I've been winding down my Batapalloza with the two Batman serials that came out of the 1940's.I remember doing a review of the Captain Marvel & Superman serials years ago,so I figured I'll do the same for the caped crusader.
The first one from 1943 "Batman" is very much a product of it's time.The villain Dr Daka (played by J.Carrol Naish from "House of Frankenstien") is a Japanese spy who is trying to use his device to make "zombie slaves" of people.Obviously,this one is very "politically incorrect" which is why it's not seen on TV.For his part,Naish plays the character straight.He doesn't make the character appear foolish or more underhanded than the typical serial villain.Still,with Batman's wide array of villains available,it's kinda disappointing that they chose a guy that looks like a Japanese version of Colonial Sanders.
Linda Page,who was Bruce Wayne's girlfriend in the comics at the time is the leading lady.Lewis Wilson and Douglas Croft as the Batman & Robin respectively, play the dynamic duo very well.Croft seemed very age-appropriate for the role (though I'm not sure how old he was at the time). Batman goes under cover as "Chuck White" which reminded me of his "Matches Malone" alter ego in B:TAS.The Batcave is seen (though called "The Bats Cave") William Austin played Alfred and in an interesting turn of events,his appearance as the character changed the way the character was drawn in the comic.(The original Alfred was short,chubby and with no moustache)
1949's Batman & Robin is a bit more standard serial fair,with the hooded villain called The Wizard out to cause chaos with his "Remote control machine" which can control all vehicles.
Robert Lowery and Johnny Duncan play Batman and Robin respectively.Duncan is a bit older than Croft was as Robin and both actors seemed a bit more laid back when playing Bruce & Dick than the previous actors.Jane Adams (From "House of Dracula") plays Vicki Vale and Lyle Talbot (who played Lex Luthor in the Atom Man vs Superman serial) plays the first live action Commissioner Gordon.Eric Wilton plays Alfred,though the role is so small the actor is uncredited!One of the fun aspects of the film is the mystery of who is the Wizard.This one feels a bit more like the comic and the action is also a bit more amped up than it's predecessor.
The first one from 1943 "Batman" is very much a product of it's time.The villain Dr Daka (played by J.Carrol Naish from "House of Frankenstien") is a Japanese spy who is trying to use his device to make "zombie slaves" of people.Obviously,this one is very "politically incorrect" which is why it's not seen on TV.For his part,Naish plays the character straight.He doesn't make the character appear foolish or more underhanded than the typical serial villain.Still,with Batman's wide array of villains available,it's kinda disappointing that they chose a guy that looks like a Japanese version of Colonial Sanders.
Linda Page,who was Bruce Wayne's girlfriend in the comics at the time is the leading lady.Lewis Wilson and Douglas Croft as the Batman & Robin respectively, play the dynamic duo very well.Croft seemed very age-appropriate for the role (though I'm not sure how old he was at the time). Batman goes under cover as "Chuck White" which reminded me of his "Matches Malone" alter ego in B:TAS.The Batcave is seen (though called "The Bats Cave") William Austin played Alfred and in an interesting turn of events,his appearance as the character changed the way the character was drawn in the comic.(The original Alfred was short,chubby and with no moustache)
1949's Batman & Robin is a bit more standard serial fair,with the hooded villain called The Wizard out to cause chaos with his "Remote control machine" which can control all vehicles.
Robert Lowery and Johnny Duncan play Batman and Robin respectively.Duncan is a bit older than Croft was as Robin and both actors seemed a bit more laid back when playing Bruce & Dick than the previous actors.Jane Adams (From "House of Dracula") plays Vicki Vale and Lyle Talbot (who played Lex Luthor in the Atom Man vs Superman serial) plays the first live action Commissioner Gordon.Eric Wilton plays Alfred,though the role is so small the actor is uncredited!One of the fun aspects of the film is the mystery of who is the Wizard.This one feels a bit more like the comic and the action is also a bit more amped up than it's predecessor.


