Memories of the Bit Time : Malcolm Mealy Recalls Stints on ‘Superman’ Shows and Days Gone By

The year was 1952, and Malcolm Mealy thought his big break had arrived.

Buoyed by a successful radio and stage career in Australia and New Zealand, Mealy, who has lived in Fullerton for several years, felt primed for Hollywood. When he was cast opposite George Reeves in a “Superman” episode during the popular television program’s premiere season, Mealy remembers thinking, “This is it.”

But like a lot of actors, his aspirations collided with reality. Although Mealy went on to do another “Superman” show that year and was a veteran bit player in both TV and movies, he had to pare down his hopes. Eventually he went on to other things, including organizing local film festivals.

These days, at a likable and talkative 71, Mealy can joke about it all, especially his starring role in “Superman.” The “No Holds Barred” episode will be shown Friday night in Fullerton preceding a screening of “A Shot in the Dark,” the final offering in the “Comedy Tonight” film series sponsored by the North Orange County Community College District with Mealy’s help.

“What do I feel when I see that show? Disgust, mainly,” replied Mealy, laughing. “It all comes across pretty silly, doesn’t it? I mean, what a plot--if that’s what you can call it. Actually, in a corny way, it’s kind of fun. I tell you, I look so young that it really amazes me.”

Mealy, who was a championship weightlifter before and while he was embarking on his acting career, plays a very fit-looking Wayne Winchester, a collegiate wrestling champ hired by Daily Planet editor Perry White to help mild-mannered reporter Clark Kent investigate a crooked wrestling syndicate. Specifically, Winchester and Kent have to figure out how “a paralyzer hold” is being used by Hardboiled Haggerty to wipe out the competition.

A mysterious guy from India, with knowledge of even more mysterious Oriental fighting techniques, is at the center of the riddle. Tossed into the pot is a little contest between Winchester and Kent for Lois Lane’s affections. Winchester, full of juice, goes for Lois, who doesn’t seem opposed to the attention.

“Lois cuddles up to Winchester, who plays every bit the man Clark Kent isn’t,” Mealy recalled, “and, no doubt, the man who can deliver what Superman doesn’t.”

Mealy recalled being paid only $125 for his performance, a fee that he said was typical during television’s early days. More valuable, though, was the friendship Mealy developed with Reeves, who authorities believe committed suicide in 1959.

The two often talked on the phone and sent each other letters, Mealy said. Like many people, he was shocked by Reeves’ death; Mealy believed suicide was an act contrary to the actor’s personality.

“I never saw any of the depression that might have led to such a thing; he was always such an upbeat, friendly guy. He really encouraged me, even when I wasn’t doing much in Hollywood. On the surface, it really looked like Reeves had it made; he had plenty of money and, I think, was getting ready to be married.”

Still, Mealy knew Reeves had become disillusioned with his career, especially being typecast as Superman.

“That had to get to him, not being able to get a lot of work at the end because everyone saw him in that one role,” Mealy said. “I know he was doing things near the end that he didn’t like, like being a referee at pro wrestling matches.”

In the ‘60s, Mealy began to drift from Hollywood, focusing on physical fitness and collecting movie memorabilia. He opened a gym in Fullerton and, more recently, started a film series for the Muckenthaler Cultural Center in Fullerton and local colleges. He plans to put together a silent-film festival in the coming months.

Mealy also opened a gallery, Galeria del Sol, in Fullerton earlier this year that features artifacts from the Pacific Rim, most of which he collected himself.

The screening of “No Holds Barred” will be preceded by Mealy’s brief talk on his involvement with the series. A self-described student of comedy, Mealy will preface “A Shot in the Dark” with a discussion of Peter Sellers’ remarkable career.

“The Adventures of Superman” episode “No Holds Barred” and “A Shot in the Dark” starring Peter Sellers will be shown tonight at 7:30 p.m. at the Wilshire Auditorium, 315 E. Wilshire Ave., Fullerton. Tickets: $3 and $4. Information: (714) 779-8577.