What if... -
Posted on 10-02-2006 17:56 |
|
Bat-Man
Gotham Civilian
Awards:
None
|
Posts: 175
Location: The Batcave
Joined: 25.11.05
|
|
What if the 60's series was dark instead of campy?
"I Am Vengeance I Am The Night I Am Batman" |
|
RE: What if... -
Posted on 10-02-2006 18:48 |
|
batboy99
W. Tech. Manager
Awards:
None
|
Posts: 1550
Location: Toronto,Ontario Canada
Joined: 20.10.05
|
|
hmm thats a god question....
Batman YTB is the best site on the net!
|
|
RE: What if... -
Posted on 10-02-2006 19:51 |
|
Detective
W. Indust. Employee
Awards:
None
|
Posts: 661
Joined: 30.07.05
|
|
It would be interesting, but I believe that's just how Batman was at the time. It wasn't until the late 60's Batman got back to his dark roots.
|
|
RE: What if... -
Posted on 10-02-2006 22:43 |
|
darkdeco
Gotham’s Newest Citizen
Awards:
None
|
Posts: 43
Location: The Steel City's West Ward
Joined: 22.10.05
|
|
Well, The Green Hornet series seemed to be a ?darker cousin? of the Batman series?
if not darker, certainly an attempt to be more serious.
It just didn?t catch on? probably because it didn?t seem as interesting of a product that one got with the unconventional Batman plots, villains and visuals.
|
|
RE: What if indeed ... -
Posted on 23-07-2006 18:53 |
|
Catfan
Gotham Civilian
Awards:
None
|
Posts: 262
Location: Upstate New York
Joined: 23.07.06
|
|
This IS an excellent question!!
I would probably have loved the series even more, especially after what I saw in the second and (especially) the third seasons. The first season really stood out, especially the premiere, "Hi Diddle Riddle"/"Smack In The Middle."
In fact, I plan to explore the idea of a darker, edgier Sixties Batman series:
Batman 1969 is going to have many elements from the 1966 series, but it is going to be more pessimistic and darker in its attitude. The costuming is going to take pretty much after Batman: Thrillkiller, the graphic novel set in 1961. And expect plenty of conflict going on in the plot!
And the 1969 setting is idea. TV was getting more serious by 1969, and that was when the comic became darker.
Located at http://www.catwomanfan.com
The 1965 FBI Tribute site
MySpace: Batman 1969
Edited by Catfan on 23-07-2006 18:55 |
|
RE: What if... -
Posted on 23-07-2006 19:41 |
|
Caleson
Dark Knight
Awards:
None
|
Posts: 1631
Location: Rockville, IA
Joined: 24.06.05
|
|
Hahah. Very nice spot to promote your film, Catfan. That is a really cool concept and I'm looking forward to its full conceivement. Make sure and update us on its progress in the Fan-Fics & Movies board.
|
|
RE: What if... -
Posted on 23-07-2006 20:01 |
|
Catfan
Gotham Civilian
Awards:
None
|
Posts: 262
Location: Upstate New York
Joined: 23.07.06
|
|
Caleson wrote:
Hahah. Very nice spot to promote your film, Catfan. That is a really cool concept and I'm looking forward to its full conceivement. Make sure and update us on its progress in the Fan-Fics & Movies board.
True.
Funny part is, I wondered even as a kid what it might have been like had the 1966 Batman series had been done in a more serious, adult manner. The feeling I had back in early 1965 was that this was a series that I could actually call my own without it being a "kiddie" show. Maybe my ideas were a little odd, but I much preferred the adult approach. When the series began to really self destruct, I tuned out and watched another Dynamic Duo, in The Avengers.
I will post more about the fan film in the Fan-Fics & Movies section.
