MovieChat Forums > Adventures of Superman (1952) Discussion > drunk and disorderly

drunk and disorderly

posted 9 years ago by grizzledgeezer
9 replies | jump to latest

I believe Noel Neill said that she and George Reeves sometimes imbibed rather heavily at lunch, and that this was visible in their performances.

I've never noticed this. Has anyone spotted it?

[–] pt100 9 years ago

I believe Noel Neill said

And your source for this rumor is what? I've never heard it; nor have I ever noticed alcohol's affecting their performances.

The difference between stupidity and genius is that genius has its limits. -- A. Einstein

[–] grizzledgeezer 9 years ago

I'm pretty certain it's in Gary Grossman's book.

I asked precisely because I've never noticed anything "tipsy" about their performances. It's particularly odd, because Reeves could imbibe large amounts of alcohol without much effect. (Jack Larson said Reeves regularly "drank him under the table".)

[–] 9 years ago

[deleted]

[–] pt100 9 years ago

I'm pretty certain it's in Gary Grossman's book.

Again, this sounds like a rumor, not something you have actually read in a reputable book. If you have his book, why don't you look it up? If not, can you at least furnish a link to a credible website that discusses this? If not, maybe we should just drop it. We don't need rumors that smear Noel Neill's professional reputation.

The difference between stupidity and genius is that genius has its limits. -- A. Einstein

[–] ronaldt49 9 years ago

I can't imagine NN even a little tipsy. Phyllis Coates, maybe, but not NN.

My only criticism of NN was the heavy lipstick. Yes, even Lucille Ball did it, probably heavier than NN.

So many actresses, even today, feel the need to go outside the lip area when applying lipstick thinking it makes the lips appear larger. To me it's like a kid coloring a picture and can't stay within the lines.

[–] grizzledgeezer 9 years ago

I have the book, but I'm not sure where it is, among all my other books.

I would not consider Grossman an irresponsible writer. I sent him e-mail, and hope to have an answer in a few days.

[–] grizzledgeezer 9 years ago

I finally found the source, in Grossman's book (p80). I did not get it completely right.

The "Adventures of Superman will long establish Phyllis Coates as one of the truly great screamers of our time. Besides her well-rehearsed on-screen arrogance, this Lois has a most shrill yell that is certain to pin the needle on any television station's audio console. Coates says "My vocal cords needed to be rewarded after the strain of a good scream. Every day at four o'clock George and I reached for a little nip. The production manager used to descend upon us, but we'd say , 'If you want us to finish the day's work, then you've got to let us have a few minutes.' It all worked out. We never got so sloshed we couldn't finish, and I was young enough then, my eyes never got red!"

Lest the Temperance League march in anger over the actors' habits, drinking was not a preoccupation of the "Superman" crew, only a way for a few to relax after a good day's work. Reeves and Coates always conducted themselves with an air of decorum, yet Coates still adds, "To this day I've never recognized one that we did without being a little tipsy."

If you don't have a copy of Superman Serial to Cereal, try to find it. It's a fun read from beginning to end,

[–] pt100 9 years ago

I did not get it completely right.

So it was Coates, not Neill. And it sounds pretty tame to me. Lots of folks have a nip on the set late in the day. It relieves the stress of long shooting schedules.

If you don't have a copy of Superman Serial to Cereal, try to find it.

One can sign up for a free month of Playster and download the pdf for free. They require a credit card, but will not charge it if cancelled within the first 30 days:
http://read.dailyebook.info/?book=0445040548#Download

Clicking the download button at that page will take you to the Playster signup page. Or, if you already subscribe to Playster, you're all set. Just login.

Otherwise you'll pay about $24 at Amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/Superman-Serial-Gary-H-Grossman/dp/0445040548

The difference between stupidity and genius is that genius has its limits. -- A. Einstein

[–] ghostfan 8 years ago

If you don't have a copy to Serial to Cereal......

I have this book! I bought it new, papetback version, in 1976, shortly before Superman, the Movie came out. I was 19. Noell Neill was still doing the college lecture tour thing, and when she came to Metropolitan State College, in Denver Colorao, I went to her lecture, and she autographed it for me... for free, I might add! Lovely lady.

How sad, that you were not born in my time, nor I, in yours.