Exclusive Interview with Jim Bowers

I have "known" Jim Bowers for a couple of years now thanks to the Internet. Over that time, I have been lucky enough to have received many an email from Jim alerting me to bits and pieces of Superman and Christopher Reeve information to place in my websites. With the interest, knowledge and contacts Jim has with Christopher Reeve and the Superman world, I thought an Interview with Jim would be a facinating read. And as you're about to find out, indeed it is. I'd like to thank Jim for finding time in his busy schedule to answer the following questions in such great detail! :)

THE INTERVIEW

Jim Bowers presenting the Superman of Metropolis award to Chris as fans and friends look on. (Photo by Jo Addie)

Jim: I'm 38 years old. I've lived in Atlanta, Georgia since January 1986 after getting out of the U.S. Army as a First Lieutenant. I grew up as an Army brat, so I traveled all over the world as a kid. I grew up loving TV, movies, music, swimming, boats and airplanes. I have a Marketing degree and am the Marketing Manager for a major indoor air quality equipment manufacturer. I am also a professional photographer. I have been in the photography industry for about 16 years.

Q: When did you become a Superman fan?

Jim: I first remember being a Superman fan in the mid-60s watching George Reeves on TV in The Adventures of Superman before school. I was also into the Adam West Batman show. I fondly remember my mom pinning old towels on my shoulders with baby diaper pins so I could run all over the neighborhood pretending to fly. I used to have very vivid flying dreams during that time. Surprisingly enough, I never had a full Superman costume. I lost interested in Superman as I approached my teen years (early 70s). I was a senior in high school when Christopher Reeve first zoomed across the silver screen in Superman: The Movie. Experiencing this wonderful film made me a devoted Superman fan for life. My six-year-old brother, Clarke, was so taken by it that he asked me if he could change his last name to "Kent"!

Q: What got you into Superman (the comics, radio shows, television shows, the play, movies)?

Jim: The fact that Superman can fly and uses his powers to help others has always appealed to me. Besides, who can resist that cool costume! I am very attracted to stories of people who choose to use their extraordinary abilities in unselfish ways. I've always been labeled as the "nice guy" and a "Boy Scout", so I guess I can identify with the character.

Q: How did you go from being a fan of the Superman character to actually knowing Superman related celebrities? Can you please tell us about the first time you ever met a Superman related celebrity? How do you maintain contact with them all and how often?

Jim: The answer to the first part of your question is simply by being in the right place at the right time, having good contacts, and with persistence and some luck. The first time I ever met a Superman celebrity was in 1988 at the Superman 50th Anniversary convention in Cleveland, Ohio. I met Kirk Alyn, Noel Neill, and Jack Larson. I also met Jim Hambrick from Metropolis, Jim Nolt, editor of The Adventures Continue, film historian John Field, and author Mike Bifulco for the first time. The whole experience was just great. I got to actually know some Superman celebrities when Christopher Reeve and Noel Neill came to Atlanta in 1994 for the Dixie Trek sci-fi convention. I found them both to be very gracious and appreciative of their fans. I kept in contact with them afterwards. Following Christopher Reeve's accident, I contacted some of the other Superman celebrities through their agents to ask for autographs on Chris' "S" shield and donations to the You'll Believe A Man Can Fly fund. I've been assisting the Metropolis Superman celebration organizing committee for the past five years. It's been a lot of fun inviting celebrities to the celebration and maintaining friendships with them. I try to stay in regular contact with most of them by phone, snail mail and e-mail.

Q: Have you had anything published? If so, can you tell us about it?

Jim: Yes, I contributed to the books, Superman: The Complete History and Superman Masterpiece Edition. I had the honor of flying an original George Reeves B&W costume and a Christopher Reeve "flying" costume from the Metropolis Super Museum up to New York City for the books' photo shoots. That was great fun! I've also contributed photographs and written articles about my experiences meeting Superman celebrities in The Adventures Continue fanzine (dedicated to George Reeves), the Metropolis Planet newspaper in Metropolis, Illinois, and the fanzine, SuperPlanet Chronicles.

Q: What are you working on at the present time?

Jim: I am currently gathering rare photographs and memorabilia in preparation for a possible Superman movie book that one of the editors at DC Comics has already agreed to edit. I hope to release it in conjunction with the DVD restoration of Superman: The Movie. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that both projects will become a reality by 2003, the 25th anniversary of the film.

Q: When did you first meet Christopher Reeve? How do you communicate?