Located at http://www.catwomanfan.com
The 1965 FBI Tribute site
MySpace: Batman 1969 |
|
RE: What if... -
Posted on 23-12-2009 16:38 |
|
Buckeye Bat
Blue Collared Worker
Awards:
None
|
Posts: 442
Location: Cleveland, Ohio
Joined: 15.08.09
|
|
I am going to also do a 'What If' but mine will be different, My 'What If' is 'What If Batman was done today exactly as it was done in 1966 who would star in it' (My mind is turned to mush probably due to the sugar in all the Christmas Cookies I've eaten)
The Main Stars Would Be:
John Stamos-Bruce Wayne/Batman
Wayne Dalglish-Dick Grayson/Robin
Betty White-Aunt Harriet
Michelle Tratchenberg-Barbara Gordon/Batgirl
Leslie Nielsen-Commisioner Gordon
Paul Guilfoyle-Chief O'Hara
The Four Main Villains:
Brad Garrett-The Joker
Neil Patrick Harris-The Riddler
Jennifer Love Hewitt-The Catwoman
Kevin James-The Penguin
Some of the other Villains:
James Caan-Louie The Lilac
Mariah Carey-Siren
John Goodman-King Tut
Vickie Lawrence-Ma Barker
Simon Baker-Bookworm
Hugh Laurie-Mr. Freeze
Ivana Trump-Marsha, Queen of Diamonds
Harry Connick Jr.-Chandel
Chuck Norris-Shame
That's all I have for now...and if you think I'm crazy, blame it on the Christmas Cookies
|
|
RE: What if... -
Posted on 23-12-2009 21:42 |
|
Razhwurz
Caped Crusader
Awards:
None
|
Posts: 1672
Joined: 02.08.06
|
|
Buckeye Bat wrote:
I am going to also do a 'What If' but mine will be different, My 'What If' is 'What If Batman was done today exactly as it was done in 1966 who would star in it' (My mind is turned to mush probably due to the sugar in all the Christmas Cookies I've eaten)
The Main Stars Would Be:
John Stamos-Bruce Wayne/Batman
Wayne Dalglish-Dick Grayson/Robin
Betty White-Aunt Harriet
Michelle Tratchenberg-Barbara Gordon/Batgirl
Leslie Nielsen-Commisioner Gordon
Paul Guilfoyle-Chief O'Hara
The Four Main Villains:
Brad Garrett-The Joker
Neil Patrick Harris-The Riddler
Jennifer Love Hewitt-The Catwoman
Kevin James-The Penguin
Some of the other Villains:
James Caan-Louie The Lilac
Mariah Carey-Siren
John Goodman-King Tut
Vickie Lawrence-Ma Barker
Simon Baker-Bookworm
Hugh Laurie-Mr. Freeze
Ivana Trump-Marsha, Queen of Diamonds
Harry Connick Jr.-Chandel
Chuck Norris-Shame
That's all I have for now...and if you think I'm crazy, blame it on the Christmas Cookies
Hmmm... You actually bring up a good question. What would be the perfect cast for a comedic Batman movie?
IMO Diedrich Bader would HAVE to be Batman. If not him, then Sam Rockwell.
I think N.P.H. should play Robin
John Goodman as King Tut is GENIOUS. I'm not too nuts on Kevin James and Brad Garret though...
I think I've had too many cookies too lol
Never start with the head; the victim gets all fuzzy!
R.I.P. Heath |
|
RE: What if... -
Posted on 26-12-2009 00:22 |
|
FlaBat
Dark Knight
Awards:
|
Posts: 1526
Location: Miami
Joined: 24.06.05
|
|
The real question should be What if Lyle Waggoner gets the role of Batman and not Adam West. Anybody who saw the Return To The Batcave TV movie saw Lyle’s audition tape and Lyle was a one point a front-runner for the part. What would Lyle have added or done differently than Adam in that role.
