It’s episode 66, so Chris & Cindy celebrate all things Batman ’66! They discuss the recent animated sequel Batman: Return of the Caped Crusaders, starring the voices of Adam West, Burt Ward & Julie Newmar! Spoilers ahead! They review the new coffee-table book, Batman: A Celebration of the Classic Television Series, and they wrap things up with a Bat-quiz you can play along with at home!
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Clip credits:
Audio clips from Batman: Return of the Caped Crusaders directed by Rick Morales. Music by Neal Hefti, Michael McQuiston, Lolita Ritmanis and Chris Karter
Audio clips from Batman TV Series. Music by Neal Hefti and Nelson Riddle.
Special thanks to Andrew Leyland for the audio assist!
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Holy Entertainment, what a fun episode!
I have not gotten around to seeing this movie yet, mainly because the clips just didn’t do much for me. As I have said in numerous places, the tone of the original show is tricky to pull off, and this looked like it was missing the mark. But your enthusiastic endorsement is forcing me to reconsider.
Some random comments before I get to my Q&A:
–Didn’t know the wonderful Sirena Irwin was in this. She played Mera on B:BATB and is a total sweetheart.
–No likeness rights for Neil Hamilton? Is his estate holding out for 77 Sunset Strip fandom to come roaring back?
–The “maybe their gay” jokes seem like a horrible idea.
–I’m so glad that Adam West has lived long enough so he can enjoy his renewed popularity among later generations. I was such a devotee of the show that as a kid I would follow him from project to project, even though I knew he wan’t going to be Batman in them: guest spots on Fantasy Island, Love Boat, or Young Lady Chatterley II.
–Speaking of, Cindy with the panty dropping line had no business smacking Chris through this entire episode. I wonder what happens when she meets Xum at HeroesCon?
Overall, highly entertaining. Chris, if you ever want/need a guest host for an episode taking a page-by-page look at the BATMAN COLLECTED book, you know where to find me. I love that thing.
Okay, here are my answers:
1. Nerd Answer: The Joker
Teenage Boy Answer:
Catwoman (Julie Newmar)
2. Mad Hatter
3. Batgirl
4. No, I’m glad Alfred kept his mouth shut
5. False Face
6. Bale
Keaton
West
Kilmer
Affleck
Clooney
7. See Question 1
8. The Bat-Boat
9. Bat-Shield
10. The Joker
11. Two-face, Scarecrow
Lightning Round:
Two Face: James Garner (alt choice: Lyle Waggoner)
Poison Ivy: Ann Margret. There is no other answer.
Scarecrow: Buster Keaton. Though Cindy’s choice of Anthony Perkins was excellent.
Hugo Strange: Albert Dekker (aka Dr Cylcops)
13. Superman: John Gavin
Wonder Woman: Natalie Wood
14. West
15. I again say the Bat-Boat!
Love love love this episode.
Thanks for the insightful answers Rob! I haven’t met anyone who is a fan of the show who hasn’t enjoyed the new movie yet, so I think you’re safe. I think you’ll enjoy it. It’s very rewatchable as well.
I didn’t make the connection on Sirena Irwin! You interviewed her on Fire & Water…now I remember!
Let’s do that Batman Collected episode. After we do the other, somewhat similar thing we have planned.
Loved your answers!
I realize I didn’t rank my live-action Batmen. Since I put Adam at the top, it would go:
1.West
2. Bale
3. Keaton
4. Kilmer
5. Affleck (although if his future Batman portrayals are more like Suicide Squad and less like BvS, that will bump him up to 4 or higher)
6. Robert Lowery (2nd serial)
7. Lewis Wilson (1st Serial, although he had the better costume, a bit too pudgy)
8. Clooney (sorry George. You really did suck.)
Chris
I haven’t finished listening to the episode yet but I want it on record that my favorite line from RETURN OF THE CAPED CRUSADERS is Robin’s line, upon seeing the Catmobile: “Holy Faster, Pussycat! Kill! Kill!”
Yeah, I should have included it somewhere. It’s a great, and unexpected line. But I wanted to leave SOME surprises (although I honestly didn’t leave many!).
