GMG Classical Music Forum

The Back Room => The Diner => Topic started by: vandermolen on June 10, 2017, 08:37:04 AM

Title: Holy Catastrophe Batman! Adam West passes away at 88
Post by: vandermolen on June 10, 2017, 08:37:04 AM
A highly entertaining and fun part of my childhood TV watching.

RIP Adam West.  :'(

http://www.foxnews.com/entertainment/2017/06/10/adam-west-tv-s-batman-dies-at-88.html
Title: Re: Holy Catastrophe Batman! Adam West passes away at 88
Post by: Karl Henning on June 10, 2017, 09:24:52 AM
Quote from: vandermolen on June 10, 2017, 08:37:04 AM
A highly entertaining and fun part of my childhood TV watching.

Likewise!  Notwithstanding the (agreeable, to my mind) campy tone of the show, he was the most elegant Batman of all.
Title: Re: Holy Catastrophe Batman! Adam West passes away at 88
Post by: vandermolen on June 10, 2017, 10:32:07 AM
Quote from: k a rl h e nn i ng on June 10, 2017, 09:24:52 AM
Likewise!  Notwithstanding the (agreeable, to my mind) campy tone of the show, he was the most elegant Batman of all.
Definitely agree Karl
A product of a more innocent age I think.
Title: Re: Holy Catastrophe Batman! Adam West passes away at 88
Post by: Sergeant Rock on June 10, 2017, 10:42:30 AM
Besides Batman, he was the best thing about Family Guy. Who's going to be the mayor of Quahog now?  :(

Sarge
Title: Re: Holy Catastrophe Batman! Adam West passes away at 88
Post by: NikF on June 10, 2017, 11:11:02 AM
I remember how colourful everything looked and the over exaggerated use of Dutch angles - both perfectly in tune with the light-hearted and fun tone of the show in general. As for Adam West, I believe he did the right thing by playing it as straight as could be reasonably expected, in wonderful contrast to the skewed everything else. It all combined to make it something for my young self to look forward to watching.

(and a small mention for Julie Newmar, who I'm sure made an incredible and life long impression on me)
Title: Re: Holy Catastrophe Batman! Adam West passes away at 88
Post by: vandermolen on June 10, 2017, 01:38:32 PM
Quote from: NikF on June 10, 2017, 11:11:02 AM
I remember how colourful everything looked and the over exaggerated use of Dutch angles - both perfectly in tune with the light-hearted and fun tone of the show in general. As for Adam West, I believe he did the right thing by playing it as straight as could be reasonably expected, in wonderful contrast to the skewed everything else. It all combined to make it something for my young self to look forward to watching.

(and a small mention for Julie Newmar, who I'm sure made an incredible and life long impression on me)
Totally agree on all of this.
Title: Re: Holy Catastrophe Batman! Adam West passes away at 88
Post by: Mirror Image on June 10, 2017, 02:15:33 PM
I wasn't a fan of his work, but it's never a good thing to hear of someone passing away. RIP, Adam West.
Title: Re: Holy Catastrophe Batman! Adam West passes away at 88
Post by: HIPster on June 10, 2017, 02:27:14 PM
RIP Adam West.

Well said about the elegance of his Batman portrayal, Karl.  Totally agree.

And nice work on the thread title Jeffrey
Title: Re: Holy Catastrophe Batman! Adam West passes away at 88
Post by: Cato on June 10, 2017, 04:37:27 PM
Check out someone's opinion on the top 5 Adam West /Batman scenes:

http://time.com/4813864/adam-west-top-5-moments-as-batman/ (http://time.com/4813864/adam-west-top-5-moments-as-batman/)


And one of my favorites: "Poor deluded girl!"  :laugh:

https://www.youtube.com/v/rXKjaglw3oQ


Title: Re: Holy Catastrophe Batman! Adam West passes away at 88
Post by: Autumn Leaves on June 10, 2017, 05:25:42 PM
Loved the "original" Batman TV Show and Movie (they looked fantastic and were always good for a few laughs).
R.I.P. Adam West.
Title: Holy Catastrophe Batman! Adam West passes away at 88
Post by: Karl Henning on June 10, 2017, 07:23:43 PM
“Miss Kitka”

Sent from my SM-G930V using Tapatalk

Title: Re: Holy Catastrophe Batman! Adam West passes away at 88
Post by: Ken B on June 10, 2017, 08:29:53 PM
Julie Newmar
Lee Meriwether
Jill St John

You guys can discuss the guy in tights, I have other things to think about ...
Title: Re: Holy Catastrophe Batman! Adam West passes away at 88
Post by: Hollywood on June 10, 2017, 11:29:23 PM
Sorry to hear about Adam West passing away. Last night I watched the Robot Chicken episode DC Comics Special 3: Magical Friendship. In this episode the original 1960's TV Batman (voiced by Adam West) makes an appearance. I had no idea Adam West had died yet. Sad.