Jim: I first met Chris here in Atlanta on May 14, 1994 when he flew in for a one-day sci-fi convention called Dixie Trek. Noel Neill was also a guest. Chris gave a rousing 90-minute talk about his career on stage. He also chatted with fans for nearly two hours while he autographed memorabilia and posed for photographs. I remember greeting Chris at the door backstage when he first arrived. I could hardly believe that I was standing in front of the actor whom I admired for so many years. The second time I met Chris was on April 15, 1997 during his star ceremony on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in Hollywood. I communicate with Chris and Dana by mail to their New York home.

Q: What was it like being in England on the closed set at Pinewood Studios during the making of the first Superman movie?

Jim: Unfortunately, I wasn't on the set. I was still in high school! But I did keep up with the film's progress on a regular basis by reading everything I could get my hands on. I vividly remember seeing one of the trailers on TV and being very exciting by it. It was the one where Superman crashes through Lex's lair ceiling and flies past the camera as the silver "Superman: The Movie" logo streaks into infinity. Wow!

Q: What is Christopher Reeve "really" like? How has he changed since his accident?

Jim: From what I know about Chris, he is a genuine, sincere, and passionate American. He does everything 110% no matter what it is. The word "can't" is not in his vocabulary. His drive is unmatched by any able-bodied person I know. He seems more determined, disciplined and focused than he's ever been in his life. His appreciation of family, friends, and fans has greatly magnified since his accident. His quote in the book, A Shoulder To Lean On, is an excellent example of this. Words cannot describe how much respect and admiration I have for this man. I have a picture of Chris and I on my bedside table. I wake up every morning, look at that picture, and think about how lucky I am to have my health, my family, and good friends. If I can accomplish half of what Chris does everyday then I feel I've had a successful day.

Q: Can you tell us a humorous story about Chris?

Jim: The most memorable story that immediately comes to mind is when I was talking with Chris at his star ceremony party. I asked Marc McClure to come over and pose with us for a photo. Instead of calling Marc "Marc", I called him "Jimmy" without even thinking twice about it! Of course, everyone standing around busted out laughing, including Chris and Marc. I must admit I was somewhat embarrassed, but I laughed anyway!

Q: Can you tell us a serious story about Chris?

Jim: I can't think of a specific serious story to share with you, but I would have to say that watching Chris speak to his fans at his star ceremony is a definite highlight. I was so moved by it. I just couldn't believe I was witnessing it first-hand.

Q: On one occasion in 1997 you had arranged for a friend of yours named Donnie Snider to meet with Chris. Would you please tell us about this very special meeting and what it meant to Donnie and Chris?

Jim: Well, late that year I got a call from Donnie Snider's dad, Don, in Evansville, Indiana. He told me that someone at the Player's Casino in Metropolis, Illinois gave him my phone number. He asked if I could somehow arrange for Donnie to meet Christopher Reeve. He proceeded to tell me about his son's ambition to become a professional baseball player, and how his life suddenly changed when Donnie became paralyzed from accidentally diving into the shallow end of a swimming pool. Don also explained how much Donnie had accomplished since his accident with the Easter Seals, Think First, and the Neosurgeons of America. I told Don that I would be happy to help, and put him in contact with Chris' publicist. I was pleased to learn that soon afterwards Donnie and Chris did indeed meet backstage during a Peter Lowe Success Seminar at which Chris was a speaker. I spoke with Donnie and his dad a few days after the meeting. They were so excited. They must have thanked me a millions times for helping them. Apparently Chris was very interested in how Donnie managed to get off his ventilator after seven years when doctors told him it would never be possible. Don took a picture of Chris and Donnie and sent it to me. I enlarged it onto artist canvas and framed it for Donnie. He put it up in his living room and still talks about it to this day. I had the pleasure of meeting the Snider family when they attended the 1998 Superman celebration in Metropolis. It gave me a good feeling inside to be able to help such a nice family.

Q: What do you think of the Superman Homepage and the Christopher Reeve Homepage? How could the latter be better used to raise money or increase awareness?

Jim: I not only love both sites, but make it a daily ritual to visit them both. I have come to rely on them for the most up-to-date information. Steve - fantastic job! You and your "Super" support team have done a Super Duper job! The only suggestion I have for raising money and awareness for spinal cord research is to keep fans informed of updates in the "What's New?" section and encourage them to visit links like www.paralysis.org and www.supermancollectors.com/ybamcf/index.html on a regular basis.

