The Mysterious Life & Death of Superman George Reeves: Story Location Tour Part One

The Mysterious Life & Death of Superman George Reeves: Story Location Tour Part One
George Reeves immortalized the role of Superman and his alter ego Clark Kent on TV's "The Adventures of Superman" (1952-1958) However he is probably most remembered for his untimely and tragic mysterious death, that to to this day still conjures up various theories. In this Story Location Tour we will look at so much more than just George's last days. In Part One, we will explore his early life beginning in Pasadena and work our way through the Pasadena College, The Pasadena Playhouse, and various studios where George worked and filmed his iconic Superman series. We will also see where he filmed his role in Gone With the Wind as well as many more fun locations.
#superman #truecrimecommunity #georgereeves

[@sherylbartlett3871]

WOW...Thank you sooo much Justin for taking on the very mysterious death of my IDOL, "Superman"......played by George Reeves. I was one of the generation that grew up during the Superman era of the 1950's. I (a girl) had a bunch of brothers & we never missed an episode of "Adventures of Superman" or the "Mickey Mouse Club".....back in the day, TV was a fantistic "baby-sitter" for mom's trying to get dinner ready for hungry husbands that would arrive home at 6:00 pm. Those two shows ran a half hour and started @ 5:00 pm. Perfect for mom!! Anyway, when George's/Superman death hit the newspaper ALL over the front page , all kids were in shock-totally devastated- and the real kicker was, A Bullet from a GUN had killed Superman !?? How could this be ? Superman couldn't be killed with gunshot????? A lot of kids around the USA did a lot of growing up that day....We had been LIED to big time...some kids little older knew about the Myth of Santa Clause and to find out Superman was an actor & Not real was just too much for our nieave little minds to handle. For most kids it was the first time we had ever heard about someone we knew that had died. DIED ?? How could this happen. That was the first time I remember going thru depression! I was all of 10 years old.....It felt like I was in "shell-shock".....Even today, in my 70's, a wave of deep sadness comes over me when the Superman series shows up on ME tv. I still think the way he died was cruel, not only for George but also for all his child fans.!! I think this death was a mob hit with a female soldier. Thanks for all your great research - sorry this got so wordy. God bless......

[@MsBell-ld8zr]

I am so glad that you are doing videos on old Hollywood. Don’t change a thing.❤❤❤❤❤

[@TheJustinRootShow]

Thank you there so much fun to do. So many great locations are gone so they’re more difficult but I should capture them while they’re still here.

[@WhosaidIrene]

Thank you for mentioning Matthew Robinson🙏🏼 Little know of the legend he was as was his brother Jackie❤️ I had the privilege of meeting Matthew Robinson in his late years. Very kind and thoughtful man RIP

[@lauriepearce]

Wow, you made my day!! Great to see you back...you were missed!!! WE LOVE YOU!!! YOU ARE NATURALLY GIFTED TO TELL US THE STORY!!!

[@TheJustinRootShow]

Wow thank YOU! You’ve now made MY day. Truly.

[@jimsalinassr]

The real man of steel. The real Superman George Reeves. The idol of millions of children all over the United States of America. Life taken much too soon. We remember

[@patlabelle1309]

Great job Justin.. Just stumbled upon this. Best Documentary on Mr. Reeves I've ever seen. Only God knows the full truth of this story. If you havent done it yet,how about a documentary on the life and death of Carl Alfalfa Switzer. Ive seen a few,but your tale ts toward it would be amazing.

[@JennyLyn516]

I love your in depth location tours! I’m so happy for you that Carol Burnett saw your previous videos and that you got to meet her!

[@sarahalbers5555]

I love Carol Burnett. She truly is an American icon.

[@DarrylRuiz-s1w]

It's sad he considered his career a failure He brought so much joy to so many His very strange death still puzzles me Hope you've found peace George

[@zdkris4140]

Yes, George Reeves was my.favorite actor growing up in the 50's! For me, he was the ONLY real Superman n I always wonder what if George never died in 1959 but lived a full life to at least 95!! He brought so much joy to us kids of the 1950's! I now have all THE ADVENTURES OF SUPERMAN on DVD, n I play them often in honor of my childhood heroes Mr. Reeves!

[@eviehammond9509]

Ive always been intrigued by George Reeves' life & mysterious death. Never did I expect to find such an indepth & detailed video on the subject.

