Batman form the 60s

[Super Teen]

I was watching a repeat of the old 60s Batman series I noticed they Batman looked stupid in the daylight I mean walking around in a cheap costume like that is stupid. And why didn't they make Batman like the comic version in the 60s series?

[Maxie Zeus]

Because the show was designed from the start to be comic and camp.

[Joker85]

Originally posted by Super Teen
I was watching a repeat of the old 60s Batman series I noticed they Batman looked stupid in the daylight I mean walking around in a cheap costume like that is stupid. And why didn't they make Batman like the comic version in the 60s series?
They DID make the Batman like the comics in the 60s. Have you ever read them? they were pretty campy and lame. In fact , several of the epps were based on the comics of that time, including the pilot.

[Maxie Zeus]

I got interrupted before I could finish my last post.

The original idea behind the show was to play the situations absolutely straight while letting the underlying absurdity speak for itself. Lorenzo Semple (one of the writers associated with the show) described a scene typical of the wanted approach: Batman and Robin (in full costume) enter a nightclub. The maitre d' asks them if they'd like a table near the front. Because they are tracking a villain, Batman replies with a straight face: "No, we don't want to be conspicuous."

If anything, the 60s show may have embarrassed the comics into trying for a more "realistic" approach.

[Beyond Batman]

Those old 60's Batman shows may've been corney and over-the-edge silly, but hey, we still remember them don't we? Because of its over-exaturated portrayal, it seems to make it more memorable. From what I understand, that show, back then, was considered ahead of its time. I also think it's cool seeing how much Batman evolved since then.

[mgibson72]

I picked up the restored Batman 1966 movie on DVD this weekend. It looks incredible and I highly suggest picking it up at the paltry price of $14.99! During the commentary track with Adam West and Burt Ward, both of them mention several times that the whole idea of the show was to create knockout visuals and sfx while pushing the comedic end of things with what they called "the theatre of the absurd".

Batman in the 60's was a fantastic experiment in what could be done with television utilizing color, unique camera positioning, and great writing. Not only that, but Batman had over 250 guest stars during it's run! Has even The Simpsons beat this yet?

Super Teen should realize that it was because of the TV show's success that comics enjoyed a renaissance of sorts. The movies that can be seen today are a direct result of that popularity.

Yeah, the show is obviously corny and camp by today's standards but you have to look at the environment in which Batman was created: John and Bobby Kennedy and MLK Jr. were all assassinated in the few years before its premiere and America was getting increasingly mired in Vietnam. Batman allowed viewers at home to enjoy some fun in order to get away from the headlines that continued to shock us.

The next time you take a look at the show, think of how much fun the actors look like they are having. Listen to Frank Gorshin's manic laughter and the intensity that he puts into the Riddler. Just look at all the incredible colors of the sets!

Would I like to see a grim and dirty Batman: Year One movie? Of course! But I'm glad that the 60's Batman existed just like I'm happy that the animated series is so great. They all help each other to exist. There needed to be a first step and I think Adam West and company did a great job.

MG

[Super Teen]

I guess but still it did have the funny moments I remember that every time they interdruced Robin they said young ward that cracks me up.

[doctorcrime]

the show was meant to poke fun of how rediculously unrealistic the comics were at the time. read my post on the superhero parody thread. the people who made this show were indead ahead of their time. i love the gritty dark knight, but the concept behind the show and the campy writing and dialogue was an amazing risk that would not begin to be mande today. it was nothing short of comedic genius. bottom line, it is supposed to be bad.