George Reeves Books

As with the first edition, the reader is given and idea of the life and times of George Reeves. This is the project that his fans all over the globe had hoped to see on film -- not the end result of "Hollywoodland". It shows the reader a more balanced view of Reeves' life. There is more to ponder about George Reeves. We see his personal side, the professional actor, and the humanitarian. The second edition delves more deeply into whether or not George Reeves' death was a result of suicide, murder, or possibly accidental by using the forensic evidence and testimonies of people at the time.

Using the testimonies of people who knew him, we get a clearer picture of George Reeves. This version of "Speeding Bullet" shows us a man who, while not perfect by any means, was a giving man who loved life, good times, and enjoyed his friends.

The Photo Gallery is a Reeves' fan's delight! In one photo, Keith Thibodeaux (Little Ricky) has a typical Superman stance with the hands on the hips. There are photos of the tours with Noel Neill and Nati Vacio, along with stills from "The Adventures of Superman", and candids of George at his home.

His death and the circumstances surrounding it remain one of Hollywood's great mysteries. Jan Henderson's book allows the reader to make up his/her own mind regarding Reeves' death being the result of suicide, murder, or an accident. The book is well-written and will not disappoint.

Colete Morlock

I agree with others that this book is the book to read about the controversial death of actor George Reeves. I found this book to be very well-written, even-handed, and the author wanted to present facts, not sensationalism. As a child I watched the Superman TV show in re-runs in the 1960s after Reeves had died. I never knew much about George Reeves as a person, and I enjoyed getting to know the man through this book.

The section about Reeve's Benedict Canyon home being haunted spooked me because I made the mistake of reading it late at night in bed. By that point in the book I trusted the author to tell the truth, so that made it even more spooky.

I highly recommend this book if you are interested in the life and death of actor George Reeves.

My congratulations to author, Jan Alan Henderson.

His book, Speeding Bullet: The Life and Bizarre Death of George Reeves presents us with a very real and compassionate picture of the Man-of-Flesh. Thanks to Henderson's carefully researched and well documented first person interviews by the end of the book one feels a shared and personal closeness to George Reeves -the man.

What I found particularly refreshing is how Jan Alan Henderson has been able to separate the man from the myth. He presents us with the known facts of the police investigation without feeling a need to express or interject a personal agenda.. He respects the readers ability to follow the evidence and make their own independent judgment of the facts.

To my mind, this is what makes Henderson's book-- a standout.
Speeding Bullet is more powerful than the loco motives. The author presents all the known facts without any personal bias. Mr. Henderson accurately points out that the search for the truth as to what happened in Reeve's Benedict Canyon home on that summer night in 1959, "is a modern day Roshoman."

Near the end, the author turns us away from the bright klieg lights of George Reeve's Hollywood, to refocus on a simple truth. On page 131 Henderson writes:

"In all this freak show atmosphere, George's good deeds, benevolence, and warm personality, seem to get lost. It's a shame, because as George's
friend, Gene LeBell said in 1988, "It's what you leave behind that counts." Indeed it is.

INDEED IT IS!

Thank you Mr. Henderson for what you have left behind. Thank you for presenting your readers with a warm and heartfelt epitaph to the super man behind the super myth.


Steve Hodel
Author, Black Dahlia Avenger: A Genius for Murder
Los Angeles, California

The demand for this book spiked when word was released regarding the "Hollywoodland" feature film starring Ben Affleck. The first edition of Speeding Bullet sold out completely. Now the author has written a new prologue, an additional chapter and epilogue as well as provided an additional 70 illustrations for a revised SECOND EDITION due to be released in January 2007. Watch this listing for order information.

'Speeding Bullet' by author Jan Alan Henderson is a first-rate, page-turning book on the mysterious death of televison star George Reeves, who played the title role on 'The Adventures Of Superman' television series (1951 - 1957).

This is a true, non-fictional account of what happened one summer night in 1959 when television's beloved Superman was killed with a gunshot wound to the head. Offically ruled a suicide, Jan Henderson's exhaustively researched narrative will take the reader down a trail that is often atsonishing and even chilling. Unlike other books on this famous incident, author Henderson does not indulge in unproven speculation, but relies instead on facts with eye-witness accounts that he verifies and documents.

This book also highlights the life of George Reeves, his extensive work on behalf of charity, and the undying friendship that he earned from his many friends and co-workers, which has not diminished over the decades.

'Speeding Bullet' is nothing less than an incredible book, and should be sought out by fans of both George Reeves, and of true crime mystery books. This is the one to read.

