Followers

Saturday, June 10, 2017

Adam West was Batman!


R.I.P. Adam West, the only Batman to ever get it right.

Based on the DC comic book character of the same name, Batman also starred Burt Ward as Robin – two crime-fighting heroes who defended Gotham City from a variety of arch villains. Filled with intentional comedy and upbeat music, the TV show was aimed largely at a teenage audience. This included championing the importance of using seat belts, doing homework, eating vegetables, and drinking milk, etc. It was described by executive producer William Dozier, who was also the narrator, as "the only situation comedy on the air without a laughtrack." 120 episodes aired on ABC for three seasons, from January 12, 1966 to March 14, 1968, twice weekly for the first two and weekly for the third.


Alan Napier was Alfred, Neil Hamilton was Commissioner Gordon, Stafford Repp was Chief O'Hara and Yvonne Craig was Barbara Gordon / Batgirl.

Among the villains were Cesar Romero was the Joker, Burgess Meredith was the Penguin, Frank Gorshin and John Astin played the Riddler, Julie Newmar and Eartha Kitt were Catwoman, Victor Buono was King Tut, George Sanders, Otto Preminger and Eli Wallach were Mr. Freeze, David Wayne was Mad Hatter, Vincent Price was Egghead, Cliff Robertson was Shame and Milton Berle was Louie the Lilac.

Theme music up...
"dada dada dada dada
dada dada dada dada
BATMAN!
(and so forth)

Narrator: "Meanwhile in Gotham City)"

Batman: "It's Alfred's emergency belt-buckle Bat-call signal! There's trouble! Quick to the Batmobile!"

Chief O'Hara: "Will you be wanting extra police protection?"

Batman: "No thank you, Chief O'Hara. This time I think Robin and I better go at it alone. Any large contingent of police officers might create unnecessary confusion.

More theme music and then...

Narrator: The Cape Crusader and Boy Wonder have just arrived at Gotham City's Water Storage Facility.

Batman: "Hold it right there, Joker!"



KA-POW! SPLATT! WHAM! ZOWEE!

Robin: "Holy fresh saltwater, Batman!

Batman: "It's okay, Robin, now the Joker understands that crime doesn't pay."

Robin: "Great work, Batman, but where'd you get a live fish?"

Batman: "The true crimefighter always carries everything he needs in his utility belt, Robin."

Robin: "You can't get away from Batman that easy, Joker!"

Batman: "Easily"

Robin: "Easily"

Batman: "Good grammar is essential, Robin."

Robin: "Thank you"

Batman: "You're welcome"

Robin: "And Joker, if you want to pollute any more water, you'll find plenty where you're going -- up the river!

Narrator: "Is this the end for the Joker or will he have the last laugh? Will Robin ever finish his grammar lessons and what day does the lunch special include fish? Find out tomorrow. Same bat time, same bat channel."


(Theme music up and end)
dada dada dada dada
dada dada dada dada
BATMAN



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