystal. Christopher Reeve was on set to watch Brando at work. Brando, Richard Donner, and Tom Mankiewicz reviewed the footage in between takes. Brando later informed Mankiewicz that day that he has just read the complete script and called it a "valentine". As a side note, this is a scan from set photographer Bob Penn's ORIGINAL 35mm camera slide, now in the CapedWonder Collection.

CapedWonder.com.

18 February 2022; CapedWonder Event of a Lifetime…!

35 Years after his Final Flight in Superman IV: The Quest For Peace, the Love and Admiration For Christopher Reeve, both on Screen and in Life, are Stronger and more Inspiring than ever!

Jay Towers and Jim Bowers make the BIG announcement! This Spring, Motor City Comic Con and The Caped Wonder Superman Podcast proudly present The Christopher Reeve Legacy Reunion, May 13-15, 2022, in Michigan!

A 3-day celebration with 6 stars from the four Christopher Reeve Superman movies, spanning 1978-1987 – Sarah Douglas, Jack O'Halloran, Aaron Smolinski, Marc McClure, Mark Pillow, and Mariel Hemingway – will unite together for the first time in Detroit to meet fans and promote a Motor City Comic Con exclusive! A LIMITED-EDITION VARIANT COVER of the spectacular Superman '78, Issue #1 comic book, only available at Motor City Comic Con this coming May…with a portion of proceeds benefiting The Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation.

Plus, Superman '78 comic book series writer Robert Venditti and artist Wilfredo Torres will be at the CapedWonder booths to meet you and sign autographs!

The celebrities, Jay, and Jim are so excited to meet you at The Christopher Reeve Legacy Reunion at Motor City Comic Con, May 13-15, 2022! Make plans to be there! Tickets are available now…click here!

This is the Superman Celebration you've been waiting for!

CapedWonder.com.

14 February 2022; New & Improved Imagery…!

CapedWonder.com.

08 February 2022; John Williams' Birthday!

Happy 90th Birthday, Maestro John Williams! You have enthralled and delighted me for over 50 years! I am so grateful for you!

Here's a scan of a vintage 8×10 photograph that I restored yesterday. It's dated "May 1978" on the back. Enjoy!

This is an incredible tribute to Maestro John Williams for his 90th Birthday! Click here to listen.

CapedWonder.com.

07 February 2022; Superman: 40 Years of Extended Cuts!

It was 40 years ago – February 7-8, 1982 on ABC-TV – that we first saw an extended cut of Superman: The Movie. It was a very exciting experience that I'll always remember!

Special Thanks to Team CapedWonder's Daniel Pulliam for this special exclusive video montage.

What if the Superman: The Movie ABC-TV promo trailer was done in widescreen and high-definition back in 1982? Edited by Jay Towers with a NEW ABC-TV movie opening from our friend, Aaron Price.

CapedWonder.com.

01 February 2022; Christopher Reeve Auditions…!

Guess what happened 45 years ago today! Christopher Reeve filmed his screen test with Holly Palance (who had previously worked with director Richard Donner on The Omen [1976]) reading for Lois Lane. The screen test is was first revealed in the Superman: The Movie Special Edition DVD on May 1, 2001, and other portions were included in Look! Up in the Sky – The Amazing Story of Superman in 2006.

CapedWonder.com.

25 January 2022; Photo Restoration…!

I've been collecting & archiving photographs since the late 70s, and collecting, archiving, scanning and restoring photographs since the early 90s. It's a passion that will continue in my world for hopefully many more years. Here's one example of my work. The top photo is a RAW scan of a vintage 35mm slide (1978). I avoid making any color, contrast, or sharpening adjustments in my scanning software. The middle photo is a straight restoration…removing dust, spots, lines and dirt, and making some color and contrast adjustments in Photoshop. I also did some minor cropping, but no sharpening was done. I strive to KEEP IT VINTAGE. The bottom photo is a second restoration done from scratch, along with a "reimagining" That's right, I added subtle clouds just for fun, but I would never print this version. Enjoy!

CapedWonder.com.

01 January 2022; HAPPY NEW YEAR 2022…!

Happy New Year 2022!

CapedWonder is about to enter its 20th Year!

We'll be Uniting the CapedWonder Team in 2022!

This is my all-time favorite Christopher Reeve Superman movie magazine cover…Newsweek, dated January 1, 1979. The banner across the top of the article is a great 1970s design!

Read the entire article here.

CapedWonder.com.

28 December 2021; Superman '78, Issue #5…!

Superman '78 #5 comic book was released today! Below is front cover, a teaser image, and a Superman III screenshot that were used as reference by the comic book's artist, Wilfredo Torres.

CapedWonder.com.