|
|
RE: What if... -
Posted on 26-12-2009 13:37 |
|
Buckeye Bat
Blue Collared Worker
Awards:
None
|
Posts: 442
Location: Cleveland, Ohio
Joined: 15.08.09
|
|
Interesting point FlaBat, but here are some other points to think about if Lyle Waggoner had gotten the part of Batman;
1) Would he have been on Carol Burnett
2) Would he have wanted to do Wonder Woman and if not him who would've done Steve Trevor |
|
RE: What if... -
Posted on 26-12-2009 13:49 |
|
Buckeye Bat
Blue Collared Worker
Awards:
None
|
Posts: 442
Location: Cleveland, Ohio
Joined: 15.08.09
|
|
@Raz, I think this is something we should work on and don't worry about the cookies, the holidays are a time to indulge |
|
RE: What if... -
Posted on 27-12-2009 12:37 |
|
FlaBat
Dark Knight
Awards:
|
Posts: 1526
Location: Miami
Joined: 24.06.05
|
|
Good point. If Lyle Waggoner would have been Batman I don’t think we would have been on Carol Burnett (1967 to 1974) or Wonder Woman (1975 to 1979). He was a relative unknown in 1966 with an appearance in Gunsmoke and a couple for forgettable films to his credit.
Adam West had much more experience coming to the role than Lyle did having been on many of the early 60’s TV shows 77 Sunset Strip, Maverick, Bonanza, Perry Mason, Gunsmoke, Petticoat Junction, Bewitched and The Virginian among many others.
|
|
RE: What if... -
Posted on 27-12-2009 14:32 |
|
Buckeye Bat
Blue Collared Worker
Awards:
None
|
Posts: 442
Location: Cleveland, Ohio
Joined: 15.08.09
|
|
@Fla, that's probably the reason West got the part; but it does bring up an interesting point: What Adam West's career would've been like if he hadn't gotten the part of Batman
|
|
RE: What if... -
Posted on 27-12-2009 22:32 |
|
Tartan Jack
Blue Collared Worker
Awards:
|
Posts: 307
Location: South Caroina
Joined: 30.11.06
|
|
That is serious speculation . . .
Adam West was a good actor that got type-cast AS Batman, after he got the part. Basically, it killed his career, which could have been promising. The BTAS show about the Gray Ghost was a direct tie-in to Adam West's career, and Adam voiced the Gray Ghost actor.
If you look at AW's portrayal of Batman alone and ignore the rest, he actually does a VERY good job.
Sum Nox!
|
|
RE: What if... -
Posted on 28-12-2009 11:50 |
|
FlaBat
Dark Knight
Awards:
|
Posts: 1526
Location: Miami
Joined: 24.06.05
|
|
Adam West was nothing more than a journeyman actor that appeared in guest roles for most of the TV shows of the day. Remember back in the late 50’s and into the early 60’s there were TV actors and Film actors and they rarely crossed over like they do today. The TV series changed that with a lot of top name actors, singers and entertainers appearing on that show. They did in large part because their kids loved the show and wanted them on it. You don’t see the shear number of A-list talent that appeared on Batman appearing on other TV shows of the time.
West was type cast as Batman the same as Shatner was type cast as Captain Kirk. Both ended up doing commercials West was the Man from Glad and Shatner did Promise margarine. Eventually over time each embraced their iconic roles and made the most of it. Only Kevin Conroy has more time in the Batsuit than West does and nobody played Kirk for almost 40 years except Shatner.
Lyle Waggoner on the other hand seemed to fade away into obscurity After Wonder Woman. He founded a company called Star Waggons that leases trailers for use in the film industry. He pops up from time to time but for the most part he has long since retired from acting.
West on the other hand is still going strong. He does TV and commercials and of course he does voices for animation including The Batman and Batman Brave and the Bold. Had Waggoner got the part I doubt he would have been as big as West has been over the years.
|
|
RE: What if... -
Posted on 28-12-2009 12:05 |
|
Buckeye Bat
Blue Collared Worker
Awards:
None
|
Posts: 442
Location: Cleveland, Ohio
Joined: 15.08.09
|
|
FlaBat wrote:
Adam West was nothing more than a journeyman actor that appeared in guest roles for most of the TV shows of the day. Remember back in the late 50’s and into the early 60’s there were TV actors and Film actors and they rarely crossed over like they do today. The TV series changed that with a lot of top name actors, singers and entertainers appearing on that show. They did in large part because their kids loved the show and wanted them on it. You don’t see the shear number of A-list talent that appeared on Batman appearing on other TV shows of the time.
