The enthusiasm my friends Fred and Marianne shared over the latest "Get Smart!" film reminded me of another television show from the mid-Sixties that had a fun, camp quality to it. That was a show called "Batman".
This camp version, which aired on ABC from 1966 to 1968, was my introduction to superheroes outside of the comic books. It was elements of satire as well, making fun of both the faux-hipster culture of the 1960's and the conventionality of the previous decade, and the old pre-tv movie serials that kept kids coming back every Saturday Afternoon to see favorite characters. The contrast between the way artist Bob Kane's characters were presented in the Forties and today say a lot about how far culture has come for better or worse.
Of course when I was a kid all I knew was that it was fun to see the "Dynamic Duo" do battle with the eccentric villain of the week. The Riddler (Frank Gorshin), The Penguin (Burgess Meredith), Egghead (Vincent Price) and Cat woman (Julie Newmar, Lee Meriweather, and Eartha Kitt).
Nowadays the Batman series is on the screen and is much darker and not as fun. I haven't seen any of the Batman films after Michael Keaton left the series. I think, truth be told, I like the campier Adam West "Batman" more than the Dark Knight, although Heath Ledger's "The Joker" in the next film might be worth seeing.
The song is by Mr. Zoot Suit performed by The Flying Neutrinos. The editing is by the amazing CappyNJ.
I like the music and likes batman!!! i think among the superheroes he is the coolest.
ReplyDeleteAs do I. Although sometimes I wonder about the efficacy of using an atomic-powerd Batmobile to get around Gotham City.
ReplyDeleteLoved Batman. Loved Robin. Loved Commisioner Gordon and flashing red phones in a jar. Loved it when Alfred dressed up as Batman when Bruce Wayne was otherwise detained. Loved Batwoman (of course). Loved Biff Bang Pow. Loved Chief O'Hara. Loved King Tut, The Penguin and The Riddler. Loved 'Holy Batproblems'.
ReplyDeleteLoved it all
Batman was great. I remembering watching it everyday after school. I remembering playing batman and robin and making all the sound effects a BAM, POW and a CAPOW!. The show was fantastic. I loved the Cat Women. They stirred the juices of a young man. They were a little risque'.
ReplyDeleteThe song was ok. The video was great. I like the original TV show over the others. They were not so dark and dismal.
Can't improve on that, Ian...except to point out that "Batwoman", although played by Yvonne Craig as a very grown-up young daugher of Commissioner Gordon, was still, in 1968, called "Bat Girl".
ReplyDeleteAlas, she was no karate-chopping Emma Peel, but I still have fond memories of her jumping on the "Batcycle" and cutting a stylish figure as she roared down a back alley to do what was considered then very lady-like battle with the arch-fiends of Gotham City.
She was nice but she was no Cat Woman! They never did tell you how old she was. Remember Robin was the boy wonder. I think Bat Girl and Robin were supposed to be teenagers.
ReplyDeleteYeah, those "pop art" splashes of colorful and oversized words across the screen during fights...I loved that stuff.
ReplyDeleteYes they were a bit risque...I think Batman had a soft spot for ladies in catsuits and masks. I think I do too now that I mention it ;-)
Where is my wife when I need her?
ReplyDeleteNo doubt, in a straight-up comparison and no matter who the actress was, Cat Woman was "the woman" of any episode.
ReplyDeleteMIchelle Pfeiffer's turn as the 1990's Catwoman was the highlight of the second film. I imagine she had fun with that part.
Quick, Fred, get yourself to the library! There's not a moment to lose.
ReplyDeleteHolly cow batman that's it!
ReplyDeleteThat outfit was a bit pointier than I remembered
ReplyDeleteYou noticed that, too. Make a great Halloween costume, but I don't think I could do it justice.
ReplyDeleteI think I would have a pointy belly! Something this big does not need to be purple. I would look more like Barney the Dinosaur than Bat Girl
ReplyDeletelol. The Caped Crusader costume might be the right answer for both of us. I don't have the legs for Robin.
ReplyDeleteTights not this guy. You are far closer to San Francisco than I.
ReplyDeleteI am thinking I need to be Johnny Socko's Flying robot or maybe I could be the Incredible Bulk!