Batman 1966
When Commodore Schmidlapp a wealthy scientist has been kidnapped, Batman and Robin discover that four of their enemies; Joker, Riddler, Penguin and Catwoman are currently out of jail and working together are responsible.
Batman and Robin now must try to find the Commodore, while their opponents hatch a scheme to kidnap the security council from the United World Organisation using an invention created by him that turn people into coloured dust.
Direction
Colourful and fun, there are some genuinley solid action sequences as well as use of the ‘bat toys’ like the bat copter, bat bike, bat boat and the all important batmobile.
There are even some interesting choices of camera angles, especially during the many moments with the headquarters of the villains where the ‘Dutch’ angle is used to show the ‘crooked’ bad guys.
Cast/Characters
Adam West is the perfect blend of both camp, and seriousness as both Bruce Wayne and Batman. I honestly think he could have done a serious version of this character justice.
Burt Ward plays, ironically Wayne’s ward Dick Grayson/Robin – and his catchphrase ‘holy … ‘ has become legendary in pop culture.
Cesar Romero, Lee Meriwether, Burgess Meredith and Frank Gorshin play the Rogues Gallery of villains Joker, Catwoman, Penguin and Riddler respectively. They all ham it up gloriously with energetic performances- especially newcomer Meriwether who took over the role of Catwoman especially for this film.
Screenplay/Setting/Themes
Filmed between Season 1 and 2 of the popular 1960s television show, this too has just the right amount of theatre of the absurd – where it never takes itself too seriously.
It also gives West a good opportunity to take off the cape and cowl and be Bruce Wayne a bit. He did a great job at just the right level of ‘ham’ and seriousness.
As mentioned earlier there were some great use of some of the bat toys, and even the villains had their own – with the penguin’s submarine (and this was a clever use of miniatures).
Overall
With enough self awareness it is just the right level of camp. One of my favourites growing up and it still holds up today. Sad now so many of the cast are no longer with us.
3.5/5
If you’re able to, please “buy me a coffee”