The comments above were written for the original published book edition of 'Speeding Bullet' of 1999. They still hold true for the 'Second Edition' (2007), even more so. In the aftermath of the feature film 'Hollywoodland', author Jan Henderson re-wrote the original manuscript of 'Speeding Bullet' to include revisions and additions to the original text. He also added a second 'Prologue', and two completely new chapters after the first book ends. By waiting 8 years after the publication of the first edition, the author has an even sharper perspective of the events in question. The new chapters contain not only information on the recent motion picture based on Reeves' death, but also some new twists and turns in the case that will startle the readers. Some of it is even emotionally moving. Jan Henderson has revised and expanded the case file of this unsolved Hollywood mystery, showing that he still had an ace or two up his sleeve. It also contains an additional photo gallery with 81 new and mostly rare photographs.

I must agree with the other reviewers who posted on this fabulous collector's item. Jan Alan Henderson and Steve Randisi have done an amazing job of cataloging all of the films made by George Reeves. They have provided a chronological listing of each movie, short, and government war films in which this actor appeared.

This compilation is the result of five years of extensive and painstaking research and accumulation of rare films and photos for this actor. Admittedly, I had no idea that he had done sixty films throughout his career in addition to "The Adventures of Superman" television series! If you can obtain some of them listed in the book, then you will see the range of George Reeves' acting ability and the diverse roles he had.

The book provides not only a synopsis of each film, but also lists the rest of the cast, producer, director and even the studio where each film was made. One begins to realize how well-connected George Reeves had been with so many other Hollywood stars throughout his career in film and at the Pasadena Community Theatre, later the Pasadena Playhouse.

I really enjoyed this book on many levels. I NEVER had any idea how many BIG stars Reeves co-starred with! Cagney, Wisemuller, Sanatra, Cliff, Gable, Regan, Lake, the list goes on. It also provides hard photographic evidence that the movie "Hollywoodland" was WRONG about George not being able to wrestle by showing Reeves doing it at a fair with Jean LaBelle (Mr.Kryptonite).
I myself was a "Indy" wrestler briefly (I had just enough of a taste to be really disapointed) and ALWAYS admired Reeves for his athletic prowess as well as his acting skill. This book shows both.
Oh yes, the painting on the back of the Jacket is Awesome as well.

"Behind The Crimson Cape: The Cinema Of George Reeves" by authors Jan Alan Henderson and Steve Randisi is a magnificent film book on the motion picture career of George Reeves, best known for playing the title role in the famed television series 'The Adventures Of Superman' (1951 - 1957).

"Behind The Crimson Cape" is a handsome, hardbound, 337 page volume that documents the entire film career of George Reeves, film by film in chronological order, covering no less than 58 feature length films and 12 short subjects. It also contains hundreds of rare photographs from his many films. Authors Henderson and Randisi did extensive research, and uncovered several previously unknown George Reeves film appearances. They even included for complete thoroughness several U.S. Army training films that Reeves made while serving in World War Two!

Every single film credit contains a plot narrative, detailed movie credits, and a great deal of intriguing film history regarding George Reeves and his co-players. Movie fans, film buffs and historians will be delighted to discover that "Behind The Crimson Cape: The Cinema Of George Reeves" was written by Jan Alan Henderson and Steve Randisi in the format of the old Citadel 'Films Of ....' series, and will therefore become a priceless addition to their movie book libraries.

Even though George Reeves died suddenly and violently in 1959 at the still young age of 45, authors Jan Alan Henderson and Steve Randisi remind us that he was an incredibly gifted, multi-talented actor who displayed genuine star charisma.

There is a poignant epilogue to this book where the authors inform us that this volume was for readers to find the real legacy of George Reeves, his gallery of performances and body of work on motion-picture film. They write that many people have tried to investigate the death of George Reeves, 'but after four and a half decades decades, no one has solved the crime! No one has come close.' For once, the authors are wrong.

There is one literary book that does solve the case on the mysterious death of George Reeves, or at least comes close enough so that the discerning reader can judge for him or herself. That book is 'Speeding Bullet' published in 1999, and written by Jan Alan Henderson!

This is a must-read, in part because this is just a brilliant work that doesn't fit in our normal intellectual history. It is also truly American in its way of thinking and the combination of radicalism and every-dayness. George demonstrates that ownership of land is the key to inequality; along the line he considers and sheds light on a number of other theories. He also makes predictions regarding the general development of the United States that have been very perceptive.

At the same time, he isn't afraid to wax poetic. Why shouldn't one? We know why Cain killed Abel--because the farmer requires fencing off land, and calling it his, and his crops will be watered with the blood of his excluded brother. Isn't that where we still are--sacrificing human beings for property? And can we even determine who is in the right and who is in the wrong? George sets out a way of formulating the problem that allows us to get beyond things. It is still worth thinking about, since these problems have grown. And we can't run away from them...as Cain found out all too well. [32]

Progress & Poverty is the missing puzzle piece for those of us who look around at the combination of magnificent and accelerating technological progress and the increasingly distorted distribution of income and wealth in America, with many people lacking sufficient income to meet their most basic needs, and wonder what went wrong in a country which professes to be dedicated to the proposition that we're all created equal.

