Batman and Robin (1949) 6.2
The caped crusaders versus The Wizard, black-hooded mastermind. Director:Spencer Gordon Bennet (as Spencer Bennet) |
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Batman and Robin (1949) 6.2
The caped crusaders versus The Wizard, black-hooded mastermind. Director:Spencer Gordon Bennet (as Spencer Bennet) |
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Complete credited cast: | |||
Robert Lowery | ... | ||
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Johnny Duncan | ... |
Robin /
Dick Grayson
(as John Duncan)
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Jane Adams | ... | ||
Lyle Talbot | ... | ||
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Ralph Graves | ... | |
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Don C. Harvey | ... |
Henchman Nolan [Chs. 1-6]
(as Don Harvey)
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William Fawcett | ... | |
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Leonard Penn | ... |
Carter - Hammil's Valet
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Rick Vallin | ... |
Barry Brown
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Michael Whalen | ... | |
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Greg McClure | ... |
Henchman Evans [Chs. 1-6]
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House Peters Jr. | ... |
Henchman Earl [Chs. 7-15]
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Jim Diehl | ... |
Henchman Jason [Chs. 3-15]
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Rusty Wescoatt | ... |
Henchman Ives [Chs. 3-13]
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Antisocial Prof. Hammil's Remote Control device, which enables the user to take over any motor vehicle within 50 miles (!), is stolen by The Wizard, black-hooded mastermind, and his gang. Batman and Robin (who drive about in a standard convertible) must prevent the Wizard from obtaining diamonds, needed as fuel for the device, and rescue magazine photographer Vicki Vale from periodic perils. Where is the Wizard's base, reached only by remote controlled submarine? Which of several suspicious characters hides beneath the Wizard's hood? Written by Rod Crawford <puffinus@u.washington.edu>
I don't profess to be in a position to objectively judge the artistic merits of this series since the last (and only) time I saw it, was in 1952, when I was 7. Fifty years tends to warp perspectives! I will therefore comment only as to what it meant to me all those years ago!
It meant everything!! Shown at our local Saturday morning pictures, my friends and I would rock on down to our local Odeon theater in South East London. After Laurel and Hardy, The "Purple People Eaters" and a Jackie Coogan flick the session would close off with this serial. This was as good as jaw dropping excitement got! I didn't pay too much attention to the authenticity of the dialog or sets...just the incessant biffing. Having to wait a WHOLE WEEK to find out how Batman or Robin escaped from their impending fate...be it a bomb or approaching steam train, was exquisite torture!
In hindsight, this serial probably WAS the inspiration behind the 1960's Adam West/Burt Ward revival. It was campy but Oh, such fun. You have no idea just how MUCH fun - to a seven year old!