Chris
Holy Bat Bash! Indeed, what a fun episode and a subject right up my alley!
It’s going to be hard to top your answers; here’s mine:
1. Favorite big four villain?
Julie Newmar’s Catwoman; Frank Gorshin’s Riddler is a close second.
2. Favorite non-big four villain?
The Bookworm; honorable mentions: Shame (Watch Cliff Robertson – he NEVER blinks his eyes!) and Egghead.
3. Better partner: Robin or Batgirl? Robin; but to be fair, I don’t think Batgirl had nearly as many opportunities to prove herself and/or work alongside Batman just the two of them. [I’ve wondered too what would a live action Teen Titans looked like around that time; Angela Cartwright (Lost in Space) as Wonder Girl? Luke Halpin (Flipper) as Speedy or Aqualad? Johnny Crawford (The Rifeman) as Kid Flash?]
4. Do you think Alfred should’ve told Batman that he knew who Batgirl was?
No; not for the third season anyway. Sure, it was tv silliness, but I think if the show went a fourth season, Batman would’ve deduced it if she hadn’t revealed it herself. (Interestingly, in the comic strip – not the comic book – she stumbled upon Batman and Robin’s identities.)
5. Favorite made for tv character from the series?
I guess I have to say Bookworm again. (I think False Face was a one and done villain who appeared in Batman #113; I think that story was reprinted in Batman #198.)
6. Where do you rank Adam West among live action Batmen?
West, Keaton, Bale, Kilmer, Affleck, Clooney, Lowery, Wilson
7. Who is your favorite Catwoman?
Newmar (bias aside; I got to meet her and have a signed book), but she had more of the romance angle to play with, which was a shame that Kitt did not. I like that Meriwether was a Catwoman that got to do more in the part with having to also play Miss Kitka.
8. Besides the Batmobile, what was your favorite Bat-vehicle?
I don’t think the Alf-cycle qualified as a bat-vehicle, hmm … I’ll go with the Bat Boat; it sure looked fast and fun.
9. Favorite bat-gadget (non-vehicle)?
10. Favorite character from the entire series?
Alfred; but honorable mention to the same pedestrians in the stock shot shown when the Batmobile arrives at Gotham City Police Headquarters.
11. What comic villains would you have liked to have seen in the show?
Killer Moth (more than just the Batgirl test footage), Poison Ivy, the Monarch of Menace (first appeared in Detective Comics #350 around that time; a perfect villain for the tone of the show)
12. Name an actor to play:
Two-Face: I think here is where I’d say Anthony Perkins (great call, Cindy). But thinking outside the box a bit, if not for presumed scheduling conflicts due to Hogan’s Heroes, Bob Crane popped in my mind for some reason (and Col. Klink already appeared in a window cameo.) I’m sure someone else will mention Clint Eastwood.
Poison Ivy: Ann-Margret is the definitive answer; I can’t come up with anyone else. I wouldn’t want Tina Louise but I think Deanna Lund would be worthy of at least a mention.
Scarecrow: Basil Rathbone (he wouldn’t recur, he died July 1967)
Hugo Strange: Boris Karloff (but damn Donald Pleasance is a great call)
13. If Superman and Wonder Woman were able to guest star. who would have you cast in those roles? No idea on Superman, maybe here is where I say James Garner until I can think of someone else. I agree with Chris on Linda Harrison (again some bias having met her); honorable mention; Lana Wood.
14. Would you have stuck with Adam West or cast Lyle Waggoner.
West; I think West was the better Batman and Waggoner turned out to be a great Steve Trevor, and I don’t think West would’ve been as good as Steve Trevor.
15. If you could have one gadget or vehicle from the show, what would it be?
The Batmobile; honorable mentions: The quick-change device down the bat poles, and a whiff of Bat wake when I can’t get going in the morning.
And if permitted, some questions for Chris and Cindy and anyone else …
All the villains were played by talented people; that said, did you have a least favorite villain?
(Me: Maybe Lord Marmaduke Ffogg; perhaps because it was a three-parter and I didn’t think villain was “three-part” worthy, comparing to say a Joker/Penguin team up.)
