The Ghost of Superman

By Crusader1307

 George Reeves was a Famous Film Actor, best remembered for being early Television's "Man of Steel" - Superman. Idolized by Children throughout The World, Reeves was a well spoken and talented Man. But he had a sadder side in later years that would lead to his suicide by a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Reeves started his Career with a major leap in Films, as a featured "bit player" in the opening sequence of the Epic Hollywood Blockbuster, 1939s "Gone With The Wind". Thereafter, Reeves struggled with small budget Movies throughout the 1940s. His good looks and good physical condition should have helped. He became involved with the Wife of a powerful Studio Executive (with his knowledge!) It was rumored George was "using her" to get better Roles.

Reeves was picked to play the Comic Boom character "Superman" on early Television. Originally in Black and White, it was one of the first TV Shows to be shown in Color. Running for several Seasons, it made Reeves,an International Star. However, Production costs proved to great for The Producers who (wishing to cash in on The "Western" genre), cancelled "Superman". Reeves was happy to ride himself of "The Cape". Older now (and having broken up his Affair), Reeves tried desperately to get substantial Roles. He was once again given a featured "bit part" in the multi Academy Award winning Film "From Here To Eternity", in 1959. Critics skewered him as still being seen as "Superman". Reeves (perhaps one of the first), was experiencing "Type Casting". The problem being his Role as "Superman" was so closely associated with The Actor, that it was difficult for him to be offered other Roles.

Although Reeves appeared on many Television Shows (as a "Guest Star" and as "Superman"), work was scarce. Despondent, he left a Living Room Party in his Benedict Canyon House on June 16, 1959 - and went upstairs. After a shower, George Reeves sat on his bed and shot himself in the head with a revolver. Ruled a suicide, many did not believe it. Some point to The Studio Executive, whose Wife never got over her love affair with Reeves. Perhaps he "arranged" for Reeves death, even staging it a suicide. Most of Reeves friends all agree, no matter hie depressed, Reeves would never have killed himself.

His very simple home in Benedict Canyon, Los Angeles, California remained empty for many years, before Escrow forced it's sale. A score of Owners came and went. It seems Reeves House was "disturbing". Although not dangerous, reports of "Shadow Figures", footsteps hears in Reeves bedroom and "Cold Spots", were common. In the 1980s, reports of actually seeing George Reeves "Spirit", in his "Superman" costume were reported. Some think these rumors were made up to increase the price of the house (which was up for sale yet again). Since the 1990s, no serious reports have been made. However, "Cold Spots" are still said to be a common phenomenon at George Reeves former home.