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**Earth 2 Chris** · Jun 21, '13, 6:58 AM

YES! What a way to end the work week. I'll be listening to the podcast shortly while I toll away the hours. You guys are lifesavers!

Edited to add:

Man, that was fun. A few quick comments;

I agree on that Captain America 2 theme Brian. I watched that with my kids last year, and hummed it for well over a month afterwards. Infectious, and it makes the movie seem better than it is (and it's not too bad, really).

One thing that I think a lot of people forget about the Hulk TV series, is that it did appeal to adults too, probably moreso than any super hero TV show up to that point. I remember my grandparents watched the Hulk. My grandfather would always ask me if I'd seen last week's episode. My guess is this is why the Hulk survived the purge of the other CBS comic-based shows and movies, because CBS was seeing the demographics they wanted.

I remember seeing almost all of these events on their very first airing, including the Legends of the Super Heroes specials. I was only 4 years old, so I thought I had dreamed the whole thing up years later. It wasn't until I got an early 90s issue of Comics Scene and saw a pic of the cast from "The Challenge" that I realized I wasn't nuts! My son was also hooked on a bootleg DVD of this when he was younger. He watched it earlier this week after I finally caved and bought the Warner Archives DVD (it was on sale). His exact words were "I forgot how bad that was". Haven't we all!?!

Age of TV Heroes is a great book, although it was somewhat disheartening to learn Nicholas Hammond was rarely in the Spider-Man costume. I kind of suspected that, but having it confirmed was almost like finding out about Santa Claus.

I could go on for days about Superman: The Movie. I won't here, other than to say it changed my life and cemented my love for all things super heroes. It is still my favorite film to this day, as it was my Star Wars.

My favorite piece of 70s TV/film related merchandise would have to be the 12" Mego Superman. He's the only one I had as a kid, but man, I loved him, and that box! My favorite Mego packaging bar none. I think the likeness on Reeve is a bit soft, but Luthor looks dead-on Hackman, and Jor-El and Zod are close.

Chris

**MIB41** · Jun 21, '13, 10:22 AM

What a great podcast! That covered so much of what I loved from my childhood. And both Brian and Jason nailed the opinions I share on so many of those topics.

Like Jason, I loved the trailer for Superman where he banks to the right as he comes towards the camera. And keep in mind Reeves made that move through his own creativity. That was not choreographed beforehand! And as you both stated, Superman was such an epic achievement for it's day. Kids today have NO CLUE what kind of uphill battle that film was to make. There were no adult demographics like there is today for superheroes. There was no industry standard to make one of these films or even how to market it. Mom and Dad likely grew up with Clayton Moore if they liked heroes at all. And your dad was probably more of a John Wayne/ Clint Eastwood fan than some fella in tights. People forget these were the days of the Marlboro Man. A guy in a costume was about as anti-social as it got for the adult male ego. And I absolutely agree with Brian. This film remains in the top five of the best Superhero films ever. It's truly timeless. And there's something very special about the fact you actually see Superman fly. In many scenes anyway.

With regards to the '67 Spiderman stories, Brian you can count me as one of those few who know the stories about the use of Rocket Robinhood footage for a few Spiderman episodes in Season two and three. The story as I have read was that Ralph Bakshi took over this series for seasons two and three because Grantray-Lawrence (who animated season one) had filed bankruptcy and could not continue. The contract needed to be fulfilled so Bakshi agreed to it because he was trying to finance another animated feature (which was x-rated) entitled "Fritz the Cat". Now how's that for a revelation?! But I read Bakshi used Rocket Robinhood stock footage to control production costs. The two most infamous episodes are "Phantom from the Depths of Time" and the one mentioned, "Revolt from the Fifth Dimension". Both of those episodes are literally Rocket Robinhood episodes with Spider-man added in. The vocal performances are even the same for the villains! Cheapness in those days had no shame. There's something sadly fun about that. I just haven't figured out what that is yet. And Brian you should tell the story you shared with me about calling Paul Soles who actually did the voice of Spider-man. Fans would love to hear that!

And I would like to thank both of you for having the appropriate "contempt" for the Roast and Legends of the Superheroes specials. They were impossibly bad for their day. The only twisted curiosity I had in watching it was to determine whether or not Ed McMahon was sober in any of his scenes. I vividly remember this show and my outrage over it's reckless use of the license. Because as a fan of comics, Superman the Movie had just broken new ground for this genre. It gave those of us who read the medium a brief consideration for dignity as opposed to the typical "what is wrong with you" looks that usually accompanied any mention of the subject. This show took all of those advancements and threw us back into the dark ages again. And honestly when I think about the bad reputation the Batman television show got over time for being camp, I think a big portion of that came from Adam and Burt doing these two specials. It really took away any consideration for how special (and clever) that original series was. So that's why I didn't really have any great love for Adam West for a long time. And also why I didn't feel any great pity for his inability to get a serious job as an actor or to be considered even for a bit part in the 1989 theatrical feature. Those two prime time specials degraded the work done in the original series and pretty much cemented their legacy for decades. And Adam is definitely one of those people who have benefited from the passage of time. Kids today have no reference to the days when Adam was ridiculed and reviled. Just like with other artists in movies and even music, time can fix most of what ailed previous generations. John Travolta and even bands like KISS can share that same gratitude of new generations having no connection to those scornful periods in the 80's and part of the 90's. Thank God fans of the Batman show got into this industry and threw Adam a bone for cartoon projects. Otherwise he may have never dumped that negative image.

