Leslie H. Martinson directed Batman (aka Batman: The Movie), based on the TV series.
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Theatrical release poster
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The first full-length theatrical adaptation of the DC Comics character of the same name, the film stars Adam West as Batman and Burt Ward as Robin.
The film hit theaters 2 months after the last episode of the first season of the TV series.
It includes most members of the original TV cast, except for Julie Newmar, who played Catwoman in the first 2 seasons; in the movie, she was replaced by Lee Meriwether.
In the last scene, the Security Council is re-hydrated. All members are restored, but continue to squabble amongst themselves, oblivious of their surroundings; however, each now speaks the language and displays the stereotypical mannerisms of a nation other than their own.
Batman expresses his sincere hope to Robin that this “strange mixing of minds” does more good than harm. The duo then quietly leaves United World Headquarters by climbing out of the window and descending on their bat-ropes.
Memorable Lines
“Some days, you just can’t get rid of a bomb!”
Comedic bit: Batman (Adam West) runs around a pier with a bomb, but there are civilians all over. When he finally decides to toss the bomb into the river, there are ducks swimming, forcing him to hold onto it longer.
“Hand me down the shark-repellent Batspray.”
This line summarizes the camp of the 1960s Batman series and feature film. Batman, facing off against fake-looking shark that has clamped onto the Bat-copter ladder, motivating requests for Batspray from Robin.
This is one of his most ludicrous tools in Batman’s arsenal. However, despite the parodied moment, comic writers would continue to pit Batman against sharks in reference to it.
Cast
Adam West as Bruce Wayne / Batman
Burt Ward as Dick Grayson / Robin
Lee Meriwether as The Catwoman, Kitka
Cesar Romero as The Joker
Burgess Meredith as The Penguin
Frank Gorshin as The Riddler
Alan Napier as Alfred
Neil Hamilton as Commissioner Gordon
Stafford Repp as Chief O’Hara
Madge Blake as Aunt Harriet
Reginald Denny as Commodore Schmidlapp
Milton Frome as Vice Admiral Fangschleister
Gil Perkins as Bluebeard
Dick Crockett as Morgan
George Sawaya as Quetch
Teru Shimada as Japanese Delegate
Maurice Dallimore as United Kingdom Delegate
Gregory Gaye as Russian Delegate
Albert Carrier as French Delegate
Van Williams (uncredited voice) as President Lyndon B. Johnson
Credits:
Directed by Leslie H. Martinson
Written by Lorenzo Semple Jr., based on Batman by Bob Kane and Bill Finger (uncredited)
Produced by William Dozier
Cinematography Howard Schwartz
Edited by Harry Gerstad
Music by Nelson Riddle
Theme: Neal Hefti
Production company: Greenlawn Productions
Distributed by 20th Century Fox
Release date: July 30, 1966
Running time: 104 minutes
Budget $1.379 million
Box office $3.9 million (rentals)
