The 1949 Batman and Robin Serial

[Thor]

I checked this out from the local public library and I have to say I am surprised. I knew about these serials but had never seen them all of the way through. I remember seeing parts of one years ago on AMC (back when the channel was good) but that's it. You have to give the old serials a lot of leeway in the plot,effects and acting area. It's low budget and they actually change in the back of a convertible, a regulat car that they park in front of Bruce Wayne's house. I'm enjoying it out of a sense of history. Ole Bats is my second favorite superhero, Thor and Spidey tie for #1.

[Earth 2 Chris]

As much as I love Batman and Robin, I have a hard time with these serials. I think overall the first one has a bit more of the atmosphere that was actually in the comics of the early 40s. It gave us the Batcave ("Bats Cave") and a skinny Alfred. The theme music is very moody and appropriate. I prefer Robert Lowery from the 2nd serial as Batman, but that's about all that one has going for it.

I have a much easier time watching the Superman serials. They captured the feel of the strip much better, IMHO.

Chris

[MIB41]

I have both Batman serials. While I can forgive them for the stitched up "bat-ears" and Robin's Halloween mask, I'm not so forgiving for their outright laziness in failing to create a plausible cover for their identity. Bruce Wayne goes through the trouble of creating an entrance to the Batcave inside a Grandfather clock, but they have no problem parking their car on the front curb of their 'Leave it to Beaver' home? Huh? And then when they run out in full daylight and look around to see if anyone notices them getting in, what would they do if someone did? And to add insult to injury, the only explanation for converting Wayne's car into the "Batmobile" is by putting the top up? Shouldn't they have the car IN the Batcave? I guess I should be grateful they didn't try and explain that rationale. Forgive me, but a little artistic license wouldn't have hurt even for a 40's serial.

[Thor]

I have both Batman serials. While I can forgive them for the stitched up "bat-ears" and Robin's Halloween mask, I'm not so forgiving for their outright laziness in failing to create a plausible cover for their identity. Bruce Wayne goes through the trouble of creating an entrance to the Batcave inside a Grandfather clock, but they have no problem parking their car on the front curb of their 'Leave it to Beaver' home? Huh? And then when they run out in full daylight and look around to see if anyone notices them getting in, what would they do if someone did? And to add insult to injury, the only explanation for converting Wayne's car into the "Batmobile" is by putting the top up? Shouldn't they have the car IN the Batcave? I guess I should be grateful they didn't try and explain that rationale. Forgive me, but a little artistic license wouldn't have hurt even for a 40's serial.

Yeah I noticed that too. They also changed in the car in full daylight.

[Joe90]

I've been intending to pick up these serials for years.

All your comments make me want to get them. They sound so splendidly awful!

[kingdom warrior]

the 49 one is awfully good....lol not my fav but still ok to see i like the first one way better.....

[supes]

You have to love how they pull there suits out of the drawer in the filing cabinet.lol!

[thunderbolt]

The Columbia serials are generally weaker than Republic's stuff, not sure what they felt the need to make Superman a cartoon when flying. Republic had flying perfected with Commando Cody and Captain Marvel. The Batman serials have charm and its easy to see how they inspired the 1966 tv show.

[MIB41]

I also liked the way Robin always got his arse kicked in most episodes. He was more of a liability than help. Serials are fun though. You just have to park more of your disbelief at the door before watching them. I like watching these when I go to sleep at night. I decided to go into a Good Will store after seeing some of the finds people have mentioned here. No figures to speak of, but I did find a nice VHS box set of the Captain America serial for $2.00. I have both DVD and VHS players in our bedroom, so I'm currently watching this when I zone out.

[thunderbolt]

Cap is fun, too. As long as you can get by all the liberties they took with the character.