When Was The Batman TV Series Made?

Despite the phenomenal success of the Batman films from 1989 onwards, to a whole generation the real Batman was Adam West, in a series that ran from 1966 to 1968. The show was ostensibly aimed at children, but the scripts were deliberately written to amuse adults at the same time.

It always followed the same formula. Starchy millionaire Bruce Wayne is relaxing at Stately Wayne Manor (this name is actually written over the gate) with his unexplained ward Dick (Burt Ward) and doting Aunt Harriet (Madge Blake) when Albert, the ancient butler (Alan Napier) brings him a mysterious message. Immediately Bruce and Dick rush off, slide down a pole to the Batcave and are transformed into the Caped Crusader and Robin, the Boy wonder (complete with pixie boots.) They drive off in their Batmobile and spend the rest of the episode battling one or more of a team of comic-book villains – Riddler, Joker, Penguin or, of course, Catwoman. Inevitably, they are captured in episode 1 and manage to escape in Episode 2.