This current comic book movie craze is far from the first time in history superheroes have graced screens. In the 1950s and '60s several iconic comic book characters made stands on the silver screen. The Adventures of Superman is a notable example, whose first season featured grounded noir mysteries which Superman solved as his alter ego before jumping into action as the Man of Steel. On the other end of the spectrum was the endlessly campy Batman on ABC, starring Adam West.
This colorful adaptation went full comedy with the character, so new viewers shouldn't expect the typical tone associated with the character from the recent movies and Rocksteady Game's Arkham trilogy. Aside from the animal-inspired costume, most modern audiences would not even recognize it as Batman. The oddball humor, some of which flew over children's heads, caused it to stand the test of time better than most of its contemporaries. To celebrate this legendary series and its accompanying film, the following list will present ten of its lesser-known facts.
William Dozier
William Dozier executive produced the series throughout its run and also served as the narrator. While a lot of creative forces come together to make a television show, it was his influence which turned the show into a tongue and cheek adaptation. Original concepts involved a slightly more serious tone akin to The Adventures of Superman. Ultimately, the decision served to Batman's benefit.
If it had tried to imitate Superman, comparison's in hindsight probably would have favored the Man of Steel. After all, George Reeve's take on the character stands as some of the finest television of its decade.
Why Adam West Did The Movie
The Batman movie was originally planned to serve as a theatrical pilot to the series, similar to Star Wars: The Clone Wars, but the studio rejected this idea, opting the just do a show instead. The movie eventually came to being, however, and made its way to theaters between the first two seasons. Adam West wasn't crazy about doing a feature but was threatened with replacement when he asked for more money than initially offered.
He ended up starring in it, with a consolation being the opportunity to show his face more as Bruce Wayne rather than spend most of the film behind the mask.
It Almost Had A Fourth Season
Like most popular trends, the hype eventually dies down. The show's third season didn't carry the same hype as the prior two. As a result of declining ratings, ABC axed the show. NBC was interested in picking it up, sparking some hope for a continuation.
That light at the end of the tunnel quickly turned black, unfortunately, once the network discovered the crew had already dismantled the sets. Rebuilding them was more money than they were willing to invest.
Adam West Did A Voice In The Animated Series
Batman: The Animated Series from the '90s is hailed as one of the greatest adaptations of the material alongside Christopher Nolan's highly-regarded trilogy. West took part in it at one point, too, playing an out of work actor who played a superhero a couple of decades prior in the episode "Beware the Gray Ghost."
Throughout the episode, his character regains recognition and falls into the public's good graces once again, slightly mirroring West's career. He struggled with typecasting after the show and resented the character for it. Later in life he had a change of heart, fully embracing his place in television pop culture history.
Home Video Release
Younger viewers, meaning anyone between the ages of fifteen and forty-five, most likely caught wind of this show from re-runs on television. Up until recently, no other way existed to access it. Astonishingly, a home video collection of the series did not hit shelves until 2014.
Issues regarding the rights tangled up a release for several decades. At least it didn't affect the film, which was out in abundance on the market for many years. It's unfortunate when such squabbles prevent the masses from enjoying quality television.
The Green Hornet
The Green Hornet was another popular show airing at the same time. It is notable for introducing Martial Arts legend Bruce Lee to American audiences. Being two fun crime-fighting programs, a crossover was only logical.
The two protagonists of The Green Hornet first showed up in a Batman episode while the caped crusader was climbing a building with Robin. Eventually, the two teamed up for real. Several other subtler nods occurred in The Green Hornet afterward, such as a television in the background playing the show.
Barbara Gordon
Barbara Gordon is now an important part of the Batman lore, whether it be as Batgirl or Oracle. Considering her place within the canon, it may come as a surprise to many to discover her origins come from the live-action televisions series.
ABC wanted the protagonist to have a female counterpart, so William Dozier and the other producers obliged. She was then introduced to the comics beforehand to get readers accustomed to the character.
Miranda
Everyone loves a good novelty song, right? So many artists take themselves too seriously, making it refreshing when one can drop the needle on a record and have a good laugh. Adam West did just that during the show's run with the single, Miranda.
The song entails West singing as Batman trying to woo a woman, only to get interrupted by Robin time and time again. It's not catchy in the slightest, but worth a listen. Why didn't Bruce serenade Miranda Tate with this tune in The Dark Knight Rises?
PSAs
West and his costars didn't only go into character for the show and movie. They also donned their costumes for numerous public service announcements. Some of the causes include an upcoming vote for equal pay between men and women in the workplace, road safety, and US saving bonds.
This wasn't a rarity for television in those days, either. George Reeves did several PSAs during The Adventure of Superman's run.
Return To The Batcave: The Misadventures Of Adam And Burt
Adam West and Burt Ward, who played Robin, revisited their legacy in 2003 with the TV movie, Return to the Batcave: The Misadventures of Adam and Burt. The story follows the duo playing themselves as they try to figure out who stole the Batmobile during an event.
While figuring out the mystery, they recount their days shooting the series. It's an interesting idea, and great that it happened, but it definitely looks and feels like a television movie from the early 2000s. Frank Gorshin and Julie Newmar also play significant roles, making it a must-see for any fan of the series.