Superman Costumes in the Marketplace Archive: September 2009

This article continues coverage of Superman costumes and costume components offered for sale publicly in the marketplace attributed to use in the Superman films of the 70s-80s starring Christopher Reeve and characterized as “original” and “authentic”.

There has been little significant public sales activity of Superman costumes since the extensive study published in May 2009 (see Superman Costume Comparative Analysis: Warner Bros. Archive, Authenticated vs. “Super Hollywood”). This month, there are two offerings, both confirmed authentic examples – one from The Prop Store of London (and part of the aforementioned analysis) and one that is consigned to next month’s Profiles in History “Hollywood Auction 37”.

I had personally handled and examined the Prop Store of London costume in May – the fabric, asset tags, and other details are genuine.

I also had an opportunity to personally inspect and handle the costume offered for auction by Profiles in History at their offices this month. While I did not take any additional photos, the fabric, Bermans and Nathans tag, and other details are consistent with other genuine costumes that I have examined.

Seller: The Prop Store of London

Title: “Lois Lane (Margot Kidder) Superman Tunic” [LINK]

Noted Source/Provenance: “The prop comes with official paperwork and documentation from Warner Brothers Studios confirming the provenance“

List Date: 09/05/09

List Price: $14,995.00

Full Listing Archive: “Lois Lane (Margot Kidder) Superman Tunic”

Description:

This tunic was created specifically for Lois Lane (Margot Kidder) in the movie Superman II (1980).In Donner’s cut, Superman (Christopher Reeve) talks to his father Jor-el (Marlon Brando) in the Fortress of Solitude, and asks him to make him like the humans of Earth so that he can be with Lois, who is standing by watching, wearing this shirt like a nightgown.

Richard Donner’s version of the film, released to the public only recently, featured a scene in which Lois had spent the night in the Fortress of Solitude with Superman. She awakes in the morning to find Superman (Christopher Reeve) talking to his father Jor-el (Marlon Brando) in the Fortress of Solitude, and asking him to make him like the humans of Earth so that he can be with Lois, who is standing by watching, wearing this shirt like a nightgown.

As the actual costume tunics worn by Christopher Reeve in the Superman series were designed as tight bodysuits with a leotard-like opening for the legs, a unique version with an T-Shirt style opening was needed for the scene. This tunic was created by UK costumer Berman’s and Nathan’s specifically for the production, using a fabric weave that was exclusive to the Superman costumes. It is made from the same fabrics and patterns as Christopher Reeve’s tunic, with the only difference being the lower opening. The tunic features a label that identifies the Margot Kidder as the actress it was designed for.

This is the Superman shirt worn my Lois Lane (Margot Kidder) in Richard Donner’s cut of Superman II. When the producers of Superman II brought in a new director to replace Donner, this scene was removed from the film; but when Donner’s vision was realized in a 2006 re-edit, the scene was included. This shirt is made of a special, custom-woven fabric. It was made to copy Superman’s costume, and meant to be too big for Lois.

The shirt is in very good condition, and comes in a custom acrylic display, featuring a high-quality acrylic cover that can be installed or removed in seconds, without any hardware, allowing you to access the prop. The display comes complete with a wall-mounting bracket, and measures that measures 34″ x 25″ (86cm x 64cm).

The prop comes with official paperwork and documentation from Warner Brothers Studios confirming the provenance.

Marketing Photos (click image for higher resolution):

Seller: Profiles in History

Auction Title: “Christopher Reeve hero evil Superman suit from Superman III” [LINK]

Auction Source: “Hollywood Auction 37”, Lot 725

Noted Source/Provenance: Not Noted

Auction Date: 10/09/09

Auction Result: TBD – Estimate $30,000-$50,000

Full Auction Archive: “Christopher Reeve hero evil Superman suit from Superman III”

Description:

Christopher Reeve hero evil Superman suit from Superman III. (Warner Bros., 1983) Complete superhero worn by Christopher Reeve after being exposed to Kryptonite and transformed into a spiteful, selfish version of the Man of Steel. The costume consists of a dark blue unitard with integral dark red briefs and classic Superman “S” logo on the chest; a Bermans & Nathans label is sewn into the inside collar, and typewritten “Christopher Reeve – Colour D 18631 – Superman III Flying”. Together with the matching dark blue tights, dark red leather boots handwritten inside “C.R. No. 4” and carmel colored leather belt with resin buckle. Includes a replica dark red cape. An incredible opportunity to own one of the very few Christopher Reeve Superman costumes in existence.

Marketing Photos (click image for higher resolution):

For more information, please reference:

• Market Watch | Superman

Jason DeBord