I could go on and on about each subject you guys discussed. But I'll stop right here for now and offer some more later. Great podcast guys!

**Chris** · Jun 21, '13, 11:20 AM

Daggnabbit. I have to wait until Monday to listen to this. Why, Lord!?! Why must you make me wait to be entertained?

**Falstaff13** · Jun 21, '13, 1:13 PM

Just listened to another good episode. My own nostalgia and sentiment makes me like Shazam, Isis, and Legend of the Superheroes (sort of going along with making something good in your mind because you just want it to be good...I remember watching a VHS of this (probably third or fourth generation) sold to me by a dealer ("You like Captain Marvel? Then you'll love this!") and enjoying that Sivana was Howard Morris, but I agree what it is objectively.

While I remember my father pointing out to me that Nicholas Hammond was a Von Trapp singer, I never saw more than bits of the Spiderman movies when I was little, and I never saw Dr. Strange at all. We did watch the Hulk series at times, but my main memories came later (with the return tv-movies/back-door pilots). I do have memories of watching Wonder Woman and thinking how perfectly cast Lynda Carter was.

Oh, and I echo both the discussion of the first Superman film and the praise for Age of TV Heroes.

**palitoy** · Jun 25, '13, 9:03 AM

Geez you guys tore through that quickly, thanks!

I agree on that Captain America 2 theme Brian. I watched that with my kids last year, and hummed it for well over a month afterwards. Infectious, and it makes the movie seem better than it is (and it's not too bad, really).

"Death too soon" still suffers from "let's remake the bionic man" syndrome but at least it also keeps the mantra of playing it completely straight, with little to no camp. And yeah, it's a great theme tune.

I remember seeing almost all of these events on their very first airing, including the Legends of the Super Heroes specials. I was only 4 years old, so I thought I had dreamed the whole thing up years later. It wasn't until I got an early 90s issue of Comics Scene and saw a pic of the cast from "The Challenge" that I realized I wasn't nuts! My son was also hooked on a bootleg DVD of this when he was younger. He watched it earlier this week after I finally caved and bought the Warner Archives DVD (it was on sale). His exact words were "I forgot how bad that was". Haven't we all!?!

Watching those you realize how brilliant the 66 Batman show was, it's a comedy where everybody played it straight. If they had been smart enough to copy that formula, Legends would be likely better remembered. Instead, it's hackey and full of comic actors mugging. The laugh track is embarrassing. I find the Grundy scenes funny, mostly because the guy is playing him straight.

With regards to the '67 Spiderman stories, Brian you can count me as one of those few who know the stories about the use of Rocket Robinhood footage for a few Spiderman episodes in Season two and three. The story as I have read was that Ralph Bakshi took over this series for seasons two and three because Grantray-Lawrence (who animated season one) had filed bankruptcy and could not continue. The contract needed to be fulfilled so Bakshi agreed to it because he was trying to finance another animated feature (which was x-rated) entitled "Fritz the Cat". Now how's that for a revelation?! But I read Bakshi used Rocket Robinhood stock footage to control production costs. The two most infamous episodes are "Phantom from the Depths of Time" and the one mentioned, "Revolt from the Fifth Dimension".

I corrected myself on saying "Canadians know this" because it's the age of the internet and anyone with an interest in the '67 toon will likely do some reading on it's lore. Those Rocket Robin Hoods are one of the "***?" moments from growing up in Canada.

And honestly when I think about the bad reputation the Batman television show got over time for being camp, I think a big portion of that came from Adam and Burt doing these two specials. It really took away any consideration for how special (and clever) that original series was.

I never thought of it that way. I always thought the bad reputation for the '66 Batman was the fact that it was the only depiction of Batman we had. Comic fans took the comic seriously but the general public thought we were reading "biff! splort! mint!" between those covers.

I noticed the overall resentment towards the 66 show eased around the 2000s, when we had so many iterations of Batman that most people (i did say most) have an interpretation that they are happy with.

**GordoCrisp** · Jun 25, '13, 11:24 AM

Really enjoyed this podcast.

I am totally with what you and Jason said about yearning to see those precious Spider Man segments on Electric Co.

Heck, in that 70s desert, I even dug "The Adventures of Letterman" on Sesame Street!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AXyVBxncIx4

**DavidCoppola** · Jun 25, '13, 11:49 AM

Interesting hour and a 1/2. I was always a Captain America fan as well. The TV movies for me were so so, but I did like the fact that Reb Brown wore the correct costume in the second one.
One thing about the Hulk was the TV movies after the series. You guys should have touched on the Daredevil and Thor characters in them.

