GEORGE "SUPERMAN" REEVES - EPHEMERA UNSIGNED WITH EMILE LA VIGNE - HFSID 274949

GEORGE REEVES and EMILE La VIGNE
The famed make-up artist crafts a cast of TV's first Superman
Rubber cast of a life mask of Reeves, crafted by make-up and effects artist Emile LaVigne. Reeves has not signed the mask, but the wood backing is signed: "LaVigne" in black felt tip. Best known for playing the "Man of Steel" on film and on television, GEORGE REEVES (1914-1959), born George Bessolo, made his film debut in 1939. That year, Reeves played Stuart Tarleton, one of the Scarlett O'Hara's hopeful beaus, in David O. Selznick's Civil War epic, Gone With the Wind. Making an excellent impression in that role, Reeves was cast in 17 films in 1940, including Knute Rockne, All American, Virginia City, The Fighting 69th, 'Til We Meet Again, Pony Express Days and Meet the Fleet. His career took a fateful turn when he was cast as Superman/Clark Kent in 1951's Superman and the Mole Men, a role he reprised in the 1953-1957 television series. On June 16, 1959, Reeves died from a gunshot wound. Mystery still surrounds his death. EMILE LaVIGNE (1913-1990) was one of Hollywood's most important make-up men. He made up Jack Haley as the Tin Woodman in The Wizard of Oz (1939). Among his many make-up assignments were Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein (1948), Invasion of the Body Snatchers (1956), Some Like It Hot (1959), The Magnificent Seven (1960) and West Side Story (1961). This item is from LaVigne's estate. Minor surface scratches and discoloration to mask. LaVigne's signature on verso is slightly smudged. Otherwise, fine condition.