When people think of Batman in films, many variations come into play. There is Michael Keaton’s performance in both Batman (1989) and Batman Returns, Val Kilmer in Batman Forever, George Clooney in Batman & Robin and the most recent one in 2005 starring Christian Bale in Batman Begins. And, of course, how can anyone ever forget the campy 1966 Batman movie starring Adam West and Burt Ward. But has anyone ever given the 1943 movie serials any consideration?

Batman: The Complete 1943 Movie Serial Collection collects all fifteen segments that stars Lewis Wilson as Batman and Douglas Croft as Robin. Yes people, these two were the first Dynamic Duo to ever grace the silver screen and is now presented in all their technicolour… er, black and white glory in this fabulous 2-disc DVD collection.


Batman Versus Japanese Spies

The villainous Dr. Tito Daka, a Japanese spy and mastermind, has created a deadly radium-powered device that can turn walls into dust. On top of that, he also invented a device that turns people into zombies to do his bidding. It’s up to Batman and Robin to thwart his dastardly schemes before it is too late.

Movie serials were the rage of the time. Each episode ended with a cliffhanger of sorts that required viewers to come back the following week in order to see what happened.

1943 was a time that was still in middle of World War II so it was only natural that the enemies would be from overseas, specifically of the Japanese culture. Not surprising is the anti-Japanese slurs and comments that were made during this time.

Even though this was extremely low budget and was filmed in black and white, there is quite a charm to this collection. I actually enjoyed it more than I expected despite the overly dramatic acting by all performers. I think the best part is having a narrator at the beginning of each segment updating the audience on what happened previously.

A lot of elements that were introduced in this film became main staples in the comic books as a result. The “Bat’s Cave” first appeared in any medium in the serials and was later rechristened as the Batcave for the comics. The whole Grandfather’s clock entrance also made its debut and has been featured many times in various incarnations of the character’s history. And then there is Alfred, the faithful and stalwart butler. I’m sure many people never realized that Alfred as originally a rotund and clean-shaven fellow. He was changed and became trim in nature sporting a thin mustache. Guess which version of Alfred became the norm after the old switcheroo?

One of the most hilarious aspects of the whole movie (even though it was never intended to take on any comical effect) is how Alfred always chauffeurs Bruce Wayne and Dick Grayson as well as Batman and Robin around Gotham City. This is because there is no Batmobile at all. Instead, a nice black Cadillac is used as the main vehicle. Even funnier (and again it is not intended to be comical) is how Bruce and Dick change into Batman and Robin in the back seat of the car.

The sound effects and music are all reminiscent of the 1940s with an orchestra playing in the background. Looking at this I can see it working as either an animated feature or a live action one. The fact that the latter was chosen makes this even more impressive because Lewis Wilson dressed up as Batman is really the precursor to Adam West’s look, minus the colour.

Batman: The Complete 1943 Movie Serial Collection is really a fun look at how things were done back in the 1940s, where movie serials were exciting and adventurous. Sure, the sound may be scratchy and choppy at times and dust spots may still grace the film, but if one can look past all the flaws and view it from a lighthearted standpoint, then it’s just becomes good, old-fashioned escapism. No brainpower is needed and no heavy thinking is required. Just sit back and enjoy the festivities with a giant tub of popcorn.


Disc One
The Electrical Drain || The Bat’s Cave || The Mark of Zombies || Slaves of the Rising Sun || The Living Corpse || Poison Peril || The Phoney Doctor

Disc Two
Lured By Radium || The Sign of the Sphinx || Flying Spies || A Nipponese Trap || Embers of Evil || Eight Steps Down || The Executioner Strikes || The Doom of the Rising Sun


Other Comic Book Movies
Batman || Batman Returns || Batman Forever || Batman & Robin || Batman Begins || Batman: Mask of the Phantasm || The Batman Superman Movie || Batman Beyond: Return of the Joker || Daredevil || Popeye || The Punisher (2004) || Spider-Man || Spider-Man 2 || Superman: The Movie || Superman II || Superman III || Superman IV: The Quest for Peace || Superman Returns || Superman: Brainiac Attacks || Ultimate Avengers: The Movie || Ultimate Avengers 2: Rise of the Panther || X-Men || X2: X-Men United || X-Men: The Last Stand

Recommended:
Yes

Viewing Format: DVD
Video Occasion: Good for a Rainy Day
Suitability For Children: Suitable for Children up Ages 8