KAPOW! WHAM! With everybody talking about the release of Christopher Nolan's epic conclusion to his Batman trilogy, "The Dark Knight Rises", I think now is a good time to look back at the Caped Crusader's cinematic origins.
In January of 1966, the American television network ABC premiered a new Batman television series with Adam West playing the World's Greatest Detective, as part of an effort to make Batman more contemporary and relevant. The show struck a unique comedic tone and served as a farce to superheroism. The series went on to become an unexpected pop culture phenomenon.
It was because of the immediate success of the TV-show, that the cast and crew of the series shot the "Batman" (1966) film in between seasons 1 and 2. This marked the first time, the Dark Knight would appear on the silver screen.
In January of 1966, the American television network ABC premiered a new Batman television series with Adam West playing the World's Greatest Detective, as part of an effort to make Batman more contemporary and relevant. The show struck a unique comedic tone and served as a farce to superheroism. The series went on to become an unexpected pop culture phenomenon.
It was because of the immediate success of the TV-show, that the cast and crew of the series shot the "Batman" (1966) film in between seasons 1 and 2. This marked the first time, the Dark Knight would appear on the silver screen.
Batman (1966) and Batman (2012)
"Batman" (1966) sees the Dynamic Duo battle Gotham's most famous supervillains, who plan to take over the world using their new weapon, the superdehydrator. Along the way, Batman and Robin must overcome the dangers of sharks, bombs and the allure of the mysterious Kitka.
The film succeeds where Joel Schumacher so famously failed: It manages to embrace Batman's inherent campness and potential for ridicule.
Everybody involved in making the film, so it seems, understood the nature of the Batman they were trying to capture. From the over-the-top acting to the energetic score and cut, the film manages to convey a singular vision. And sure enough, you will find yourself sucked into the world of this Batman.
The film succeeds where Joel Schumacher so famously failed: It manages to embrace Batman's inherent campness and potential for ridicule.
Everybody involved in making the film, so it seems, understood the nature of the Batman they were trying to capture. From the over-the-top acting to the energetic score and cut, the film manages to convey a singular vision. And sure enough, you will find yourself sucked into the world of this Batman.
However, in order to enjoy "Batman" (1966), one needs to realise that Leslie H. Martinson's take on the Bat is not meant to be a serious entry for the Batman legacy. The film doesn't advance the Batman storyline or explain the character. It serves more as a fun retrospective on the development of the Batman property since the 1930's and as a celebration of comic books and the joy they bring their readers.
By Movie Parliament Minister for History,
Leonhard Balk
By Movie Parliament Minister for History,
Leonhard Balk
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