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[b]The “Caped Crusader” and his loyal sidekick thrilled both children and adults when the comic book heroes segued onto the small screen in 1966. Rare photos, clips, and screen tests, as well as interviews with the show’s cast and creators document the extraordinary three-year flight of Batman the TV series.[/b]

In the 21st century, the word “Batman” elicits images of dazzling films, special effects bonanzas featuring Hollywood’s "A" list stars. The blue-clad comic book character, created in 1939, had previously made a splash in Hollywood in the world of network television. Facing a decline in viewers in the mid-1960s, beleaguered ABC approached Twentieth Century Fox and veteran producer William Dozier to create a series based on Bob Kane’s popular comic book character.

Dozier recognized that in order to successfully bring Batman to television, the show needed to generate the interest of both children and adults. Along with writer Lorenzo Semple Jr., Dozier created a campy version of Batman, a parody of the straight-laced crime-fighter who was well-known to generations of comic book readers.

Dozier began a search for an actor with impeccable comic timing. Though Adam West had little prior comedic experience, his resume boasted six years of television appearances. Impressed with his quirky humor, Dozier cast him in the role of Batman and his alter ego, Bruce Wayne. In the role of Robin, Batman’s trusty companion, Dozier cast newcomer Burton Gervis, a college student who sold real estate on weekends.

Before taping began Gervis changed his surname to Ward, certain that he would be plagued by mispronunciation of the former. Batman’s supporting cast also included veteran actors Neil Hamilton, Alan Napier, and Madge Blake.

With a state-of-the-art Batmobile designed by renowned car customizer George Barris, the dynamic duo cruised onto television sets on January 12, 1966, amid a flurry of publicity. The much-anticipated debut created a sensation across America. Batman aired two nights per week, with the first night featuring a cliffhanger ending. Audiences quickly became captivated by the show’s villains, played by such talented actors as Frank Gorshin (The Riddler), Cesar Romero (The Joker), and Broadway star Julie Newmar (Catwoman), the show’s sexy feline.

The first season of Batman proved the show was a cultural phenomenon. Merchandisers pursued Adam West and Burt Ward relentlessly. The actors reveled in their newfound stardom and eagerly began taping the second season, which capitalized on the sexual chemistry between Batman and Catwoman. As season two ended, however, the show’s ratings began to decline. In response ABC aired the show only one night per week in the third season, hoping to combat Batman’s overexposure. With the addition of Yvonne Craig as Batgirl and Eartha Kitt portraying Catwoman in Newmar’s absence, Batman entered season three battling a lower production budget and decreased screen time, two factors essential to the show’s success. Though writers worked diligently to create scripts featuring their sizable cast while decreasing the use of special effects, Batman was cancelled following its third season.

During the show’s three-year run, Adam West and Burt Ward became two of the world’s most recognizable faces. Unfortunately typecasting plagued the actors as they attempted to distance themselves from their former on-screen personas. With a resurgence of interest in Batman beginning in the late 1980s due to the release of the feature film, however, West and Ward rose to fame again as the dynamic duo who brought Batman to Hollywood.

Highlights include of the programme include clips of some of the show’s most memorable moments, interviews with cast and creators and rarely seen screen tests and behind-the-scenes photographs.
Batman biography




Batman biography




Batman biography

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