Remember how I was talking about how Max Allan Collins could have done a far better job on the George Reeves murder in a Heller novel? Well, Al Collins dropped me a line, and among other things, said the following (quoted with his permission):
The last Heller proposal I put together was about a Reeves novel. It was
declined by Penguin, who didn’t pick up the Heller option; and then I
shelved Heller myself to pursue the prose PERDITION sequels. Along the way,
however, I pitched a Reeves murder graphic novel to DC, specifically Dan
DiDio (about two years ago). Dan seemed intrigued, but they ultimately
turned it down, not wanting to be connected to anything having to do with
this particular historical incident.
I liked HOLLYWOODLAND, and thought Affleck was surprisingly good (that’s the
general take on his performance). But I think I could have done it better.
I had substantial research gathered, but I doubt I can do that novel now —
maybe I could do a novella version somewhere….
With all respect to the esteemed Mr. Collins, I disagree. I think he not only can do the novel now, but should, because I think there’s a market for it. And don’t go telling me he should publish it on the web: Screw that. I’d like to see a publisher step up and take it on. Regular novel, graphic novel, I don’t care. I want to see Nate Heller tackle the Reeves case.
So hey, publishers: Award winning novelist and writer of “Road to Perdition” with a marketable idea ready to go, sure to pique the interest of comics fans. Who wants to get it done?
PAD
• 
ME!
Not sure who did the dirty deed, but I definitely do not buy the suicide theory.
I lean toward the suicide theory myself but I’d love to see Collins take it on.
I guess I’d make a lousy book editor since this sounds like a no-brainer. In fact, I’d probably say yes to just about any idea that a writer of Collins’ ability came up with unless it involved haikus or was entirely in Aramaic. But what do I know?
Wow. Guess I could never be a DC editor or executive. If I had had award winning novelist and writer known in and out of the comics field offer up a take on THE story of one of THE most famous actors to play the company’s MOST famous character…… Ðámņ. No brainer in my book. I would have then taken the finished book and tossed it up the corporate food chain to the film division before the ink was dry.
As for a MAC novel with Nate Heller taking on the mystery hitting the stands? Looks like I’d be the fourth man in line at the bookstore.
I’m with Peter, if he thinks that he can write a better book about the subject he should. I had known of the “suicide” of George Reeves for a long time. However, it wasn’t until I first heard of this movie and saw the A&E biography that I learned that it may not have been a suicide after all. I don’t buy into the suicide ruling myself. The whole extra bullets in the floor, and bruises on his body pokes a couple of holes into that theory. I want to read more on the subject. So please, write this book.
I read the book that the movie is based on, not unsurprisingly, called “Hollywoodland”. All the pieces seem to suggest that Toni Mannix had her husband knock Reeves off. Larsen (Jimmy Olsen of the time) said that Reeves was happier than he ever had been – going to be in a new movie and wanting to direct some of the new Superman episodes… Good book, although I’ll wait for the movie on DVD
I’d love to read it, too, and certainly think a published should jump at it. I can understand DC’s particular reluctance, however.
PAD,
As a long time MAC fan, I get excited about any new Nate Heller novel that might come down the pike. His perspective on various crimes always amazes me. I’d also like to know what he has to say about the JFK/RFK assassinations. Let’s hope a publisher gives him another chance at Heller sometime soon.
Me.
Hmmm. Well, I am torn about the possibilities. Novel or graphic novel. Either way, if MAC wrote the story, I would buy it.
Now if only somebody would get MAC a deal to write more Ms. Tree comis with Terry Beatty handling the art.
Yes. Without any hesitation. This book, be it prose or graphic novel, HAS to be published. Maybe your friends at IDW would be interested, PAD??
Ironically, like in George Reeves kept from doing movies because he was typecast as Superman, but half a century laters Schwarzengger, Stallone, Van Damme, et. al. got to do MORE movies from being typecast.
Peter, you’re right, pop culture has flipped the rules. If someone else is doing something that INCREASES the odds of approval. That’s why there are so many “twin” movies: ELIZABETH and SHAKESPEARE IN LOVE, THE ARRIVAL and INDEPENDENCE DAY, THE ABYSS and DEEP STAR SIX, THE BLACK DAHLIA and HOLLYWOODLAND.ROB ROY and BRAVEHEART or on tv, THRESHOLD and INVASION and SURFACE, KIDNAPPED and VANISHED, FRIENDS and 300 clones the following season.
— Ken from Chicago
PAD,
Were you surprised when you got an e-mail from Collins?
I think a George Reeves/Nate Heller novel would be very interesting. I’ve only read on Nate Heller book, the one about the Black Dahlia, and from what I remember of the character, he’s be at least middle aged by the time of George Reeve’s suicide, if not older, so it would be interesting to see an older, probably beat-up Heller handling the case.
I’m starting to laugh right now too because there’s actually another fictional detective who handles Hollywood cases. That’d be Stuart Kaminsky’s hapless Toby Peters. That’s make an interesting dichotomy. Kaminsky’s gumshoe solving the Reeve’s case.
I’d buy it and have it completely read by the end of that day…. dámņ solid writer and this story would fit perfectly for his writing style and sensibilities.
I was dying to find out the status of that Heller novel. I can’t believe that Penguin passed on the book. As soon as HOLLYWOODLAND was green-lit, Mr. Collins’ editor should have sent him a contract by the fastest means possible (especially considering the synchronicity that has occurred with several of Max Collins’ original novels–most recently THE WAR OF THE WORLDS MURDER coming out almost simultaneously with Speilberg’s WotW remake). I also agree that I would have loved to see a film based on Collins’ Black Dahlia book.
Ken from Chicago: “…FRIENDS and 300 clones the following season“
It’a an old saying in Hollywood. Nobody wants to be first, but everyone wants to be second.
Man, I’d buy that book in a heartbeat. I’ve been reading the Heller novels since the first one and they’re terrific.
If I remember correctly, Heller would be sixtyish at the time of Reeves’ death in 1959–not too old, in fact, he’d be about the age Indiana Jones is going to have to be by the time they get the next film made.
The Heller series sounds like another collection of novels I’ll have to reserve a year to read from beginning to end!
After reading “The Road to Perdition” miniseries and the “On The Road to Perdition” follow-up volumes, I’d make a mad dash to either the movie theatres or the neighborhood comic book store to buy a graphic novel, print novel or a film adaptation of a Max Allen Collins masterpiece!
Hey Peter,
Robert Downey Jr as Tony Stark….? Well he’s got the substance abuse down pat, but….
Your thoughts, sir?
Bobby A