I remember watching the 1960s Batman on TV every week. Whenever they showed the exterior of the Gotham City Hospital I had to laugh since the building the series used was actually the hospital I was born in, Kaiser Permanente located on Sunset Blvd., Hollywood.

R.I.P. Adam West.  :(

Title: Re: Holy Catastrophe Batman! Adam West passes away at 88
Post by: Cato on June 11, 2017, 02:15:48 AM
Quote from: Ken B on June 10, 2017, 08:29:53 PM
Julie Newmar
Lee Meriwether
Jill St John

You guys can discuss the guy in tights, I have other things to think about ...

:D

The younger ones here might not know that Batman was originally shown twice a week, with the cliffhanger episode leading to the finale the next night.  Ratings were sky-high because of that stunt!  Now we have the network technique of a series disappearing for 6 months to a year before returning.  Of course, releasing the entire series at once is a new development that is most welcome: thank you, Netflix! 0:)
Title: Re: Holy Catastrophe Batman! Adam West passes away at 88
Post by: Sergeant Rock on June 11, 2017, 07:27:52 AM
Adam West explains why he is the best Batman.

https://www.youtube.com/v/OCHnVjQrsRY
Title: Re: Holy Catastrophe Batman! Adam West passes away at 88
Post by: NikF on June 11, 2017, 07:54:31 AM
Quote from: Sergeant Rock on June 11, 2017, 07:27:52 AM
Adam West explains why he is the best Batman.

https://www.youtube.com/v/OCHnVjQrsRY

Yeah.  ;D
And I know 'The Big Bang' theory is a big show, but that clip is the first time I've seen it.
Title: Re: Holy Catastrophe Batman! Adam West passes away at 88
Post by: Karl Henning on June 11, 2017, 08:52:29 AM
What's an afflek?
Title: Re: Holy Catastrophe Batman! Adam West passes away at 88
Post by: Sergeant Rock on June 11, 2017, 11:00:54 AM
Quote from: k a rl h e nn i ng on June 11, 2017, 08:52:29 AM
What's an afflek?

;D :D ;D ...great joke.

Quote from: NikF on June 11, 2017, 07:54:31 AM
And I know 'The Big Bang' theory is a big show, but that clip is the first time I've seen it.

Big Bang Theory doesn't have a good reputation around here but, and I may be alone here, I do like the show (well, apart from the obnoxious laugh track). The characters are uniquely weird. The early seasons remind me of your dating thread ;D  That isn't a recommendation though. Humor is just too personal to make recommendations.

Sarge
Title: Re: Holy Catastrophe Batman! Adam West passes away at 88
Post by: Ken B on June 11, 2017, 01:20:17 PM
Quote from: Sergeant Rock on June 11, 2017, 07:27:52 AM
Adam West explains why he is the best Batman.

https://www.youtube.com/v/OCHnVjQrsRY
No explanation is needed.
Title: Re: Holy Catastrophe Batman! Adam West passes away at 88
Post by: Ken B on June 11, 2017, 01:21:32 PM
Quote from: k a rl h e nn i ng on June 11, 2017, 08:52:29 AM
What's an afflek?
Isn't that a duck?
Title: Re: Holy Catastrophe Batman! Adam West passes away at 88
Post by: vandermolen on June 12, 2017, 12:29:04 AM
Quote from: Sergeant Rock on June 11, 2017, 07:27:52 AM
Adam West explains why he is the best Batman.

https://www.youtube.com/v/OCHnVjQrsRY

Brilliant! V funny. Thanks Sarge.
Title: Re: Holy Catastrophe Batman! Adam West passes away at 88
Post by: vandermolen on June 12, 2017, 12:30:20 AM
Quote from: HIPster on June 10, 2017, 02:27:14 PM
RIP Adam West.

Well said about the elegance of his Batman portrayal, Karl.  Totally agree.

And nice work on the thread title Jeffrey!