If you could’ve appeared on the show and played ANY character, original or established, who would you have liked to have played? Chris and Cindy, would you have played villains as a couple like say Dr. Cassandra and Cabala, or preferred to have played separate characters?
(Me: When I was a kid, I thought, a part of the show was aimed at kids, but no kid played a villain, so I thought there should be an original villain called the Comic Book Kid to take on the trio. As an adult, I think playing Batman would’ve been fun, but I don’t know if I could pull it off; perhaps Commissioner Gordon, Desmond Doomsday, or a kidnap victim of the Catwoman.)
For the hard core fans, did you have a favorite moll from the show?
(Me: Too many to choose from, but Pussycat (Lesley Gore from Catwoman), Moth (Linda Gaye Scott from the Riddler), Millie Second (Eileen O’Neill from Clock King), Chickadee (Grace Gaynor from Penguin) and Polly (Jean Hale from the Mad Hatter) were all great!)
I forgot to answer:
9. Favorite bat-gadget (non-vehicle)?
Utility belt, please! So many compartments for keys! Piece of mind of never being locked out of house and car (among other things).
Angela Cartwright as Wonder Girl…YES! I was thinking a young Sally Field, but I like your choice better. I like Johnny Crawford as Kid Flash too. I still watch The Rifleman from time to time on ME TV.
Least favorite villain? I know Lord Ffogg’s 3-parter is a bit of a slog, but at least it’s different. Apparently Rudy Vallee was a horrible guest to work with, though. Nora Clavicle was probably the worst villain, thanks to being in the worst episode of the series. Despite loving Carolyn Jones as Morticia Addams, I grew really tired of Marsha, Queen of Diamonds. Her zany witch aunt was far more interesting!
Well, if we were on the show, Cindy could be Logic Lass and just bring all of ’66 Gotham to a standstill. I’d be content with popping out for a Bat-climb, since I couldn’t be Robin.
For molls, I really need to rewatch the show again and pay closer attention to them, but I’d have to say Shirley Jackson’s character from the Riddler “Death in Slow Motion” episodes. Yowza. I also liked cheerleader gone bad Suzie from “The Joker Goes to School”.
Thanks for the input!!!
I didn’t mind the gay joking. Esp. w/ the Dynamic Duo, it goes back to the Golden Age and Seduction of the Innocent. It also works w/ today’s more prevalent “Ho Yay” mentality.
I wholeheartedly recommend this film. It pays tribute to the series w/o being satirical, condescending, or heavy-handed, going further to stick up for this breed of Batman against the grimness that would rise in the coming decades.
1. Riddler. I found him a more formidable opponent than the Joker.
2. Mr. Freeze
3. Robin. Compared to his steadfast old chum, Batgirl was more a part-timer who competed w/ the Caped Crusader. But it would have been interesting to see that pairing more often.
4. A promise is a promise. Without it, Alfred could have shared that detail w/ his boys.
5. The Bookworm
6. PURE. WEST. If Bale had a better Bat-voice, maybe he’d be a closer second but runner-up nonetheless.
7. I give the Catwomen a three-way tie.
8. Batcopter
9. I look forward to each Fourth of July for smoke pellets so that I might replicate the Bat-Gas.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=00OmmK1UJvg
10. Ever dependable and valuable Alfred.
11. The KGBeast
12. Two-Face / Yay for William Shatner
Poison Ivy / Honor Blackman
Scarecrow / Yay for Anthony Perkins
Hugo Strange / Robert Culp or DeForest Kelley
13. Wonder Woman / Capucine
Superman / Clint Freaking Walker
14. Pure. West.
15. Batman’s fully stocked utility belt
Agreed on Batgirl as a part-timer.
Honor Blackman as Poison Ivy…NICE!
Chris
1) Favorite Villain From the Big 4
I agree with Chris on the Frank Gorshin Riddler
2) Favorite Non-Big 4 Villain
The Bookworm, Roddy McDowall was very memorable.
3) Better Partner to Batman, Robin or Batgirl?
Robin
4) Do you think Alfred should’ve told Batman that he knew who Batgirl was?
