Profiles in History’s July Hollywood Auction will include Superman: The Movie costumes worn by Christopher Reeve and Marlon Brando. Set for the July 20th weekend in Los Angeles, the complete Superman costume worn by Christopher Reeve as well as Brando’s Jor-El costume will be up for sale to the highest bidder as part of the Dreier Collection, “a collection of such breadth and immensity that it will take several years to completely auction off.”
The Superman and Jor-El costumes are expected to go for a minimum of $60,000 each.
Also included as part of the July auction is the screen-used Kryptonite crystal and box from Superman III. 12 inches long by 6 inches tall, this prop “can be positively screen-matched to the scene where Christopher Reeve is shown cradling the piece in his hands, as a small imperfection on one edge is clearly visible.” The prop is expected to fetch $8,000 – $12,000.
The Details:
The Superman Costume: A long sleeve leotard of blue and red stretch jersey, a chest emblazoned with the trademark Superman “S” and an interior Bermans & Nathans label typed “Christopher Reeves [sic] 12186 Superman.” A pair of matching blue stretch nylon tights with interior Bermans & Nathans label typed “Christopher Reeve Colour A 18629,” a yellow-painted leather belt, a long flowing cape of scarlet wool with padded shoulders and interior bias label handwritten “C. Reeve Colour B Walking,” the back having a yellow Superman “S” logo with black stitched borders, and a pair of knee-length red leather boots with zipper closures, each boot with Bermans & Nathans labels typed “Christopher Reeves [sic] 12188” and handwritten “Waterproof.”
The Superman Costume’s History: The costume was originally acquired by a sub-contractor who worked as a set decorator and a special effects flying/rigging technician on the first two Superman films at Pinewood studios in London. Its ownership was later transferred to a make-up artist in Nashville, TN, whose letter of provenance will accompany this fantastic costume. Studio labeled throughout, this costume is without question, the finest original Christopher Reeve Superman costume Profiles in History has ever encountered. Easily one of the most recognizable costumes in Hollywood history, it is the most important complete costume from this landmark film ever brought to public auction.
The Jor-El Costume: The costume consists of a tunic with the iconic “S” insignia with faux jewel detailing, sleeveless full-length robe with faux jewel detailing on the shoulders, pants and boots. The entire costume is layered with a luminous silver/gray reflective material, which appears to glow when subjected to strong light. This ingenious costume effect was first innovated in this production and used on all of the inhabitants of the planet Krypton providing a fantastic otherworldly appearance. Tunic, robe and boots have Bermans and Nathans labels typewritten “Marlon Brando Superman.”
Source: Profiles in History