Thank you Dave!
:)
Title: Re: Holy Catastrophe Batman! Adam West passes away at 88
Post by: vandermolen on June 15, 2017, 10:51:33 PM
 Great Bat Signal tribute to Adam West.
http://edition.cnn.com/2017/06/15/entertainment/adam-west-bat-signal/index.html

And nice to see the British press picking up this story too.  :)

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2017/06/16/bright-knight-bat-signal-lights-los-angeles-tribute-adam-west/
Title: Re: Holy Catastrophe Batman! Adam West passes away at 88
Post by: Karl Henning on June 16, 2017, 03:10:36 AM
Brilliant!
Title: Re: Holy Catastrophe Batman! Adam West passes away at 88
Post by: vandermolen on June 16, 2017, 11:51:54 AM
Quote from: k a rl h e nn i ng on June 16, 2017, 03:10:36 AM
Brilliant!
:)
Title: Re: Holy Catastrophe Batman! Adam West passes away at 88
Post by: Karl Henning on June 18, 2017, 02:19:00 AM
Quote from: Cato on June 10, 2017, 04:37:27 PM
Check out someone's opinion on the top 5 Adam West /Batman scenes:

http://time.com/4813864/adam-west-top-5-moments-as-batman/ (http://time.com/4813864/adam-west-top-5-moments-as-batman/)


And one of my favorites: "Poor deluded girl!"  :laugh:

https://www.youtube.com/v/rXKjaglw3oQ


". . . then get into your costume while I bait the Bat Trap."
Title: Re: Holy Catastrophe Batman! Adam West passes away at 88
Post by: vandermolen on June 18, 2017, 02:58:04 AM
Quote from: k a rl h e nn i ng on June 18, 2017, 02:19:00 AM
". . . then get into your costume while I bait the Bat Trap."

Excellent! Thanks Karl.
What a terrible way to go - toppling into the nuclear source of the Batmobile!  8)
Title: Re: Holy Catastrophe Batman! Adam West passes away at 88
Post by: Karl Henning on June 20, 2017, 03:36:57 AM
Quote from: vandermolen on June 18, 2017, 02:58:04 AM
Excellent! Thanks Karl.
What a terrible way to go - toppling into the nuclear source of the Batmobile!  8)

Well, and partly as a result of our Cato's posting that clip, I have at last seen the whole two-part inaugural episode ("Hi Diddle Riddle"/"Smack in the Middle").  Great fun, from Batman warning Robin not to drop the window grate ("Pedestrian safety, chum!") to the safety features of the Batmobile which foil the Riddler's attempt, first, to drive it off, and then, to destroy it by fire.
Title: Re: Holy Catastrophe Batman! Adam West passes away at 88
Post by: vandermolen on June 20, 2017, 07:48:41 AM
Thanks to Leo too.
I loved Frank Gorshin as The Riddler.
Those parts must have been fun to play.
Title: Re: Holy Catastrophe Batman! Adam West passes away at 88
Post by: Karl Henning on June 20, 2017, 08:30:23 AM
And Meredith Burgess & Cesar Romero . . . .
Title: Re: Holy Catastrophe Batman! Adam West passes away at 88
Post by: Ken B on June 20, 2017, 09:39:41 AM
Quote from: k a rl h e nn i ng on June 20, 2017, 08:30:23 AM
And Meredith Burgess & Cesar Romero . . . .
Victor Buono was King Tut. George Sanders, Otto Preminger and Eli Wallach all played Mr Freeze.


All the villains! http://mentalfloss.com/article/60213/visual-guide-all-37-villains-batman-tv-series (http://mentalfloss.com/article/60213/visual-guide-all-37-villains-batman-tv-series)
Title: Re: Frank Gorshin imitates Burt Lancaster and Marlon Brando as Batman
Post by: Cato on June 22, 2017, 03:43:25 AM
Quote from: vandermolen on June 20, 2017, 07:48:41 AM
Thanks to Leo too.
I loved Frank Gorshin as The Riddler.
Those parts must have been fun to play.

Quote from: k a rl h e nn i ng on June 20, 2017, 08:30:23 AM
And Meredith Burgess & Cesar Romero . . . .

Frank Gorshin was brilliant as an impressionist/stand-up comedian.  His imitations of Kirk Douglas and Burt Lancaster were incredible!

Thanks to YouTube, here is Gorshin doing Burt Lancaster and Marlon Brando as Batman and Kirk Douglas and Rod Steiger as Robin.

https://www.youtube.com/v/2FYK4wTceAA

And...

https://www.youtube.com/v/CuiMPfMYqmk

The audience reaction is delightful!