No.
5) Favorite made for tv character from the series?
Siren. B/C Joan Collins is *insert Shagg’s catch phrase here*
6) Where do you rank Adam West among live action Batmen?
Pure West Baby
Bale
Kilmer
Keaton
Affleck
Clark Bartram
Lewis Wilson
Robert Lowery
Clooney
7) Who is your favorite Catwoman?
Lee Meriwether. I watched the movie a lot when I was a kid.
8) Besides the Batmobile, what was your favorite Bat-vehicle?
I love the Batcycle with Sidecar for Robin, seek out the 1/12 scale Hot Wheels version, it’s awesome with DC Classics or Batman 66 figures!
9) Favorite bat-gadget (non-vehicle)?
Plexi-Glass Bullproof Bat-Shield that comes from the pocket dimension where Optimus Prime stores his trailer when he transforms to Robot Mode.
10) Favorite character from the entire series?
Saints be praised, it’s Chief O’Hara!
11) What comic villains would you have liked to have seen in the show?
I wanna say Wrath, but since he didn’t exist back then, maybe if they used Signalman as an Anti-Batman.
12) Name an actor to play:
Two-Face: Robert Mitchum
Poison Ivy: Ann Margaret or Tina Louise certainly work, maybe Madlyn Rhue or Emily Banks too?
Scarecrow: Max von Sydow
Hugo Strange: Yul Brynner
13) If Superman and Wonder Woman were able to guest star. who would have you cast in those roles?
Superman: Jeffrey Hunter
Wonder Woman: Maybe BarBara Luna?
14) Would you have stuck with Adam West or cast Lyle Waggoner?
Stuck with West.
15) If you could have one gadget or vehicle from the show, what would it be?
The Shakespeare Bust
Siren had a lot of potential. Plus Collins looked fantastic in that outfit!
That Hot Wheels Batcycle is sweet. I do indeed have it displayed with my 6″ Mattel figures.
Good call on the Bat-shield hailing from the Prime trailer dimension!
Jeffery Hunter as Superman! I so wanted to make a custom George Reeves Clark Kent figure out of Playmates 9″ Captain Pike. So this makes total sense to me. Good call!
There’s an affordable Shakespeare Bust/bank coming from Diamond Select, with a flip top head!
Chris
1. Favorite villain (big four)?
The Penguin.
2. Favorite villain (other)?
Mister Freeze.
3. Better partner?
Robin.
4. Should Alfred have told Bruce about Batgirl’s identity?
Nope.
5. Favorite made-for-TV character?
Siren because HOT. I always think False-Face, but I guess technically he appeared in a comic, or the name was used in a comic before the show.
6. Ranking the live-action Batmen:
1) Michael Keaton
2) Christian Bale
3) Adam West
4) George Clooney
5. Ben Affleck
6. Val Kilmer
7. Favorite Catwoman?
Lee Meriwether just because she was my first.
8. Favorite non-Batmobile Bat-vehicle?
Batboat.
9. Favorite Bat-gadget?
Bat-pole. Makes changing clothes fast and fun!
10. Favorite character from the entire series?
Batman.
11. What comic villain would you have liked to see appear on the show?
The Monk played by Jonathan Frid.
12. Actors to play:
1) Two-Face: Leslie Nielsen
2) Poison Ivy: Ann Margaret
3) Scarecrow: DeForest Kelley
4) Hugo Strange: Donald Pleasance
13. Actors to play:
1) Superman: Lyle Waggoner
2) Wonder Woman: Sharon Tate
14. West or Waggoner?
See above.
15. One gadget or vehicle to own?
Batmobile.
I don’t know if we can do Knightcast together anymore since you picked Clooney over Kilmer. Really? Ol’ Bobble-Head “Hi Freeze, I’m Batman” Clooney over Doc Holiday?
But then I see the AWESOME idea of the Monk as played by Jonathan “Barnabas Collins” Frid, and all is forgiven. Brilliant!!!
I totally forgot I came up with Vincent Price as Basil Karlo/Clayface for the show (instead of Egghead) on Secret Origins!