The book's subtitle -- An Inquiry in the Cause of Industrial Depressions and of Increase of Want with Increase of Wealth... The Remedy -- describes it beautifully: why we have the ups and downs of our economy, which cause incredible human misery, and why we have increasing poverty at the same time that there is hugely increasing wealth.

And Henry George provides a logical and workable -- even elegant -- remedy, one which will untangle many of the perverse incentives we cope with today: we say we value work, but we tax it. We say we want to promote sales, but we tax them. We say we want to encourage entrepreneurial effort, but we allow huge barriers designed to discourage the person with an idea from being able to execute it. We say we want a society that naturally creates more jobs, but we allow a relative few of us to pocket the funds which would create those jobs. We say we value initiative, but we reward the "dog in the manger" far more than we reward the laborer. We say that urban blight is a bad thing, but our tax code encourages it. We say we dislike urban sprawl, and long commutes, and low wages -- but we've failed to implement the simple tax reform that will correct these ills. We work longer hours than our counterparts in other countries, and have less to show for it. We allow a relative few to own our airwaves, and resell them at higher and higher prices, collecting advertising revenues from all who would run for public office or advertise their products.

If we truly mean to end poverty, to reward initiative, to ensure that the next child born in America is truly the equal of all who are here today, to ensure that our environment is protected for the common good, George's framework for understanding provides the missing puzzle piece.

And as we consider what sort of country we'd like Iraq to be, it is worth considering that if we only give them a constitution without giving them an economic system that considers all people equal, truly equal, we've not accomplished much with the American lives we've lost there.

If we can figure it out for Iraq, with all its oil wealth, maybe we can figure out how to share America justly among Americans, too.

George lays out simply and elegantly what the underlying problem is and how to solve it.

He dedicates the book "To those who, seeing the vice and misery that spring from the unequal distribution of wealth and privilege, feel the possibility of a higher social state and would strive for its attainment." Might you be among those who see and feel, and would strive, if only you could see the source of the problem?

Churchill, Twain, Huxley, Shaw and many others came to see what George was pointing out. Will you?

This one is worth your time!

Get a copy for yourself, and send one to your favorite legislator, be he/she local, state or federal. Then start looking for other Georgists, also known as Geoists. You'll find them a lively group with a vision that might inspire you, too. And it is refreshing to be with people who seek a finer society, not more advantage or privilege -- "private law" -- for their own benefit! --

It is unlikely that any fan of the Superman saga would find a more comprehensive summary than is presented in this book. It covers the early Superman serials from the 1940's through the classic TV series starring George Reeves. Each episode is discussed, along with background information and numerous anecdotes. The history of each of the actors is reviewed (did you know George Reeves was in Gone With the Wind?), along with the complete cast and credits for each show. There are also lots of behind-the-scenes photos of the cast and crew. This is required reading for Superman afficianados.

To date, the most notable book about the great "Adventures of Superman" tv show and writer Gary H. Grossman has done a truely super job. The author, like many of us weaned on 50's television, clearly loved this show and had seemingly tracked down any actors or crew members alive in the 1970's for a complete retrospective. For the first time we get to relive the trials and tribulations of bringing Superman to the small screen and are given key insights on why the show has weaved a sort of magic for generations of viewers (with just a shoe-string budget). Best of all, Grossman paints a wonderful memory of George Reeves, still in my book the definitve Man of Steel. His talent, kindness and charisma leaps out on every page.

Grossman also covers the brief history of the 1940's Superman serials starring Kirk Allyn. These serials have their fans but here act as sort of a dry run before the tv show takes center stage. With the "Adventures of Superman" now getting their due on DVD, this book, if you can find it, will be the perfect companion.

This book is a "must" for any person who loves, or will love, Bloomington, Indiana.

Bloomington, one of the premier communities in the United States, is a place that one visits and ends up staying because of its unmatched standard of living.

Offering the finest blend of small town ambiance and big city resources, Bloomington is home to Indiana University, which makes the community an oasis of sophistication in a traditional midwestern setting.

Located in the beautiful wooded, rolling hills of southern Indiana, the city, home to 65,000 Hoosiers, many who have left the hustle of large coastal cities to seek a higher quality of living, is a crown jewel of midwest communities.

The book captures all that is wonderful about Bloomington with stunning photographs and interesting, insightful text. Included are sections on the city's history, arts, sports, entertainment, businesses, educational institutions, economy, and volunteer activities.

Bloomington - A Contemporary Portrait, presented in quality large "coffee table" format, offers the perfect gift or purchase for the thousands of people who have a special place in their heart for Bloomington.

You won't be disappointed!

