In Jan.1966, on ABC, a new prime-time series was born; that series was "BATMAN". The show immediately became a runaway overnight success. Adam West ( a TV and sometimes movie star) played Batman / Bruce Wayne; Burt Ward ( a relatively unknown 19 year old actor) played Robin / Dick Grayson; Alan Napier ( a well-known character actor ) played their faithful butler, Alfred; and Neil Hamilton ( a classic character actor ) played Police Commissioner, James Gordon. They all did a marvelous job at acting out their roles. The show was a mix of high camp, adventure, fight scenes, and a big splash of color. The 1st and 2nd seasons had a 2 night format (Wed.-Part 1 with cliffhanger ending; Thurs.-Part 2,conclusion of story). Batman & Robin had wonderful gadgets, from the fabulous Batmobile,Bat-Boat, Bat-Copter, and Bat-Cycles, to the fantastic Bat-cave ( not to forget their weapon-filled utility belts).
The villainous roles were usually acted out by classic film and TV stars. It became a status symbol to star as a guest villain on " BATMAN ". Stars would also make appearances at windows, as Batman and Robin would scale the wall of a building. All of the other actors on the show, also filled their parts grandly.
Some of the highlight Villain roles---Cesar Romero as The Joker, Burgess Meredith as The Penguin; Frank Gorshin as The Riddler; and as the curvy Catwoman-Julie Newmar. There are too many talented actors who played villains to list here, but you get the general idea.
Surprisingly enough, the show only lasted three seasons. At the start of the 3rd season, the producers decided to add the character of Batgirl / Barbara Gordon (played by the lovely Yvonne Craig). She was a welcome addition to the show, but sadly enough, it was not enough to warrant further seasons.
During the height of the 1st season, the producers made a theatrical movie version of "BATMAN", that was a box office smash hit. Also during that time, a "Batmania" craze began. The "BATMAN" TV show has had a lasting influence on the later animated series' and blockbuster movies that followed. The Batman and Robin that usually come to my mind first, are Adam West and Burt Ward. They made an excellent team.
Two weeks ago, I got to fulfill one of my boyhood wishes. I got the privilege to meet, talk to, and get autographs from Adam and Burt. I'm glad I finally got the opportunity to meet them in person ( at the Emerald City Comicon in Seattle).
Adam & Burt; Thanks for the memories. You truly were "The Dynamic Duo".
No comments:
Post a Comment