Lyle Waggoner WOULD have made an excellent Superman. Great call!
Sharon Tate as Wonder Woman would have unfortunately given us quite a tragic piece of WW history. But if Jeffery Hunter played Superman as Derek suggested, we’d had more fuel for the “Superman curse” too, I suppose.
Chris
Great episode and wonderful coverage of the Return of the Caped Crusaders. Gotta say, I really wish they had gotten Rob Kelly to play the Penguin.
1. Favorite big four villain?
Can I just have a 4-way tie?
2. Favorite non-big four villain?
Bookworm or King Tut.
3. Better partner: Robin or Batgirl? Robin. Batgirl is badass, but she can function solo where Robin on the show can’t work as well solo.
4. Do you think Alfred should’ve told Batman that he knew who Batgirl was? No.
5. Favorite made for tv character from the series?
Chandell. Seriously, watching Liberace woo Aunt Harriet is easily a highlight of the series. Also Pussycat, the Leslie Gore role.
6. Where do you rank Adam West among live action Batmen?
Second, maybe? That’s hard to choose. West’s Batman is pretty much its own separate thing entirely.
7. Who is your favorite Catwoman?
Newmar, but Kitt is a very close second (probably like 1-2% difference between the two).
8. Besides the Batmobile, what was your favorite Bat-vehicle?
Batcycle. I mean, yeah you gotta get somebody to ride in the sidecar, but I’m sure I could find somebody.
9. Favorite bat-gadget (non-vehicle)?
Shark repellent spray, probably. Or maybe whatever it is that allows the Dynamic Duo to climb walls so easily.
10. Favorite character from the entire series?
Alfred
11. What comic villains would you have liked to have seen in the show?
Well I could be a jerk and say The Outsider, but I wouldn’t do that to poor Alfred. Probably Scarecrow, the Mad Monk or Two-Face.
12. Name an actor to play:
Two-Face: Leonard Nimoy
Poison Ivy: Dawn Wells
Scarecrow: Bob Denver
Hugo Strange: Eddie Albert
13. If Superman and Wonder Woman were able to guest star. who would have you cast in those roles? Um…No clue.
14. Would you have stuck with Adam West or cast Lyle Waggoner? Adam West.
15. If you could have one gadget or vehicle from the show, what would it be?
The Batmobile or Batcycle. If not a vehicle then probably the Batpoles complete with bust of Shakespeare.
Wow, you blew my mind with the idea of Alfred becoming the Outsider, Clinton! Now I want to see that!
Chandell? Interesting. Those episodes aren’t bad, actually. Liberace’s non-acting kind of works in the role, and the hammy nature of the show.
As a Marry-Ann guy, I wholeheartedly endorse Dawn Wells in ANYTHING. With a red wig, she could make a great Poison Ivy! And why not have Bob Denver as the Scarecrow too? Heck, cast Alan Hale, Jr. in dual roles as Tweedle-Dee and Tweedle-Dum!
Chris
What a great show! I thoroughly enjoyed your rundown of the movie – which I haven’t seen yet but really want to. I’m also really interested in how Shatner as Two-Face will work out, although I think it’ll be pretty awesome.
Based on the clips you provided here, I agree with Cindy about Julie Newmar’s voice – you can definitely hear her age, but then again, I don’t think that’s a bad thing (I think it’s so cool that wherever possible, the voices of the original actors were used).
By the way, I agree with Rob above: Cindy had no business smacking you after that panty comment; however, I also have to say I’m in awe of Cindy, hobnobbing as she has with geek royalty such as Adam West *and* Frank Gorshin…
As for the quiz, here are my answers:
1. Riddler (I’m just a sappy, sentimental romantic, but I just don’t consider Catwoman a villain)
2. King Tut
3. Robin
4. Yes, I like that Alfred kept his word (although I think Batman should have figured it out on his own, but coyly kept the secret as well)
5. King Tut
6. West, followed by Keaton
7. JULIE NEWMAR *IS* CATWOMAN
8. Batcopter
9. Three words: Bat. Shark. Repellent.
10. Two-way tie between Catwoman and Alfred.
11. Two-Face
12. Two-Face: Lyle Waggoner (although I’m tempted to say Raymond Burr)
Poison Ivy: Tina Louise
Scarecrow: Robert Mitchum
Hugo Strange: Peter Ustinov
13. Keeping in mind the humorous tone of the show, for Superman I’d say the recently departed Dick Gautier (perhaps best known as Hymie the Robot from Get Smart), while I think Suzanne Pleshette would have been an outstanding Wonder Woman.