Q: Can you tell us about your "You'll Believe A Man Can Fly" Fund? (Why it was started, its goals, how to make a donation)

Jim: In June 1995, shortly after Christopher Reeve's horseriding accident, I decided to do something to help raise awareness for his condition. I contacted the Development Director, Megan Sandow, at the American Paralysis Association to find out what I could do to help as a fan of Chris and Superman. She made some suggestions and offered to mail me some flyers about APA. A few days later I decided to start my own paralysis fund called You'll Believe A Man Can Fly, taken from the famous advertising slogan used for Superman: The Movie. I began by mailing both APA's flyer and my own flyer to some Superman celebrities asking for donations. The initial response was incredible. I received donations from Jack Larson, Phyllis Thaxter (Martha Kent in Superman: The Movie), Yvonne Blake (Superman: The Movie's costume designer), and Elaine Schreyeck (continuity supervisor on Superman: The Movie and most of Roger Moore's James Bond films). Many kind fans also made donations. Since then the fund has continued to raise money thanks to the support of Steve Younis' Christopher Reeve Homepage; the Superman auction held annually in Metropolis, Illinois; Jeff Germann's new Superman collectors site; and so many others. I encourage fans to send donations of any size for this great cause. You can see my YBAMCF page at www.supermancollectors.com/jimbowers/index.html.

Q: Many people, like yourself, love Chris and his family and are working to raise money for spinal cord research. Do you know if Chris is aware of the depth of feeling for him?

Jim: Yes, I know Chris is very aware of this. It is obvious from reading Still Me and listening to Chris speak at his star ceremony that he continues to be overwhelmed by the attention and kind words he has received since his accident. I consider the upcoming book, Care Packages: Letters to Christopher Reeve from Strangers and Other Friends, to be the ultimate thank you from the Reeves to fans around the world. I can't wait to read it. Imagine receiving letters from thousands of fans encouraging you to be strong and never give up, and enough flower arrangements for every room in the hospital!

The autographed S shield Jim presented to Chris Reeve. (Photo by Jim Bowers)

Q: On April 15, 1997, the day Chris got his star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, you presented him with a very special "S" shield. Can you tell us about the "S" shield and that special day presenting it to Chris? What was his reaction?

Jim: I came up with the shield idea about the time that I started the YBAMCF fund. My super good friend, Tom Nagy, made a large Christopher Reeve-style S shield out of plexiglas and vinyl. My goal was to have some Superman stars sign the shield with messages of hope and encouragement to Chris during his recovery. All of the stars I contacted were more than happy to do participate. I originally intended to mail the shield to Chris' home once it was completely covered with messages, but because the ceremony date was only a couple of months away, I realized that there may be an opportunity to present the shield to him personally. When I told Jim Hambrick, curator of the Metropolis Super Museum, about my plans to go to Hollywood, the town of Metropolis asked me to act as their representative and present Chris with the Superman of Metropolis award and a letter of appreciation from the town mayor. You can imagine how eager and excited I was for April 15, 1997 to arrive! I am a member of INSITE, The International Network of Somewhere in Time Enthusiasts, the group responsible for getting Chris' star on Hollywood Boulevard. I was fortunate to be right up front with the media to photograph the entire ceremony. Camera shutters were clicking, fans were cheering and clapping, and Chris was smiling with his family and friends. It was unbelievable! Richard Donner, Marc McClure, Yvonne Blake, Gerard Christopher, Jack Larson, Jane Seymour, James Keach (Jane's husband and brother of actor Stacy Keach), Glenn Close, and other Somewhere in Time cast and crew members were all there. Chris spoke to the audience with great poise and compassion. He thanked his fans for sticking with him over the years and throughout his difficult recovery. I was particularly moved when he spoke of the continued medical progress to find a cure for paralysis, and his desire to one day return to Hollywood and stand next to his star with his family. Many people in the audience shed a tear. Yes, I watered up too! Afterwards, INSITE members and invited guests held a private party for the Reeves on the set of Cheers in the new Hollywood Entertainment Museum, located behind Chris' star. The whole mood inside was incredible. I couldn't believe how many people were gathered around a rather tired, but happy Christopher Reeve. I was getting concerned that I may not have a chance to present the Metropolis awards and S shield to him, so I asked Dana Reeve's permission to step in for a few moments. She had a smile of approval on her face as I showed her Chris' keepsakes. Right after I posed with her for a photo, I saw the perfect moment to approach Chris. Chris smiled as I walked up to congratulate him on his star. I have to admit that I was nervous. It was the first time I had seen Chris since the accident, so I suppose I was a bit uncomfortable looking down at him, but that feeling soon disappeared. He looked me right in the eyes, listening intently as I explained how I came up with the shield idea and what the Superman of Metropolis awards were all about. He expressed his appreciation many times as the crowd gathered around us. I was thrilled when Chris asked me to read the words on the shield and Metropolis awards in front of everyone. As I did so I could feel my heart beating a mile a minute! As soon as I finished, Bill Shepard, INSITE's President, proposed a toast to the Reeves. Next thing I knew Chris and Dana were both heading out the door. My meeting with Chris lasted just a few minutes, but it will be forever etched into my memory. Contact the Addies at http://somewhereintime.pair.com/ for a copy of the star ceremony and party video. Jim and Jo Addie have done an excellent job of keeping the magic of Somewhere in Time alive through their fantastic SIT collectibles and videos.

