by Cookie N Screen
Nowadays Batman is the raspy voiced crusader that we have all come to know and admire. Following on from the success of gritty Nolan trilogy, Batman has sparked a new generation of superheroes crying over the past and destroying villains whilst wearing drab outfits. This reboot of Batman has changed the face of superhero movies, giving them this entirely realistic feel that have won over audiences and critics.
But Batman didn’t always have this reputation. In fact, Batman was so far from this image that if I was in the sixties and I told you that Batman would become this shadowy figure, you’d laugh in my face quicker than you can say Shark Repellent.
This was because of a little television series named Batman that was big, colourful and as camp as ever!
Nowadays Batman is the raspy voiced crusader that we have all come to know and admire. Following on from the success of gritty Nolan trilogy, Batman has sparked a new generation of superheroes crying over the past and destroying villains whilst wearing drab outfits. This reboot of Batman has changed the face of superhero movies, giving them this entirely realistic feel that have won over audiences and critics.
But Batman didn’t always have this reputation. In fact, Batman was so far from this image that if I was in the sixties and I told you that Batman would become this shadowy figure, you’d laugh in my face quicker than you can say Shark Repellent.
This was because of a little television series named Batman that was big, colourful and as camp as ever!
Starring Adam West as Batman, this hilarious television series chartered Batman’s hijinks. Yes, hijinks, hilarious and brilliant hijinks. Alongside Burt Ward as Robin, West brings our beloved hero to life. Usual episodes begin with Bruce Wayne lounging around his mansion or attending some event in Gotham’s prestigious elite upper class. With his, (shall we say ward?), Dick Greyson, Wayne leads a quiet life. That is until his big red telephone rings. It’s Chief O’Hara and a crime is afoot. Sliding down the fire pole, Bruce Wayne and Dick Greyson are transformed into the dynamic duo; ready do battle with villains as dastardly as The Joker and The Riddler.
The whole series was produced by William Dozier, ran on from 1966 to 1968. Dozier had never read the comics before and planned to create a series that was fun but still full of serious detective work. After reading several of the comic books, Dozier changed his mind ran his television show as a camp comedy. The set up included some rather tight fitting costumes, a serious of outrageous one liners and literal movie villains such as The Penguin who squawks in a tuxedo and a monocle and a Catwomen who meows (though Julie Newmar? Meow!) At the end of every episode, our heroes would get themselves trapped in a seemingly inescapable cliff-hanger that is solved by some impossible gadgetry in the beginning of the episode. That shark repellent mentioned before actually happened in one episode and it is surprising that the Bat manages to keep all these things in his belt.
The whole series was produced by William Dozier, ran on from 1966 to 1968. Dozier had never read the comics before and planned to create a series that was fun but still full of serious detective work. After reading several of the comic books, Dozier changed his mind ran his television show as a camp comedy. The set up included some rather tight fitting costumes, a serious of outrageous one liners and literal movie villains such as The Penguin who squawks in a tuxedo and a monocle and a Catwomen who meows (though Julie Newmar? Meow!) At the end of every episode, our heroes would get themselves trapped in a seemingly inescapable cliff-hanger that is solved by some impossible gadgetry in the beginning of the episode. That shark repellent mentioned before actually happened in one episode and it is surprising that the Bat manages to keep all these things in his belt.
The Batman television series is a bit of a joke but one of those that winks at the audience. The scripts are made with a whimsical tomfoolery that the cast and crew take on-board. Adam West delivers some pretty ridiculous moments but all with his now famous deadpan style and Burt Ward usually follows it up with a “gee whizz” attitude that was even parodied in Batman Forever. These actors deserves award, there are not many people who can have this conversation...
Robin: You can't get away from Batman that easy!
Batman: Easily.
Robin: Easily.
Batman: Good grammar is essential, Robin.
..without bursting into laughter.
All and all, West’s Batman lived through 120 episodes and a couple of movies. But its legacy lives on in our hearts. There are some create memorable moments, such as the big kapow or blam signs, that people normally associate with Batman, even after Nolan’s work If it wasn’t for Dozier’s creation, we’d never have had these pure moments of joy and a laugh riots. It isn’t supposed to be this heavy and thoughtful as recent escapades caped crusader. It is meant to be fun.
After all, this is the theme song…
Robin: You can't get away from Batman that easy!
Batman: Easily.
Robin: Easily.
Batman: Good grammar is essential, Robin.
..without bursting into laughter.
All and all, West’s Batman lived through 120 episodes and a couple of movies. But its legacy lives on in our hearts. There are some create memorable moments, such as the big kapow or blam signs, that people normally associate with Batman, even after Nolan’s work If it wasn’t for Dozier’s creation, we’d never have had these pure moments of joy and a laugh riots. It isn’t supposed to be this heavy and thoughtful as recent escapades caped crusader. It is meant to be fun.
After all, this is the theme song…
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