14. West, West, West! (I can’t believe you’d even ask such a question!)
15. Batmobile, I guess. Or the utility belt. Hmm, can’t decide…
Raymond Burr…that’s perfect! Perry Mason gone bad!
Dick Gautier is a good choice for Superman, AND he actually played Batman! This PSA from 1974 features Burt Ward, Yvonne Craig, the voice of William Dozier….but NOT Adam West! Dick Gautier fills in as Batman for some unknown reason!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Is5vIf7nwsU
Chris
Chris, yeah I knew about Gautier as Bats in that PSA. Apparently West simply declined to appear in it, so they got Gautier to do it. There’s an explanation in this recent obituary post at the Atomic Junk Shop: http://atomicjunkshop.com/dick-gautier-a-remembrance/
Loved this episode as well as it brought up so many memories of my youth. I definitely need to see this movie now.
As for the quiz:
1. Favorite big four villain?
Julie Newmar 100%. I think the answer to all big life questions is Julie Newmar. But if I had to pick a second, Frank Gorshin defined the Riddler for me. Even now, when I read a Riddler story it is in his voice.
2. Favorite non-big four villain?
I would have said Bookworm too. But I’ll say Egghead. Even now, I say ‘Egg-cellent’ and ‘Egg-ceptional’ all because of that character.
3. Better partner: Robin or Batgirl?
Robin. Only because Yvonne Craig is my partner (in my head canon)
4. Do you think Alfred should’ve told Batman that he knew who Batgirl was?
No
5. Favorite made for tv character from the series?
I guess I would have to say Egghead to be consistent. But instead I’ll say the Minstrel. Van Johnson is so smug. He’ll be back when he holds all the trumps.
6. Where do you rank Adam West among live action Batmen?
Keaton, Bale, West, everyone else
7. Who is your favorite Catwoman?
Newmar by a light year. My brother says Pfeiffer by a light year. This often leads to fisticuffs at family gatherings.
8. Besides the Batmobile, what was your favorite Bat-vehicle?
Batboat for the win.
9. Favorite bat-gadget (non-vehicle)?
Knock-out/Wake up gas. As a kid I would let air out of a balloon slowly to replicate both.
10. Favorite character from the entire series?
Julie Newmar Catwoman.
11. What comic villains would you have liked to have seen in the show?
Killer Moth definitely. If not him, TwoFace.
12. Name an actor to play:
Two-Face: Karl Malden. In police movies/shows already so can carry that DA feel.
Poison Ivy: Raquel Welch was my first thought. Margret works too.
Scarecrow: Jimmy Stewart. Has that gangly feel
Hugo Strange: Yul Brynner
13. If Superman and Wonder Woman were able to guest star. who would have you cast in those roles?
Wonder Woman – Carol Munro or Diana Rigg
Superman – young Clint Eastwoos
14. Would you have stuck with Adam West or cast Lyle Waggoner.
Gotta stick with West
15. If you could have one gadget or vehicle from the show, what would it be?
Julie Newmar … am I allowed to say that?
I think the clothes changing pole for quick leaving to work. Who wouldn’t want that!
Thanks again for a phenomenal show! Loved it!
Man, Dr. Anj, Julie Newmar made it onto nearly every answer? I’m surprised you didn’t pick her over Robin and Batgirl as Batman’s best partner!
I have a TV-era Batman coloring book featuring the Minstrel. That gives him a bit of leg up on some of the TV villains, since he seemed more important due to that.
Raquel Welch as Poison Ivy… you may be onto something!!!
Chris
Great, great episode. It went by far too quickly. Thank you.