I have truly enjoyed this collection of works that represent every genre on the spectrum. The short stories, the poetry, the humor pieces, the excerpts from local history have all held my attention. The length of each entry is just perfect for its genre.

The George Reeves Site (American Bottom Archaeology: Fai-270 Site Reports, Vol 15) by Dale L. McElrath was an excellent resource during the field school I attended at this site (July 2003). It covered every type of feature we found, almost every artifact as well as expansive map coverage including the area of the site we were excavating, though it had not been excavated before. I would buy it again if I didn't already have a copy!

Are you an Architect and don't know the parts of a traditional double hung window? Forgot how stone was detailed? Could not draw a lug window sill to save your life? Then this book is for you and your staff. Great drawings (real drawings, not CADD), all hand lettered and illustrated. I use this book to size masonry fireplaces. It is the ultimate resource on all types of wood burning fireplaces and masonry dimensioning! Although there are some things that are out of date (plumbing & electrical)this book tells a story about buildings in the emerging market of historic rehab and historic tax credit project.

If you are a designer, or a student of design, and your teachers recommend that you obtain Architectural Standards, well don't bother. This gathers all the best details from the Standards, and makes them available in a comprehensive paperback. (That is portable in a backpack, and considerably lighter than the Standards, as well as much cheaper, and that's the bottom line, isn't it?) Full of information about the size and shape of everything from a writing desk to a city bus, this work is essential to make accurate designs for the stage. This work leaves out all the less used info in the Standards, and if you are an absolute purist, (Or an architect,) then Architectural stndards is what you want, but for the rest of us, who don't need to know the specifics, but are hung up on the details, then this is an indispensable resource.

I have always enjoyed the story of the mirror universe in Star Trek, and wish that it had been explored more in the t.v. series. William Shatner fulfulled my mirror universe lust with a trilogy that takes us the reader in to a spectacular story. Spectre is the first chapter of the mirror universe trilogy that informs us that Captain James T. Kirk's mirror counterpart "Tiberius" is wanting to take over both universes. The Mirror universe Spock returns as well as the mirror version of Captain Janeway, telling Kirk how grim and bad the situation has gotten in their universe. With the help of Kirk's greatest allies (McCoy, Our Spock, Scotty, and the next generation crew)one of the best adventures of Star Trek begins.

Highly recommended and very fun to read. The book is fast paced and a sure joy for any Star Trek fan or none Star Trek fan looking for a great read. 10/10.

I was hesistant to pick up this book for I am NOT a fan of the 'Mirror Universe'. This is Shatner again writing about 'Capt. Kirk' trying to live a private life in the 24th century.

Con: What bothered me was Kirk is described as a man whom wants to live his 'private life' in retirement,with wife on a remote world. Then for NO reason,(from what I see) Kirk gets this 'bug' to exit routine life and visit earth. His own wife just 'understands' and allows him to pursue this whim!! [This was non-sensible to me] But I suppose it is the platform from which to launch the story. Kirk is hooked up with old colleges and when he no sooner arrives on earth, Kirk is kidnapped and whirled into an adventure.

Pro: Capt.Picard and another 24th Century character get involved as well. The story informs the reader on things that happened after a TV series star trek episode was told. Action picks up the pace and just keeps going. Good swash buckling.

Con: Book ends in a cliffhanger in which some details will be explained in the next novel. If you are a 'Mirror Universe' fan you'd probably want to obtain that book as well. Sense I'm not- I'll wait until new ground is explored before I read another Shatner Novel.

This is my absolute favorite in Shatner's Trek series. "Spectre" is the first book in what would become the "Mirror Universe" Trilogy. You see the return of Tiberius and Spock's mirror-self from the TOS episode "Mirror, Mirror".

What makes this book so interesting is that you find out what has happened in the mirror universe after Kirk and his crew left. And let's just say that things have taken a turn for the worse. Tiberius has a partner, none other than Picard's mirror self. Kirk discovers again that his worst enemy is in fact himself. A great read indeed!

I enjoyed the TOS,TNG,Voyager & Mirror crossovers in this story quite a bit! Was suprised at the love of Kirk's life being of Klingon/Romulan heritage concidering his history with them. I guess it show's even Kirk's never to old to chnge for the better,huh?
I couldn't help saying "Oh, that's cold!" with the way it end's (in being a cliff hanger). Look forward to finding the next book in this story.

Only someone closely affiliated with Star Trek can truely write a story fans would love and adore and that's exactly what William Shatner has done. Well done and keep it up! We can't have another series, or film, with the original team in, so books will have to suffice.

William uses his knowledge of James T and crew and goes further than any series. It's just a shame TV and Film will never equal the descriptive stories of his books. The human mind is a powerful tool and the images it creates are unequal to any screen visualists' power. Star Trek - Live Long and Prosper!