Happy 45th Anniversary to the Batman TV Series

Forty-five years ago on January 12 & 13, 1966 the Batman TV series premiered to record numbers. Thanks to Adam West and Burt Ward for bringing our favorite Dynamic Duo to life. It's been 45 years and the show is still airing and delighting Bat-fans around world. Just wish it was out on DVD darn it.

Hi Diddle Riddle: Frank Gorshin Sings The Riddler

When you're hot, you're hot. So take advantage of it as much as you can. Like many actors, when fame hits you on TV or in the movies, actors give a shot at their singing skills. Soon as the first Batman TV series episode "Hi Diddle Riddle" aired, Frank Gorshin was definitely a household name. And just like Adam West's release of "Miranda" or Burt Ward's "Boy Wonder I Love You", Frank Gorshin gave a shot at his voice talents to cut an album named after the character that made him a household name, The Riddler. The song itself is pretty catchy and is very similar to the songs TVs Batman and Robin recorded. Take a listen.

Legends of the Super-Heroes Officially Coming to DVD Oct. 19, 2010

If you are a Batman fan like me, you probably have a bootleg copy the 1979 super campy Super Hero specials "Legends of the Super Heroes: The Challenge" and "Legends of the Super Heroes: The Roast." I don't know about you, but my copies aren't the greatest. But help is coming...On October 19 the live "somewhat" version of the Super Friends is officially released on DVD.

Here's what Warner Bros. had to say at this years New York Comic Con:

Heroes and villains of DC Comics square off in the two-part, live action, made-for-TV (with a laugh track!) smackdowns of Legends of the Super Heroes. The Challenge: Batman and Robin (Adam West and Burt Ward of the live-action Batman TV series) lead The Flash, Green Lantern and more JLA members against The Riddler (Frank Gorshin reprising his TV role), Mordu, Weather Wizard and other Doom-dealers. The Legion's ultimate gambit: trick the heroes into downing a diabolical depowering drink! The Roast: Poking fun beats swapping punches when celebrity host Ed McMahon emcees a rowdy rave-up. Who knew DC Super Heroes and villains packed as much verbal wit as physical grit when not locked in combat? These Legends will leave you laughing.

The DVD is going to be sold exclusively at WBShop.com and $19.95 for the 100 minute disc. Pre-order legends of the Super Heroes today.

photo via (bluejay) & (comics101)

Batman Adam West Talks About the Rosemont, IL Comic-Con

Here's a radio interview with TVs Batman Adam West. Adam was interviewed by Cara Carriveau from 101.9 WTMX and Caras Basement. Adam West will be appearing along with Burt Ward at the Chicago Comic-Con August 19-22-2010. Wish I was there. Anybody going?

ABC 25th Anniversary Salute to Batman

There are so many appearances of Adam West and Burt Ward that I remember as a kid, but this was not one of them. This could be because I was probably about 3 years old when this ABC 25th Anniversary salute to Batman aired.

I love coming across footage like this. It's like finding a vintage Mego Batman action figure in mint condition. For an anniversary show or even an awards show, I think this little skit was well done with not only including Batman and Robin, but Batgirl too. It also included clips from the series and many guest star reactions to clips.




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Carrie Fisher Sings in the Star Wars Holiday Special

We've looked at the limited singing careers of TVs Dynamic Duo, Adam West and Burt Ward, and I took a look around to see what else I could find.

Here's a listen of Carrie Fisher giving it a shot in the Star Wars Holiday Special. I remember wanting to watch this special when I was kid. I really don't remember much about except Chewbacca family and Stormtoopers trashing Chewie's place.

This scene of Princess Leia signing the tree of life song. I don't remember this scene at all and you probably don't want to remember after you watch. I thought this was cool as a kid, but even George Lucas is embarrassed by this TV special, and never would allow it to be released again.

George really didn't have much to do with the special since he was busy with the Empire Strikes Back.

A couple of things to think about besides Leia's solo when watching this:

1. What's up with Harrison Ford's and Mark Hamill's makeup?

2. Is Chewie have some kind of drug induced trip at the end of this clip?

I really need to go back this entire special. At least for nostalgic reasons.



For more Star Wars videos check us out.

Burt Ward Robin Sings Boy Wonder I Love You

Not to be undone by the Dark Knight, the Boy Wonder Burt Ward gave a stab at a singing career. We've previously seen TVs Batman, Adam West, belt out a tune with the song "Miranda" and of course Robin had to cut a record, as well.

Have a listen to the song "Boy Wonder I love You," which was written and produced by Frank Zappa. Just like Adam's song it has references to Batman of course.



For more Batman songs check us out.

Cast of Batman on Family Feud

I became a fan of the 1966 Batman TV series while my family still lived in Chicago before I started elementary school. To my disappointment I discovered when we moved that Batman did not air Las Vegas. Although, George Reeves as Superman did, but alas, no Batman

The only thing I had to look forward too was that the 1966 Batman movie would air a couple times a year. So I always looked forward to anything I could set my eyes on Batman TV series related.

