Hero at Large: My Screen Used Capt. Avenger Costume

[BrianM]

It all started back in 1980 when I saw the movie “Hero at Large,” a semi remake of Frank Capra’s “Meet John Doe.” I was really into costumes at the time, and The Empire Strikes Back was yet to hit the screen. Since I had the same haircut as John Ritter (in 1980 we all did), I put together my own Captain Avenger costume. That’s me in my avatar on the left.

Fast forward 25 years and I spot an actual screen used CA costume in a PIH auction. One problem with the super-suit; it is missing the striped shorts. It had the belt but no loops to put it in. This would surely hurt the value… Good news for me because I’m the only fan in the whole world who HAS a pair of those shorts already!

I was lucky enough to win the action at a reasonable price, and after getting a few half done project out of the way I finally got the costume on display. The shorts (the only non-original part) work great and the original belt fit perfectly in the loops.

I’m building a plex case for it this weekend, here are the photos so far:

Thanks for looking,
BrianM

 

[micdavis]

That is very cool.

 

[TridCloudwalker]

::bows before you:: John Ritter is one of my biggest idols (don't ask me why. I'm not even sure). Great find!

 

[Funky]

:eek NICE!!! You even got the boots! I'd be very interested in knowing what it went for.

 

[CSMacLaren]

John Ritter was my hero growing up. Seeing this brings back many fond memories! :thumbsup

 

[misterfusion]

Oh yes, I remember this auction, and the computer hiccup that allowed this one to get away!

Glad it went to a good home, though. Congrats!!!

LOVE the movie and I'm even contemplating doing this costume for the Superman Celebration in Metropolis next year.

Post all the huge, detail-lovin' pics you want!

 

[Rylo]

Man, that's fantastic! I loved that movie. In fact, the eye shield was one of the first props I ever tried to replicate.

Just always hit me as a cool costume.

Glad it all found a good home. :thumbsup

- Rylo

 

[DB73]

memories lool, great film had forgot all about it. nice snag

 

[blufive]

Very cool! I like how you suspended the glasses above the rest of the costume without using a styrofoam head, or something.

 

[Robot Monster]

Very cool! I like how you suspended the glasses above the rest of the costume without using a styrofoam head, or something.

I agree that really works well. John Ritter was always a class act (IMHO) . It's great that you are taking proper care of this costume. :thumbsup

 

[BrianM]

Computer hick-up? I just thought it was the missing shorts that kept the price down. I feel doubly lucky now...

Giant versions of the pics I posted:

STAFF EDIT: LINKS REMOVED DUE TO IMAGE NO LONGER BEING AVAILABLE.

BrianM

Oh yes, I remember this auction, and the computer hiccup that allowed this one to get away!

Glad it went to a good home, though. Congrats!!!

LOVE the movie and I'm even contemplating doing this costume for the Superman Celebration in Metropolis next year.

Post all the huge, detail-lovin' pics you want!

 

[misterfusion]

Thanks for the pics, and thanks for taking such nice care of the suit!

 

[BrianM]

Finally got the case built to keep the dust off the suit. Plex cases this big are a pain in the a**.

BrianM

 

[rambodonkeykong]

Ah, man!!! You darn lucky so and so. Your words re: John were right outta my mouth Brian. Should you ever decide to part with the suit...please let me know. He inspired me to be the actor I am today, you might even recognize me

 

[Jet Beetle]

Soooooooo jealous - so so so jealous! There had to be a slew of these costumes (from the bus scene and the press photo of Ritter stepping out of line waving) - so where the heck are they? I want one so bad! Ritter was and always will be a comic genius.

 

[Spylocke]

Wish the pics were still up!

"Hero at Large" has always been one of my favorites. I saw it in the theaters as a child and it left a huge impression on me! To be honest, it was probably the first time I wanted to dress up like a character in the movies! Thankfully, it ultimately led me here!

This move had a lot of what movies today lack... heart. I mean, is there a kinder, gentler hero than John Ritter as S. Nichols playing Captain Avenger? He's just a nice, sweet dude from Caulker City, Kansas that wanted to make it as an actor.

I wish someone out there would pick up the rights and make a Captain Avenger comic! I would love to see John Bolton adapt it, too! lol

thanks,
SPY

 

[misterfusion]

Here's my replica costume

 

[YenChih Lin]

Does anyone know, if there's a DVD? I liked this movie - such are classics!

 

[Galactifan]

Does anyone know, if there's a DVD? I liked this movie - such are classics!

Awesome costume from an awesome movie!!!......and yes, it's available on DVD...
Amazon.com: Hero at Large on DVD

 

[YenChih Lin]

Thanks