**Earth 2 Chris** · Jun 25, '13, 12:14 PM

Watching those you realize how brilliant the 66 Batman show was, it's a comedy where everybody played it straight. If they had been smart enough to copy that formula, Legends would be likely better remembered. Instead, it's hackey and full of comic actors mugging. The laugh track is embarrassing. I find the Grundy scenes funny, mostly because the guy is playing him straight.

I think Adam West knew this thing was an unfunny train wreck while he was filming it. If you notice, he keeps his tongue in his cheek...A LOT. Even on the WB DVD cover, and in all the promotional pics. This is something he rarely if ever did as Batman on the 66 series. I think it was his way of saying "this is supposed to be tongue and cheek humor, but it's awful".

Chris

**Falstaff13** · Jun 25, '13, 12:20 PM

I remember liking the Blue Beetle on Electric Company. I always wanted him to crossover with Spidey. I also remember that show for Morgan Freeman as Sherlock Holmes & Dracula (a feat also pulled off by Christopher Lee, but I don't know of anyone else to have played the two roles).

**palitoy** · Jun 25, '13, 12:30 PM

Originally posted by GordoCrisp

Heck, in that 70s desert, I even dug "The Adventures of Letterman" on Sesame Street!

Wow, I had forgotten this.

One thing about the Hulk was the TV movies after the series. You guys should have touched on the Daredevil and Thor characters in them.

We also missed Inframan, Mandrake the Magician and Electra Woman but honestly, these shows are supposed to be one hour. We'll touch upon them at some point, i'm certain of that.

This is something he rarely if ever did as Batman on the 66 series. I think it was his way of saying "this is supposed to be tongue and cheek humor, but it's awful".

West, Ward and Gorshin seem to be trying.

**Earth 2 Chris** · Jun 25, '13, 12:40 PM

West, Ward and Gorshin seem to be trying.

I'm sure this was sold to them as a "revival" of their series. Had they bothered to get some of the writers for that show involved, it may have worked as such. Seeing them on screen again is about the only redeeming value these things have, and it inspired Alex Ross' take on the characters. Just look at his Barry Allen and Hal Jordan. These guys to a "T".

Chris

**VintageMike** · Jun 25, '13, 9:07 PM

I enjoy those specials for what they were, just 70's goofiness at it's best.

**Bionicfanboy66** · Jun 28, '13, 2:56 AM

I watched The Amazing Spider-Man TV movie for the first time in several years on You Tube last week. It actually wasn't that bad considering they were working on a TV budget which is a lot different than shooting on a theatrical budget and that was 1977 money that was spent. Always liked David White's portrayal of J. Jonah Jameson. Nicholas Hammond will always be my favorite Peter Parker. Have never met Nicholas, but he's always presented himself as a down to Earth guy with very little ego. Very underrated actor, IMO.

**cjefferys** · Jun 29, '13, 9:55 PM

I finally got a chance to listen to this today. Very fun episode, I loved hearing you guys talking about all the shows. I didn't realize that back in the day some TVs needed a box to tune in the UHF channels. I grew up watching the 60's Batman show on channel 29 out of Buffalo, sorry I didn't know you back then Brian, you could have come over to my house and watched it anytime.

But on the other hand, I never had a chance to watch Rocket Robin Hood, it was on CityTV if I recall, and we didn't have cable back then, and the City signal wasn't strong enough for us to get it over the air where we lived. So I didn't know about it's connection to the 60's Spidey cartoon (which I watched a lot!) but it was very interesting to hear about.

Somehow I missed those Captain America TV specials when they aired (doesn't sound like I missed much with the first one at least) but I loved the live action Shazam, Hulk, Spider-man and Wonder Woman (Lynda Carter was my first actress crush if I recall correctly. *sigh*). I also missed those live action Legends of the Superheroes specials. I didn't even hear about them until the mid 90's, when a friend of mine brought over some bootleg videotapes of them and blew my mind.

But I am proud (?) to say that I caught the Star Wars holiday special when it first aired.

I was, and am, a huge FF fan, so I was thrilled when they got a Saturday morning cartoon in the late 70's. It was sorely lacking (and lets not talk about Herbie the Robot) but at the time it was better than nothing. Like you guys said, we are literally spoiled these days, I never dreamed that we would be getting the movies and cartoons that we are now. And the less that is said about "Fred and Barney Meet the Thing" (followed next season by "Fred and Barney Meet the Schmoo" (?!?)) the better.

Anyway, the nearly two hours just flew by, you guys make so many good points and observations, I'm just sitting there saying "Yes, yes that's right! Great point!", and wishing I was in the middle of the conversation to add my two cents.

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Pod Stallions 5: Where are you coming from Spider-Man?

Pod Stallions 5: Where are you coming from Spider-Man?

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