The Quiz:
1. Favorite big four villain?
Penguin
2. Favorite non-big four villain?
The Mad Hatter. Always a favorite. Back in college, I wrote a film treatment for a Batman movie with him and Clayface in it. That’s a Batman movie I still want to see.
3. Better partner: Robin or Batgirl? Robin. Because he has so much to learn. Batgirl does just fine for herself.
4. Do you think Alfred should’ve told Batman that he knew who Batgirl was? No.
5. Favorite made for tv character from the series?
Legs Parker and Pauline. They should have had their own TV show. It would have been like Three’s Company, except starring me instead of John Ritter. It would have run for 6 seasons and a movie.
6. Where do you rank Adam West among live action Batmen?
Right up there with Keaton at the top.
7. Who is your favorite Catwoman?
Newmar. Although I’m a bigger fan of Lee Meriwether as an actress.
8. Besides the Batmobile, what was your favorite Bat-vehicle?
Batcopter! If the hero business doesn’t pan out, I can always report traffic conditions over Gotham.
9. Favorite bat-gadget (non-vehicle)?
The Bat Shield because it’s so easy to carry.
10. Favorite character from the entire series?
Chief O’Hara. If Batgirl got her own show and left Gotham for another city, he should have followed her there and got promoted to Commissioner.
11. What comic villains would you have liked to have seen in the show?
The Calculator. I can imagine him stopping every few moments (even during fights) to calculate things and everyone stopping along with him, out of courtesy.
12. Name an actor to play:
Two-Face: Christopher George
Poison Ivy: Sally Field (Why not?)
Scarecrow: Jim Hutton
Hugo Strange: Evil Fred MacMurray
13. If Superman and Wonder Woman were able to guest star. who would have you cast in those roles?
Superman: Peter Lupus
Wonder Woman: Edy Williams
14. Would you have stuck with Adam West or cast Lyle Waggoner? Adam West.
15. If you could have one gadget or vehicle from the show, what would it be?
I’d want a lifetime subscription to the company that provides the Batman Parachute Pickup Service Van. I never know when I’m going to need a parachute picked up. It’s true.
I also always hoped that Batman and Robin would team up with the Monster Squad from 1976. Imagine… Julie Newmar playing Catwoman… and Ultra Witch! Batman and Dracula hanging out. Robin and the Wolf Man being pals. Frankenstein Monster hitting on Batgirl… Maybe this should be the next animated feature?
I want to see that movie too!
Daniel, Legs and Pauline, this fall on ABC!!! Adam West could guest-star as your nosy landlord!
I like the idea of O’Hara following Batgirl into her own show. The mind boggles!
Nice call on the Parachute Pickup Service! Maybe those guys are reformed criminals that Warden Crichton actually got through to!
I somehow missed out on the 70s Monster Squad. I learned about it through my pal Brian Heiler of Plaid Stallions. I would love to see a team-up, since anything remotely resembling the classic Universal Monsters perks up my Bat-ears! The shows obviously have a LOT in common!
Chris
Fun show! You’ve whet my appetite for this movie, and I also can’t wait for Lego Batman. A year after getting the worst possible Batman movie for our times, we’ll get the best 🙂
Is there some place where we can see Cindy’s Eartha Kitt doll?
As requested, here is Cindy’s custom Barbie as Eartha Kitt Catwoman, along with the Mattel-produced Adam West Batman Ken doll.
Chris
This episode was a pure joy to listen to! I haven’t seen the film yet (and truthfully haven’t seen the classic show since the mid-1980s), but your enthusiasm and happiness were pouring through my ear buds into my brain. Was truly a pleasure to hear you both enjoy something so much!
Since it’s been so long, and my memory is really foggy about the show, I’m not qualified to cover the questionaire. However, I will tackle the Live Action question.
Now this is Batman, not Bruce Wayne:
1. Christian Bale (though I don’t love those movies)
2. Michael Keaton
3. Ben Affleck
4 . Adam West
5. George Clooney (though he looks the most like a perfect Bruce Wayne)
17. Val Kilmer (he slept walked thru the whole film)
PS Julie Newmar as Catwoman? HOT! Well actually.. all the Catwomen were HOT!