[@herb4991]

You did it again! I had no intention of spending an hour on this but got sucked into the story and locations. A real page turner. On to part two. Thanks Justin!

[@barbarahudson2573]

I just discovered your channel! Thank you for telling George Reeve's story so fantastically! I was one of those kids who was stunned & traumatized when he died (11) and always wondered about it. I only knew there were holes in the suicide story. People are more open to talking about suicide nowadays. You really paint a vivid picture. Excellent!

[@TheJustinRootShow]

Wow thanks for sharing, it was my understanding that so many kids like you were traumatized over this. I hope this gave you some comfort.

[@lemorab1]

Hello Justin. I loved your William Desmond Taylor videos and so here I am again. I grew up in Los Angeles and heard about the Pasadena Playhouse for years. Many of the most famous people of the 20th century sat in the audience there, watching many of the most famous actors in the U.S. get their start on that stage. Back in 2006, I took my mom there to see "The Enchanted April" one sweltering summer afternoon. We had a great time. The whole place was beautifully restored. The Carrie Hamilton Theater had just opened, I think. It's great that the theater is still open and doing well. I love seeing George Reeves' Pasadena home. I love Craftsman houses, and like you, I'd want this one to be in the hills of Marin County, with views and a pool. I'd also want at least four large, ancient oak trees around it, giving shade. Wow! I learned a lot I didn't know. I somehow didn't note the Victor Jory bell at the Pasadena Playhouse. I didn't know that George and Victor were friends, from before "Gone With The Wind." I also was surprised to learn that George Reeves played in Shakespeare's plays at the Playhouse, and was well known as a local Shakespearean actor. I also got chills in that scene from the "Superman" TV show, where we can see the set of Tara in the distant background. I'm afraid the film "Hollywoodland" (2006) further perpetuated the myth that audiences laughed when George Reeves appeared on screen at a test screening of "From Here To Eternity." I was a huge fan of "Superman" when it first came out in the fall of 1952. It's hard to believe I was in pre-school at that time.

[@sarahalbers5555]

The Craftsman homes were fabulous and the idea having one in Marin county is just beyond! Thanks.

[@shosmyth1454]

I loved your in-depth coverage of George Reeves Life! But I kept on waiting for you to cover his years with Toni the wife of The Hollywood Fixer Maddox? That house where he died Toni bought for him.

[@joanholg15]

Lived in CC for a few years in the 1980’s. This studio was a wonderful reminder of the early days of films. I hope it’s still there.

[@kimhughes5030]

I found your videos watching docs about Karen Carpenter. So glad I did! Your tours are amazing and full of history and information!! Thank you so much!!

[@charlayned]

Please do go back and do a story of Kirk Allyn. I met him in 1980 at a small convention in Texas. I was the guest escort for that convention and got to spend a lot of time talking to him. He had some great stories about the role and even at 71, he was a very suave gentleman. George Reeves was the first TV Superman and did a good job, it's sad how that ended up.

[@TheJustinRootShow]

What a fantastic experience. How cool!

[@judykeir601]

Your stories are great You are an excellent story teller and I love the location videos. Best wishes to you. !!!!

[@TheJustinRootShow]

Thank you Judy! ☺️☺️

[@dianealarcon8304]

@Justin Root, Your stories are fabulous! More people need to ride along.

[@jamesrsfo]

Another fantastic entry. I love the Pasadena Playhouse when I first moved here my roommates and I went to go see Charles Pierce in what’s now the Carrie Hamilton Theatre. I’ve also seen a friend of mine Susan Classens A conversation with Edith Head there. Such a wonderful history. And thank you so much for Doc. And I love your deep dive details.

[@lelia660]

You've got a new subscriber, young man. You are truly an old soul! You're doing amazing work, and I'm proud of you!

[@TheJustinRootShow]

Wow, thank you! And thanks for subscribing! Glad you enjoyed ;)

[@rl3293]

​@TheJustinRootShow I'm unable to comment but just want to say I love your channel!! ❤😊

[@Lilaa86]

I love these Hollywood mysterious stories , and your vlog! 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼 It would be great if you do one day a video about Theda Bara, her home still exist. The grave ext.. The first vamp of silent movies.

[@heidi5333]

Justin!! You did the George Reeves video!!! Thank you 😊 You are simply the best. 🎉 yaaaaay 🙌🏽

[@TheJustinRootShow]

Thank YOU for pushing it to the top of my list. So glad you enjoy.