And very few of the kids in the 1960's would have known that Cesar Romero had been a heartthrob in the 1930's and 1940's!  I always thought he was amazing as The Joker.   He was c. 60 years old at the time!
Title: Re: Holy Catastrophe Batman! Adam West passes away at 88
Post by: Karl Henning on June 22, 2017, 05:01:37 AM
I hope I have that much energy at 60!
Title: Holy Catastrophe Batman! Adam West passes away at 88
Post by: Karl Henning on June 22, 2017, 02:41:06 PM
It's only in the third pair of episodes (with the Joker) that the narrator informs us, “Same bat time, same bat channel.”  And, there is opera ....

Sent from my SM-G930V using Tapatalk

Title: Re: Holy Catastrophe Batman! Adam West passes away at 88
Post by: Cato on June 22, 2017, 05:04:52 PM
Quote from: k a rl h e nn i ng on June 22, 2017, 02:41:06 PM
It's only in the third pair of episodes (with the Joker) that the narrator informs us, "Same bat time, same bat channel."  And, there is opera ....

Possibly because there was always doubt about the two-part pilot being green-lighted ? 

It became a national prefix for a while! 0:)
Title: Re: Holy Catastrophe Batman! Adam West passes away at 88
Post by: Karl Henning on June 23, 2017, 03:12:26 AM
Quote from: Cato on June 22, 2017, 05:04:52 PM
Possibly because there was always doubt about the two-part pilot being green-lighted ? 

It became a national prefix for a while! 0:)

It may simply not have occurred to them at first?

The third diptych is classical-music-heavy, what with Dick Grayson's efforts to play Chopin (drawing Aunt Harriet's sharp musical censure) and a televised performance of Mascagni, on a stage which would have been far too small for an opera production.  And the performer who has sung "Ridi, pagliaccio!" has his mask ripped from his face by a disapproving crime-fighter.  This episode was written by the executive producer, Wm Dozier, who apparently did the voice-over narration.  "The worst is yet to come!"

I'm fairly sure I have never seen these first few episodes before.
Title: Re: Holy Catastrophe Batman! Adam West passes away at 88
Post by: kishnevi on June 23, 2017, 08:00:03 AM

Quote from: k a rl h e nn i ng on June 23, 2017, 03:12:26 AM
It may simply not have occurred to them at first?

The third diptych is classical-music-heavy, what with Dick Grayson's efforts to play Chopin (drawing Aunt Harriet's sharp musical censure) and a televised performance of Mascagni, on a stage which would have been far too small for an opera production.  And the performer who has sung "Ridi, pagliaccio!" has his mask ripped from his face by a disapproving crime-fighter.  This episode was written by the executive producer, Wm Dozier, who apparently did the voice-over narration.  "The worst is yet to come!"

I'm fairly sure I have never seen these first few episodes before.

Quite right for that crime fighter to disapprove of singing Leoncavallo in the middle of Mascagni.
Title: Re: Frank Gorshin imitates Burt Lancaster and Marlon Brando as Batman
Post by: vandermolen on June 23, 2017, 11:41:53 PM
Quote from: Cato on June 22, 2017, 03:43:25 AM
Frank Gorshin was brilliant as an impressionist/stand-up comedian.  His imitations of Kirk Douglas and Burt Lancaster were incredible!

Thanks to YouTube, here is Gorshin doing Burt Lancaster and Marlon Brando as Batman and Kirk Douglas and Rod Steiger as Robin.

https://www.youtube.com/v/2FYK4wTceAA

And...

https://www.youtube.com/v/CuiMPfMYqmk

The audience reaction is delightful!


And very few of the kids in the 1960's would have known that Cesar Romero had been a heartthrob in the 1930's and 1940's!  I always thought he was amazing as The Joker.   He was c. 60 years old at the time!
Brilliant - very funny. Gorshin was very talented and, oh yes, the Penguin and Joker were both great.
Title: Re: Holy Catastrophe Batman! Adam West passes away at 88
Post by: Karl Henning on June 24, 2017, 04:47:31 AM
Quote from: Jeffrey Smith on June 23, 2017, 08:00:03 AM
Quite right for that crime fighter to disapprove of singing Leoncavallo in the middle of Mascagni.

Thanks for the corrigendum!  Which is my error, not theirs.
Title: Adam West meets William Shatner
Post by: snyprrr on June 24, 2017, 07:37:27 AM
The missing key
Title: Re: Holy Catastrophe Batman! Adam West passes away at 88
Post by: Karl Henning on July 07, 2017, 10:34:46 AM
One marvels that the Mad Hatter's fiendish mesmerizer seeks out its target eyes with no apparent effort in aiming.  Good goofy fun.