Something important is being kept in a steel cabinet in the offices of the Daily Planet. The crooks try unsuccessfully to remove things but can't get at the real treasure trove. They are finally able to worm their way in by planting a double of Jimmy Olsen. This guy is quite dangerous. He is also mouthy and disrespectful, traits Jimmy doesn't possess. It becomes a comedy of errors as people can't figure out who is who, even the crooks. Once again, our cub reporter gets a chance to stretch his legs and do some acting. Had Jimmy not tried this silliness before, things would have played out a lot easier. Anyway, the conversation is quite genuine and Jack Larson, who plays Jimmy, does a very fine job in dual roles. The acting is quite good all around.
3 Reviews
Evil Twin Syndrome Revisited
redryan6431 January 2015
THE HOST OF the Tonite Show, Jay Leno, had always liked to point out when a series had opted to use what Leno referred to as "The Evil Twin Plot." That is, it had a the central theme a situation in which some number of nefarious deeds were committed by an individual so similar in appearance; that they are blamed on the hero.
THIS WAS NOT the first foray into the genre of the mistaken identity by the Superman Series. We had already seen THE FACE AND THE VOICE in season 2. In this episode, a ex-con, "Boulder" (Reeves) is transformed facially to look like Superman; while voice instructor coaches him in impersonating the Man of Steel's voice.
GETTING BACK TO today's honored episode, Jimmy the Gent, it is Olsen's uncanny resemblance to an underworld figure of youthful vintage, "Kid Collons", that leads to all of the confusion and comedy of errors. The story gives young Jack Larson a great chance to let it all hang out and really "Han it Up!" His characterization is really remarkable and is a testimony to the actor's underrated abilities as a performer.
OF PARTICULAR INTEREST is "Kid Collins'" confrontations with crusty old Perry White (John Hamilton); as well as his fresh, "Wolf" approach with regard to Lois Lane (Noell Neill).
THE CHARACTER OF Jimmy Olsen, which was found to be the unexpected surprise of the SUPERMAN Series*, had proved its true value here by its carrying this episode; as did "Jimmy" in so many before.
BUT THIS TIME, there was a double dose of Jack Larson for our enjoyment and edification.
NOTE: * Jack Larson's JIMMY OLSEN portrayal was found to be so popular that his name was moved up in the cast listings. Also, after the SUPERMAN Series had debuted, DC Comics expanded the number of regular titles to feature the Man of Steel to include "SUPERMAN'S PAL, JIMMY OLSEN starting in 1953.
THIS WAS NOT the first foray into the genre of the mistaken identity by the Superman Series. We had already seen THE FACE AND THE VOICE in season 2. In this episode, a ex-con, "Boulder" (Reeves) is transformed facially to look like Superman; while voice instructor coaches him in impersonating the Man of Steel's voice.
GETTING BACK TO today's honored episode, Jimmy the Gent, it is Olsen's uncanny resemblance to an underworld figure of youthful vintage, "Kid Collons", that leads to all of the confusion and comedy of errors. The story gives young Jack Larson a great chance to let it all hang out and really "Han it Up!" His characterization is really remarkable and is a testimony to the actor's underrated abilities as a performer.
OF PARTICULAR INTEREST is "Kid Collins'" confrontations with crusty old Perry White (John Hamilton); as well as his fresh, "Wolf" approach with regard to Lois Lane (Noell Neill).
THE CHARACTER OF Jimmy Olsen, which was found to be the unexpected surprise of the SUPERMAN Series*, had proved its true value here by its carrying this episode; as did "Jimmy" in so many before.
BUT THIS TIME, there was a double dose of Jack Larson for our enjoyment and edification.
NOTE: * Jack Larson's JIMMY OLSEN portrayal was found to be so popular that his name was moved up in the cast listings. Also, after the SUPERMAN Series had debuted, DC Comics expanded the number of regular titles to feature the Man of Steel to include "SUPERMAN'S PAL, JIMMY OLSEN starting in 1953.
Larson Hilarious As 'Kid Collins'
ccthemovieman-120 August 2006
A gang is after marked money and affidavits in Clark Kent's offices. The goons hired to go get them come back empty-handed, but the boss has a plan: he produces another hood - a Jimmy Olsen lookalike named "Kid Collins." They then hijack the real Olsen (Jack Larson) and replace him with the kid who goes after the goods, which he finds in Kent's apartment. Meanwhile, he also discovers a Superman costume in Kent's hidden closet. (Which Clark explains the very end of the show)
Along the way, we get some humorous stuff as the fake, tough Olsen called Lois "honey" and Perry White "dad," and generally acts very un-Olsen like.
Things get more complicated when the real Olsen escapes, and two Olsens are running around as the bad guys keep trying to break into Kent's safe. It's a pretty wild episode and an entertaining one. Kudos to Jack Larson for a job well done in both roles.
Along the way, we get some humorous stuff as the fake, tough Olsen called Lois "honey" and Perry White "dad," and generally acts very un-Olsen like.
Things get more complicated when the real Olsen escapes, and two Olsens are running around as the bad guys keep trying to break into Kent's safe. It's a pretty wild episode and an entertaining one. Kudos to Jack Larson for a job well done in both roles.
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