[@sarahalbers5555]

I saw the movie "Hollywoodland", I think that was the name of it. But it was really fascinating and there were so many shady goings on, I got totally caught up in it. George had a bumpy road in life- I think his mother was very manipulative. Then the affair with Toni, the decline in his career, and his mysterious death. Thank you for such an in depth review of not only George's life, but of the theatre, and cast of characters. Loved this!

[@sharonglass2137]

Your research and passion is absolutely superb. Thank you and the best wishes to you.

[@Linda-pw8gx]

I feel lucky to have come upon this video. I really enjoy your work ❤

[@pam8962]

Thanks for keeping history alive 😊😊❤

[@annettepora8091]

Justin I love your channel. Your presentation is reminiscent of Robert Osborne someone I also loved. Keep up the excellent work.

[@alanizsak]

Your videos are very well done. Excellent production quality, music, narration... I recently binge watched your Carol Burnett doc and Whitley Walking Tour after stumbling upon your channel. Very entertaining and informative. Looking forward to more of your content! So nice that Mrs. Burnett recognized your efforts. I grew up watching her with my mom when I was a kid. Her story is fascinating.

[@cocoaorange1]

That is nice, I enjoy his videos as well.

[@TheJustinRootShow]

That is WAY too much of me, take a break. HAHA! Seriously though thank you, really love hearing it. And Carol Burnett? Come on! Im still in shock actually. Never dreamed all of this would happen with her.

[@rinohunter6190]

Yes we love these plz keep them coming we will contribute 💰

[@TheJustinRootShow]

You're so kind, truly truly appreciate it.

[@CinemaMusic55]

Brilliant! Your presentation, narration, photography and research are the best I have ever seen. I have really enjoyed watching this (and part two). It is an incredible insight into George Reeves' life. I look forward to watching your other films.

[@TheJustinRootShow]

Wow, thank you!

[@raymondsharpe4638]

So glad I found your show! Excellent 😊

[@TheJustinRootShow]

Thank you Raymond, glad you found it too. :)

[@pmajudge]

EXCELLENT DETAILS !!! And YOUR HUMOUR !! JUSTIN ROOT. I just Discovered Your SITE ! I REMEMBER GEORGE REEVES . R.I.P. THE FIRST T.V. SUPERMAN. TRAGIC. FROM, U.K. (2024).

[@aworldonastring4578]

I love your videos! It’s so great that Carol Burnett watched the videos you made about her! I can’t wait the watch you interview with Carol.

[@TheJustinRootShow]

Thank you sooo much! I still can’t believe it myself.

[@randysills4418]

I was hoping that Carol Burnett would see the great programs you did about her and get in touch with you. I am so happy for you, Justin!

[@rebeccah.4983]

My sister always thought that the Superman pilot, "The Mole People" was actually about prejudice and how ignorant people use fright to incite violence.

[@TheJustinRootShow]

Oooh how relevant to today?!?!

[@cjsforum4080]

lol….’oooh’ was my first thought! Your sister must have been a very smart & thoughtful kid… I’m sure it runs in the family 👍.

[@jamiepeterson1981]

What a fantastic video! Loved seeing all these locations and the amount of history you gave us on them.

[@TheJustinRootShow]

Thank you Jamie, really appreciate it.

[@AZDG74]

WOW what a fabulous video, Justin! New subscriber here. I've spent the entire weekend binging your Location Tour videos, and the way you explain each location, the actors' stories, etc is so perfectly done. As an 80s kid, your John Hughes Location Tours are some of my favorite videos on KZbin. I watched the Carpenters Story Location Tour last night, and it was so well done. I'll be telling everybody I can about your channel. Great work!!!

[@pam8962]

Awe😊❤love George

[@bobtaylor8699]

Cup of coffee. Warm blanket. And a wonderful journey. I just love the meandering storyline. New to your page. I can’t wait to get into this. Keep it up! ❤❤❤❤

[@randysills4418]

Hi Justin, Your channel is great! I first saw you on "Super Password" with Betty White and I pegged as someone to really watch and I wanted to see more of you! Your Carol Burnett series was perfection! I am sure that this one will be, too! Thank you, and all the best to you...❤

[@caliden3785]

I just discovered your channel. So cool snd informative.❤

[@pam8962]

RIP 🙏 George you are ❤loved and missed

[@smith4496]

42:39, SAD NEWS: On October 11, 2023, Phyllis Coates passed away at the age of 96.