Q: About 19 years after the release of the first Superman movie, a Swedish collector paid $19,250 at a Sotheby's auction for one of the capes worn by Christopher Reeve in the movie. What is your opinion of this?

Jim: This is a good example of the staying power of Superman in movies. The fact that Chris has become a real-life hero to so many people has created a renewed interest among collectors who wish to own a piece of Superman movie history such as this cape.

Johnny Grant, Honorary Mayor of Hollywood presents Christopher Reeve's star plaque to his four-year-old son, Will, as Dana Reeve watches. (Photo by Jim Bowers)

Q: You, being a big fan of Superman, probably have a pretty impressive collection of memorabilia and merchandise yourself from the movie. If you do, can you give us an idea of the kind of Superman memorabilia you collect and how you go about getting it (through donations, auctions, studios disgarding stuff in warehouses)?

Jim: About 90% of my Superman collection is movie-related. Being an avid photographer (I'm referred to by Superman friends as Jimmy "Olsen" Bowers), my favorite items are the hundreds of photographs, transparencies, and slides I'm accumulated over the past 20 years, particularly ones that Christopher Reeve personally signed for me. My recent acquisition of movie photos from Pinewood Studios' vaults has got to be the icing on the cake for me. Someone at Pinewood had the insight to keep contact sheets, polaroids, notes, etc., made during the filming of Superman: The Movie and Superman II (Richard Donner's contributions). I'm currently in the process of cleaning and categorizing them. What a project! I also acquired two newspaper props from Pinewood, including "Caped Wonder Stuns City" used in the first film. A special thanks goes out to Jim Hambrick for the Pinewood contact. I love advertising and promotional items from the Superman movies. They are becoming quite scarce. I also have lots of photos of Kirk Alyn, George Reeves, John Haymes Newton, Gerard Christopher, and the various animated shows. I'm a big Alex Ross and golden age Superman fan, so I try to pick up everything that's available. Some of other favorites are the items that fellow Superman friends have made for me. Tom Nagy, Randy Garrett, Kris Meadows, Tom Key, Mark Gutierrez, and Bryan Mackey are incredibly talented people who have created some wonderful drawings, paintings and models. I used to find Superman memorabilia at collector shows and through publications such as Toy Shop and Comic Buyers Guide, but now I mainly rely on Ebay. Collector friends like David Olsen frequently pick up great items for me, and I usually come home with a box full of goodies each year from the Superman celebration in Metropolis. Visit my website at www.supermancollectors.com/jimbowers/. I will be featuring photos of my collection, my Super friends, celebrity encounters, Chris' star ceremony, Metropolis celebrations, as well as Pinewood Studios photos.

Q: Besides Christopher Reeve, who would you like to see play Superman on the big screen in another Superman movie?

Jim: I haven't found anyone......yet.

Q: In 1998, Warner Bros. celebrated their 75th Anniversary by re-releasing movies from every decade, including Superman from the 1970s movie section. Did you see Superman when it was re-released? If so, where, and what did you think seeing the movie 20 years later again on the big screen? How did it make you feel?

