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| All Batman and DC Universe characters and merchandise are property of Warner Brothers, Dc Comics, or their subsidiaries and licensors. This site is for fan and educational purposes only. Legions of Gotham and all information, logos, pictures and features are property of Matt MacNabb (c) 2003-2008 |
| All Batman and DC Universe characters and merchandise are property of Warner Brothers, Dc Comics, or their subsidiaries and licensors. This site is for fan and educational purposes only. Legions of Gotham and all information, logos, pictures and features are property of Matt MacNabb (c) 2003-2009 |
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| About Serials: Serial Films were some of the earliest forms of film during the silent era through to the 1950s, often episodic in form (usually with 12-15 parts) and simplistic in plot, that were shown over a period of weeks or years. The multi-part films consisted of episodes that could be anywhere between fifteen and twenty minutes in length. The segments were presented one chapter at a time in weekly installments over the course of time. Serials were usually included during the shorts projected in a neighborhood movie theatre, offered before the feature film, B-western, or Saturday afternoon 'kiddie' matinee. They were often scheduled along with lots of cartoons, newsreels, other two-reelers, and theatrical trailers/previews. -filmsite.org |
| THE BATMAN 1943 SERIAL by Columbia Pictures |
| Further Details: Batman was a 15-chapter serial released in 1943 by Columbia Pictures. The serial starred Lewis Wilson as Batman and Douglas Croft as Robin. J. Carrol Naish played the villain, an original character named Dr. Daka. Rounding out the cast were Shirley Patterson as Linda Page (Bruce Wayne's love interest), and William Austin as Alfred. The film is notable for being the first filmed appearance of Batman. Also, the film introduced "The Bat's Cave". The name was altered to the Batcave for use in the comic books as well as the Grandfather's clock entrance. Also, the comic Alfred was overweight and clean-shaven prior to the serial's release. Austin was trim and sported a thin moustache. The comic Alfred's appearance was altered to match that of Austin's, and remains the same to this day. The Casting: Lewis Wilson's face resembled that of Bruce Wayne and he played his part with sincerity. However, his physique was unathletic and "thick about the middle" while his voice was both too high and had a Boston accent. Douglas Croft was too old to play Robin and looked older still when doubled by a "hairy-legged" stuntman. Both the actors and their stunt doubles lacked the "style and grace" of either the comic characters they were portraying or their equivalents at Republic Pictures. Although the Batman costume was based on his first appearance both costumes were unconvincing. The Batman costume was baggy and "topped by pair of devils horns." -source: wikipedia |
| Chapter Titles: 1) The Electrical Brain 2) The Bat's Cave 3) The Mark of the Zombies 4) Slaves of the Rising Sun 5) The Living Corpse 6) Poison Peril 7) The Phoney Doctor 8) Lured By Radium 9) The Sign of the Sphinx 10) Flying Spies 11) A Nipponese Trap 12) Embers of Evil 13) Eight Steps Down 14) The Executioner Strikes 15) The Doom of the Rising Sun Credits: Director: Lambert Hillyer Producer: Rudolph C. Flothow Screenwriter: Victor McLeod, LeslieSwabacker, Harry Fraser Cast: Batman/Bruce Wayne: Lewis Wilson Robin/Dick Grayson: Douglas Croft Dr. Tito Daka: J. Carrol Naish Linda Shirley Patterson: Shawn Smith Alfred: William Austin Capt. Arnold: Charles C. Wilson Ken Colton: Charles Middleton Foster: Robert Fiske Preston: Michael Vallon Martin Warren: Gus Glassmire |
| Number of Chapters: 15 Studio: Columbia Color: Black & White |
| This Serial is now available on DVD! |
| original theatrical poster |
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| The Plot: Based on the comic book characters of Bill Finger and Bob Kane, Batman and the Boy wonder do battle with the evil Dr. Daka. With the aid of his zombie army he tries to steal America's radium for the Axis powers |