[@melanietoth1376]

Great video. I def had goosebumps from the school bus scene. Perfect timingI I first saw your Hollywoods first murder mystery video a few weeks ago and was totally wrapped up. I love how you do your location tours and your storytelling.

[@TheJustinRootShow]

Hahaha thank you for understanding the bus goosebumps. I thought it was so wild that there happened to be one there. 😂😂

[@cocoaorange1]

"So Proudly We Hail "was a good but sad movie. I never knew George was in GWTW. I saw him in " The Strawberry Blonde".

[@TheJustinRootShow]

He had a very diverse career

[@tommyrockarolla7859]

Great job! Out of curiosity? I looked up 200 dollars an episode. Well, it wasn’t wealth for sure. However, the average US wage broke down to 85 bucks a week over 52 weeks. 30 weeks at 200 per week came down to near 115 broken up over 52 weeks, 39 episodes 150 over 52. So, it was a solid gig considering where his career arc was at in 1950. Anyway, thanks for the vid, again, nice work! 😊

[@TheJustinRootShow]

Thank you! It definitely was a solid gig, it’s just funny to think someone who did all those stunts and all that work was only getting a “solid gig” amount of money. 😂

[@tommyrockarolla7859]

@@TheJustinRootShow Very true!!

[@vixtex]

For a dude that “couldn’t have children” he sure was a father figure to countless kids!💕

[@thestepfordlife2015]

I'm here for the great hair, Justin. 🎉 Great hair, Justin! Great video too.😊 ❤

[@danellemoore1461]

Yay! A new video. I love your walking tours.

[@TheJustinRootShow]

Thank you Danelle! Such a nice thing to read.

[@LowcountyLiberalLady]

Great video. You have a talent for doing this. Keep it up. We look forward to your videos 💕

[@Jujajojen]

Superman was not rejected by his father, he was sent to save him. The planet was being destroyed. So baby, aka superman was sent in a ship and not knowing the destination, landed on earth.

[@jro6681]

You did a wonderful job on this video. I've read a few books on George Reeves...personally I think Toni or her husband did it.)

[@christinetaylor5162]

You are so good at telling stories!

[@pam8962]

Omg I ❤❤❤Carol you are so blessed 🙌 😊

[@barbaracash3508]

Made my day when I saw you uploaded a new video! I have watched all your videos recently.

[@TheJustinRootShow]

Ok, but YOU made MY day when I read this comment so there. Seriously, thank you thank you thank you!

[@pam8962]

Thank you Justin

[@joseyeastwood]

Rest In Peace George.

[@pam8962]

I ❤love your videos 😊

[@TM-zj1xt]

Strangely, this site erased my comment on Ode To The Wasp Woman play. A great off broadway play that chronicled the last days of George Reeves. And Alfalfa and Barbra Payton and Susan Cabot. Wonderful.

[@pam8962]

Wow life goes on

[@pam8962]

Love ❤your channel

[@pam8962]

Thank God times have changed 🙏

[@pam8962]

THANK YOU JUSTIN ❤❤❤

[@brookesmith5671]

Awesome video, thank you so much

[@sarahalbers5555]

Agreed.

[@TM-zj1xt]

PS Great segment on George Reeves!!

[@jaycee990]

At least one opening shot of Gone with the Wind was filmed in North Little Rock, Arkansas (the old mill)

[@optitom9033]

Lived a few years in Pasadena first on Linda Vista then bought an old queen anne victorian on Del Mar. Restored the old mansion and truly loved Pasadena.

[@TheJustinRootShow]

I'm sure it was just beautiful, that area is amazing.

[@optitom9033]

@TheJustinRootShow very fortunate my company car was a Rolls-Royce and my fun car a new Corvette plus living in a house with 7500sf, life's good

[@joanholg15]

Nice house to grow up in - craftsman style - timeless in my opinion.

[@nosajdabeno]

48:51 me every time I see Superman! 🖤😎👍🏼🤘🏼

[@carolynstewart8465]

Great house!

[@jackiemartin9737]

Lucy and Desi had a connection to Pasadena Playhouse and I think they fostered new talent there and produced a special which I saw on KZbin. George was a guest as superman at little Ricky’s birthday in a episode of I Love Lucy. Do you know if their paths crossed at the Pasadena Playhouse?