Jim: Yes, I saw the WB Superman re-release here in Atlanta on May 29, 1998 with three other Superman friends. The experience was both wonderful and disappointing. There's nothing like the big screen experience, especially when it comes to seeing Superman: The Movie, but the print quality was terrible. Some reels looked fairly good, while others were washed out and low contrast. The sound also left much to be desired. I fondly remember this movie in 1979 having incredible picture quality and wonderful Dolby quality sound. WB claimed on their anniversary flyer that all prints of the featured movies were new. Well, I can tell you that Superman: The Movie was not a new print. Without going on and on about this subject, I will just say that if the WB decision-makers don't get off their butts and do something to save this wonderful film (and its sequels), one of the greatest pieces of film history will be forever lost. It's a shame that they choose to ignore the 20th anniversary. Keep your fingers crossed that 2003 will be Superman's year!

Q: Fans of the Superman movie series starring Chris want to see Superman and its sequels restored with their negatives cleaned up, missing scenes added and the soundtracks restored (like the "Star Wars" trilogy). Have you ever seen all four Superman films in their entirety? How can fans convince Warner Bros. to fully restore the four films to their entire length to be rereleased to the public?

Jim: I have seen a 187-edit of Superman: The Movie (the KCOP version), the extended ABC-TV versions of Superman II and Superman III, and the 93-minute version of Superman IV. I re-edited Superman: The Movie in 1994 using laserdisc, 16mm, and TV broadcast sources. Richard Donner, Christopher Reeve, Marc McClure, and Sarah Douglas all have copies of my edit. Fans who wish to see these films restored should continue to write directly to Warner Bros. in Hollywood, and visit the Superman 60/20 and Superman Cinema websites to join their on-going restoration campaigns. The more WB is bombarded with letters the better! Be sure to emphasize the fact that you would like to see a portion of all proceeds from the re-release go to the Christopher Reeve Paralysis Foundation. I'm convinced that it's just a matter of time....

Jim standing with Gerard Christopher, Jack Larson, and Marc McClure on the set of Cheers for the star ceremony private party. (Photo by Sue Gorrasi)

Q: Can you tell us about the yearly Metropolis, Illinois Superman celebration? How are you involved in it?

Jim: The celebration is one of the best-kept secrets among die-hard Superman enthusiasts. Fans from across the country (and the world) come to this annual 4-day event to pay homage to the Man of Steel, and take part in a variety of exciting events such as the film festival and auction. The celebration is held during the second weekend of every June. Jim Hambrick, whom I have known since our meeting at the 1988 Superman convention in Cleveland, Ohio, is owner and curator of the Super Museum. It houses the largest collection of Superman memorabilia in the world. It is the ultimate place for Superman fans to savor Superman's image on an unbelievable assortment of collectibles. The huge Superman statue erected in front of city hall has always been the focal point of the celebration. Families pose with Superman in front of the statue each year for photos as they watch the Superman parade. I am in charge of inviting celebrities, which have included Alex Ross, Kerry Gammill, Jack Larson, Noel Neill, Kirk Alyn, Phyllis Coates, Tommy Bond, Lane Smith, John Haymes Newton, Gerard Christopher, and Jon Bogdonave. I also work with Superman film historian, John Field, to produce the annual film festival. In past years it has featured extended versions of the Superman films and 16mm prints of The Adventures of Superman on the big screen. I also assist David Olsen with planning the Superman auction and dinner banquet, and creating the SuperPlanet Chronicles newsletter. The auction itself brings in lots of die-hard Superman collectors. There is always a wide assortment of items up for bids, ranging in price from $20.00 to $20,000. This past year Alex Ross and Kerry Gammill donated some outstanding original art that received high bids. If you haven't made the effort to attend the celebration you are really missing out on a memorable experience. You can learn more about the celebration by visiting www.supermancollectors.com/.

Q: Fans of Chris, as well as many friends and relatives of people with spinal cord injuries, have always wanted to express their own feelings of hope and encouragement to him about his career in the performing arts and his crusade for curing spinal cord injuries, both of which are important to him. How can Chris be successfully reached so that his fans can send their love and support and compelling stories?

Jim: I would suggest going through the Christopher Reeve Paralysis Foundation at www.paralysis.org, or leaving messages on CelebrityEmail.com. As far as I know, Chris and and Dana still make an effort to read the tons of mail they receive each week.

Thank you Jim.

Jim: I've enjoyed sharing my "Super" experiences with you! Thanks a bunch Steve Younis for asking me to do this interview. It has been a pleasure.

Once again I would publicly like to thank Jim Bowers for taking the time out to answer these questions, and for agreeing to do the interview.

Steve Younis

Copyright notice: Photographs Copyright © 1999; Jim Bowers. Used with author's permission.