Whether it be interviews, guest staring on other TV shows, or in this case game shows.

Here is an appearance of the cast of Batman on Family Feud that aired in the early 80's. Adam West, Burt Ward, Yvonne Craig, Lee Meriwether, and Vincent Price played for charity among other TV show stars of the 60's. I had the opportunity to meet Richard Dawson around this time by running into him at McCarran Airport in Las Vegas.









I remember watching this like yesterday. It' fun to watch again.

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Hawkman Returns to TV in Live Action Form

I am sure anyone who is a comic book super hero lover caught Smallville tonight. Even if you don't watch Smallville regularly I know you were watching tonight's episode since the Justice Society of America was a guest star.

Some of the members only received a cameo, but Hawkman, Dr. Fate, and Star Girl got the full treatment.



It was too cool seeing these characters in live action form. These days we usually only get to see our beloved heroes in animated form. The last time Hawkman had a live action appearance was in the Legends of the Super Heroes back in the 70's.

Other Smallville alumni like Black Canary and the Flash appeared in this two episode gig. The Legends of the Super Heroes also guest starred Adam West as Batman and Burt Ward as Robin. I remember being so excited when those originally aired, but watching them now I realize they were pretty bad. Nevertheless, it's still fun to watch.



I also loved the seeing the heroes in their actual costumes. Since the original Smallville gang are required to adhere to the "no tights, no flights" rule.

So what did you think of tonight's Smallville? Would you like to see more episodes like this one?

For more Super Hero videos check us out.

Burt Ward's Robin Costume Stolen by Conan O'brien

I heard this story before and think it is completely hilarious. Here is Conan O'Brien talking with James Lipton on Inside the Actors Studio about his Harvard Lampoon days and how he pulled the ultimate prank on Burt Ward.

Just like an episode straight out of Batman, Conan was able to steal an original Robin costume worn by Burt Ward on the Batman TV series. This is a great story.



For more Batman videos check us out.

Classic Interview With Adam West and Burt Ward

I so remember Entertainment Tonight's series called "25 Years of Television," which covered shows from the 60's like The Twilight Zone and Leave it to Beaver. But the one I especially liked was the one that dealt with Batman, of course.

I have this interview on cassette tape somewhere, as we didn't have a VCR yet at the time it aired. The original segment on Entertainment Tonight ran in 1982 and then again in 1987. I didn't record when it aired again, we had a VCR by then, but I forgot it was on and didn't record it. But with the magic of YouTube we can again see Adam West and Burt Ward in this interview.

Of course they were still young during the original run of the series, but Adam is probably about 60 and Burt is probably in his late 30's in this segment. Adam and Burt reminisce about having to wear "restraining devices", which when I was kid I thought they were talking about the predicaments they were put in, not restricting their manhood's.



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Official Robin Replica Mask Just Got Added to My Wishlist

I was checking out what was new at Burt Wards Fan Site today and came across this little gem that I need to get into my collection. It's an official Robin Replica Mask.

The mask is polyester with a satin lining. Each mask is custom made by hand and professionally sewn.

A display case is available for the mask that makes it look like an awesome museum quality piece.



Also you can have it autographed by Burt Ward himself in any area you like (front, back, side) or not at all.



A plaque is also available in a couple of versions with a quote from the TV series or a description of the item itself.





If you like movie and TV series prop and costume replicas. This one you are definitely going to want to get your gloves on. Holy collectible!

For more Batman collectibles check us out.

Batman Almost Starred Lyle Waggoner and Peter Deyell. Holy Miscast!

I love seeing the original actors considered for different roles for TV series' and movies. For the 1989 Batman movie Sean Young was originally cast as Vicki Vale, but that role was won by Kim Basinger after Sean broke her arm falling off a horse before filming. Annette Bening was originally cast as Catwoman in Batman Returns, but lost the role to Michelle Pfeiffer when Annette became pregnant before filming began. Last but not least Renee Russo was cast as Chase Meridan when it originally looked like Michael Keaton was going to play Batman a third time in Batman Forever, but when Michael dropped out and Val Kilmer took over Nicole Kidman took over for Renee.

Well, the Batman TV series was no different. The producers had the roles Of Batman and Robin down to being played by Adam West and Burt Ward or Lyle Waggoner (who later went on to plat Steve Trevor on Wonder Woman) and Peter Deyell. Guess we all know who ended winning the parts. Here's a look at the screen test that were done for both sets of actors.



Check out Batman costume. It had the old version of the bat symbol on his chest before changing to the new yellow signal behind it. Just recently changed in the comics back then.



I love Peter Deyell's stunt audition better than Burt's, of course I can't break a board with my bare hands, but Peter's stunt fight is almost better and more exciting than the original bat fights on the show.

Here is the same footage of both screen tests inter-cut.



Do you think the producers made the right choice?