26 December 2021; Podcast Episode #41…!

On this final Caped Wonder Superman Podcast for 2021, Jay & Jim are ready for the gift of storytelling with actor Mac McDonald. Episode #41 explores Mac's time on not only Superman IV, but also 1989's Batman. Mac is a very funny guy, and his stories about working face to face with Lex, The Joker and even 007 will have you on the edge of your seat! What would you say to Gene Hackman if you saw him walking towards you? How would you approach Jack Nicholson in his Joker costume. Mac speaks from experience and Yule Love it!

Listen to (and watch) all of the Caped Wonder Superman Podcast episodes here!

CapedWonder.com.

25 December 2021; Happy Holidays…!

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays from all of us to all of you!

Super Friend and CapedWonder Artist, Tim Allen, has created this fabulous image called "Return to the Kent Farm". Just lovely, Tim…thank you!

My dream sequence for either the first or second movie is Chris Reeve returning to the farm…landing majestically on the front porch as Ma Kent is sweeping, doing "Super Chores" and spending some quality time together, and then flying Ma around Smallville to show her what their hometown looks like from his perspective. Can you imagine seeing Phyllis Thaxter and Christopher Reeve flying together over the wheatfields, and hearing the theme(s) that John Williams would have composed specifically for that sequence?

Super Fan Anthony Knight has shared his own amazing storyboards with all of us…

The idea behind creating storyboards from the original scripts developed from an idea I had when watching Superman the Movie. I was left wondering, what would it look like to see how Superman landed the cruiser outside of the police precinct? So, I began to draw the scene in a series of frames and artwork that is respectful of the style of filming of the time. I based my drawings on images from Capedwonder, when Superman 'cages Non', capturing dynamic poses and angles as filmed under Lester or Donner.

— Anthony Knight

See all of the storyboards and read more about Anthony's vision here.

CapedWonder.com.

22 December 2021; Vintage Newspaper Ad…!

Presenting a vintage Superman: The Movie newspaper ad dated December 22, 1978 from the New York Daily News.

The whole darned movie flies, up up and away, taking us right along on a fantastic and exhilarating movie adventure. They called the movie 'SUPERMAN' but they might as well have called it – 'supermovie' – it's that big, that good and that cheering. There is a …keen sense of fun, that is totally disarming. For all its commitment to visualizing places, persons and events that to us, on earth, are still wildly futuristic, it shows unswerving respect and affection for the specific era in American history that gave birth to the handsome, wholesome blue-eyed wonder of a folk hero. SUSAN STARK – DETROIT FREE PRESS

CapedWonder.com.

20 December 2021; Podcast Episode #4 Revisit!

Episode #4 of the Caped Wonder Superman Podcast features our very special guest…film score producer Mike Matessino! We are thrilled that he joined us for this special episode about the Superman-The Movie soundtrack!

Listen to all of the episodes here!

CapedWonder.com.

20 December 2021; Superman-The Movie Soundtrack Turns 43!

43 years ago today, John Williams' iconic Superman-The Movie soundtrack was released on record (2-LP set), cassette tape, and 8-track tape, as well as on 45 RPM records. The marketing campaign behind the release was tremendous!

Please enjoy this vintage sheet music below. You can also download a PDF file that contains all of the pages.

Please visit the Caped Wonder soundtrack page created in 2018 for the soundtrack's 40th anniversary.

CapedWonder.com.

16 December 2021; Episode 25: The Contest Cape…!

The man who now owns the most famous Superman the Movie Cape in the World. He paid $193,750 for it two years ago today on December 16, 2019. Meet Joe in Episode 25 of the Caped Wonder Superman Podcast right here.

CapedWonder.com.

15 December 2021; "Take The Gentleman's Cape" 2.0…!

43 years since it exploded across cinema screens, Capedwonder Europe is proud to present the updated version of the definitive Superman costume article – "Take The Gentleman's Cape".

This update features brand new colour images of the components by Sebastian Colombo and many more revisions as we continue to learn more about Yvonne Blake's masterpiece. Ever wonder why there are so many versions of the 'S' shield associated with the movie? The answers to that and much more are here. View here and on supermania78.com.

CapedWonder.com.

15 December 2021; Believing A Man Can Fly for over Four Decades!!

December 15, 1978 was a defining day in my life when, as a 17-year-old, I experienced the cinematic masterpiece, Superman-The Movie, for the first time on the silver screen, followed by 13 more viewings in the weeks that followed.

This Magical film filled with Wonder and Heart absolutely blew my mind and completely altered my view of film-making and the Man of Steel. I truly believed that Christopher Reeve was Clark Kent and Superman. Superman-The Movie will always be my favorite movie.

On this 43rd anniversary, I hope you will make some time to reflect on your experience of seeing Superman-The Movie in the theater; for those of you who didn't have that luxury, think back to that first TV, VHS or Beta tape, laserdisc, or CED viewing and how it made you feel. Hopeful, Entranced, Exhilarated.

Please enjoy this poster, vintage ad proof, and videos. Click here to see more videos and anniversary tribute letters.