West was type cast as Batman the same as Shatner was type cast as Captain Kirk. Both ended up doing commercials West was the Man from Glad and Shatner did Promise margarine. Eventually over time each embraced their iconic roles and made the most of it. Only Kevin Conroy has more time in the Batsuit than West does and nobody played Kirk for almost 40 years except Shatner.
Lyle Waggoner on the other hand seemed to fade away into obscurity After Wonder Woman. He founded a company called Star Waggons that leases trailers for use in the film industry. He pops up from time to time but for the most part he has long since retired from acting.
West on the other hand is still going strong. He does TV and commercials and of course he does voices for animation including The Batman and Batman Brave and the Bold. Had Waggoner got the part I doubt he would have been as big as West has been over the years.
|
|
RE: What if... -
Posted on 28-12-2009 12:11 |
|
Buckeye Bat
Blue Collared Worker
Awards:
None
|
Posts: 442
Location: Cleveland, Ohio
Joined: 15.08.09
|
|
@FlaBat...There are exceptions to that rule: Lloyd Bridges who was in some movies from the late 40s and 50s then did the TV show 'Sea Hunt', then went back to movies, then some TV..Then there's Burgess Meredith, he did movies early in his career, then TV like Twilight Zone and Batman then the Rocky movies. |
|
RE: What if... -
Posted on 28-12-2009 23:40 |
|
Tartan Jack
Blue Collared Worker
Awards:
|
Posts: 307
Location: South Caroina
Joined: 30.11.06
|
|
By the 1960s, things were changing, as film and TV actors crossed genres. In the 50s, it was more separate. I would agree that it was FAR less fluid than today, but even then many actors started w/ bit parts in one before major parts in the other. It was a matter of catching the eye of the right producer.
Now, is the intent a camp show today, or a serious show then?
I'd say that both fit their eras. The 1960s show was fitting w/ the go-go part of the era and that era's fascination w/ theater of the absurd. Also, they knew HOW to use camp to make social and political points and make it work w/o bring just plain silly. In Theater of the Absurd points can be made subtly, pointedly, and still be acceptable to the general audience. In other styles, the same point can be explosive and turn people off w/o seeing the intent. People seeing the 1960s Batman show today often miss period-appropriate allusions, stabs, and the socio-political challenges addressed and commented upon. We are just under such a different situation now.
As much as I HATE to admit it, if the 1960s show had been dark and more like the comics of the same period, it probably would have flopped and possibly been damaging to Batman as a franchise. The character may not have survived the 70s and 80s w/o the memories of kids that grew up w/ the camp show and loved the character, but wanted it more serious as they matured. I'm pretty confident that the 1980s version of the character was directly related to the 1960s TV show, w/ the audience matured and more serious in the world of the 1980s. Batman was practically humorless, a tad mad, and very, very violent, which is about the opposite of the camp version's personality. In a way, it was a Batman that went from teen pointed, silliness to a grown up, post-tragedy 20/30 something, much like the audience.
On TV of the era, camp worked well. A serious Batman would have ended up like the "Green Hornet" show, probably too much for both to have survived.
As it was, Batman served to change how actors, producers, and directors approached TV.
That said, it would have been VERY interesting to see a MOVIE series of a serious Batman. THAT is the genre where it would have flown VERY, VERY well. There was a rash of films about madness, insanity, and rough, rule-breaking "good guys" in the late 60s and early 70s. A dark, serious Batman would have fit in VERY well with that context.
It would have also been a completely different set of actors, stories, and approaches. It would have been something I would LOVE to have seen!
Sum Nox!
|
|
RE: What if... -
Posted on 29-12-2009 22:32 |
|
Buckeye Bat
Blue Collared Worker
Awards:
None
|
Posts: 442
Location: Cleveland, Ohio
Joined: 15.08.09
|
|
@Tartan...What Raz and I were doing was figuring out who we would cast if Batman the series would be on today but campy like it was in the 60s...Either that or if the movies made today were campy like the one made in the 60s |
|