[@jim007]

He had Minor roles in Gone With the Wind, and From Here to Eternity.

[@Corleypuddin]

Justin I swear you can tell a good story!!!! Can you explore Thomas Ince?

[@thunderousapplause]

Hooray hooray a new Justin vid today!

[@heatherwhatever7714]

I call it the Superman building and I’m always surprised it’s still there when I see it.

[@skunksarefake5754]

Nice job with this video! I have no clue why I'm here but watched the whole thing! Lol

[@thunderousapplause]

TIL about the reeves and mannix’ family affair. Wild.

[@sarahalbers5555]

It was very intriguing to say the least.

[@stevekehl191]

The closest to anything involved about George Reeves is the film "Hollywoodland" (one of my favorite films) Excellent Doc about his life and mysterious death. Thank You! ** Added** . Reports have indicated that Reeves had a blood alcohol level of .27 which is near delirium, no way he could have driven to his house, 5 miles from the restaurant where he and Lenore Lemmon had dinner that fateful night. I think she had ,27 levels! In my mind she is the strongest suspect_an argument ensued sometime after they came home, and it got heated, and shots rang out. It was likely accidental and not deliberate.

[@jomama5186]

Was that an empty water feature and fountain, out front, that was drained? It looks like it. How unfortunate, if so. I bet that was beautiful.

[@lisabarr6004]

Thank you! Another 👍 presentation. Your sub from 🇨🇦 ❤🌈 💙

[@TheJustinRootShow]

Hi Canada!!!!! You all seem lovely up there!

[@garynovak8316]

Justin my daughter I are coming to la the last week of September to visit my senior brother and my daughter and I wanted to see if we could meet you or tag along on one of your tours?

[@megansavage7152]

Noel Neill died July 2016 so she was still alive in 2014

[@TheJustinRootShow]

You're absolutely correct, oops I'm sorry I made that mistake.

[@DarrylRuiz-s1w]

​@@TheJustinRootShowHer last film was Superman Returns it was also the last film for Jack Larson

[@jim007]

It's a bird... It's a plane

[@pam8962]

Wow

[@jackwild8019]

George Reeves dead by gunshot in 1959, Christopher Reeves horse-riding accident and the Hollywood Superman 🦸‍♂️ , Christopher Dennis found dead inside a charity bin...tragic denouements

[@pam8962]

I ❤️ history

[@eh-i1841]

Superman is a great concept.I read my brothers’ comics avidly,when I was a girl.

[@GregoryRoss-p8z]

The Culver Studios is located at 9336 W.Washington Blvd. Culver City, CA. It is not located on Jefferson Blvd.

[@a.jlondon9039]

Just found your channel. Sub is a must.

[@sarahalbers5555]

Same! I am loving it!

[@jimmyroberts197]

That was dope

[@philrose7716]

Would love to get a tour of your home.

[@richardkennedy8481]

That building is not the one used for The Daily Planet in the show. The federal court building downtown was used for those scenes.

[@TheJustinRootShow]

Hey Richard, we’re both correct. This building was used in Season 1. I even show a clip of it in my video so you can see it hasn’t changed. The building you’re speaking of was ALSO used but it didn’t make its first appearance until Season 2.

[@pam8962]

Love Dustin Hoffman ❤

[@sandrasherman1727]

Love the detail in your research. However, I suspect your personal love of Pasadena and theatre caused you to over estimate the popularity of the Pasadena Playhouse. It is unlikely to be "world reknown" since I grew up in Chicago and never heard of it until I moved to California as an adult in 1969. Other than that little over-embelishment the rest of your production was well done. Thank you.

[@shosmyth1454]

Lol oh I apologize Toni’s name was Mannix?

[@AshesAshes44]

I swear, Hollywood's family tree is a wreath

[@artniola]

😃❤️

[@TheJustinRootShow]

🤗🤗

[@DonaldBowen-td5ct]

Evidence point to the fact he was murdered

[@pam8962]

Kelloggs 🌽 flakes 😋 😅😅😅only good with a cut up banana 🍌 😋

[@Socialisten]

I am not going to watch this but for the ones that will, I am very happy that you do not go for 2.000.000.000 words a minute ... seems well done :)!

[@pam8962]

Wow so sad 😞 WTF

[@cherylcampbell7495]

He was a free mason and so was Roy Rogers. Mysterious deaths?

[@pam8962]

😅😂😅