The Dark Side Of Fame

I just saw the trailer for Hollywoodland and it doesn't look half bad...

The film focuses on the mystery that surrounds the death of actor George Reeves (1914-1959), who played Superman on TV, from 1952-1958. Was it suicide? An Accident? Or Murder?

Directed by Allen Coulter, the movie stars Adrien Brody as Louis Simo, who investigates the case, Diane Lane is Toni Mannix--Reeves lover and Ben Affleck as Reeves.

As a fan of the "Adventures of Superman" series, watching reruns as kid after I saw the 1978 feature film, I have always been intrigued by the incident as an adult. The preview is very well done and draws you in without letting you see too much...

Watch the trailer here.

You may recall, the movie's original title, Truth, Justice, and the American Way, had to be changed after Warner Bros threatened legal action over copyright infringement. WB made the filmmakers remove the familiar S insignia from the costume Affleck wears in the film. The film's producers were also forced to shoot a new version of the opening credits of the TV show when they were refused permission for the actual opening credits to be used as well.

I guess with Superman all over the place, thanks to the new film, the studio that keeps the character didn't want Hollywoodland to be associated with the superhero on an iconic level. I think that is rather silly if you ask me...Enough time has passed...Audiences know Reeves played Supes--why hide it...? It's history isn't it?

Hollywoodland opens in theaters on September 8th 2006.