Batman (1966 film)

Lore & Background

The film was conceived by William Dozier to generate interest in his proposed Batman television series. The studio initially refused, but acquiesced after a 1965 screening of Columbia Pictures' 1943 The Batman serial in New York City renewed interest, and after the TV series became phenomenally successful. The project was announced in the March 26, 1966 issue of Variety magazine. The screenplay was written by series writer Lorenzo Semple Jr. in 10 days, and principal photography began on April 28, 1966, concluding within 28 days, with a further three days for second-unit photography.

Reader's Guide

The film includes most members of the original TV cast, with the exception of Julie Newmar as Catwoman, who was replaced by Lee Meriwether due to other commitments (according to a 2004 Biography special, Newmar had a back injury). The plot involves Batman and Robin facing the United Underworld—the Joker, Penguin, Riddler, and Catwoman—who use a dehydrator to kidnap the United World Organization's Security Council. The film introduced new Bat-vehicles: the Batcycle, Batboat, and Batcopter, though only the Batcycle properly crossed over into the TV series due to budgetary limits. The movie represented Batman's first major foray into Cold War issues, poking fun at the Pentagon and international politics. Its tone is often described as parody, but some commentators believe it captured the feel of contemporary comics perfectly. The film's legacy includes its campy style, the iconic use of bat-shark repellent, and its influence on later Batman media.

Did You Know?

• The film hit theaters two months after the last episode of the first season of the television series.
• Julie Newmar was replaced by Lee Meriwether as Catwoman; according to a 2004 Biography special, Newmar had a back injury.
• Jack LaLanne has a cameo as a man on a rooftop with bikini-clad women.
• The film includes a scene where Batman uses bat-shark repellent to dislodge a shark, which then explodes.